mpg-o-editor

Gas Mileage Testing Service for Honda Civic Hybrids and Other Vehicles

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With all the controversy surrounding the recent Honda Civic Hybrid lawsuit reportedly won by Heather Peters, one thing remains clear: the need for an independent gas mileage testing service. While this landmark case may change the game for Class-Action and Small Claims Court, there is a pressing need for third-party verification.

Before a suit is filed, a Honda Civic Hybrid owner should know whether there is an actual fault in their vehicle or if the deficient fuel-efficiency is caused by driving habits. In order to do this, the vehicle should be run through a specific, regimented test routine that includes:

  • City gas mileage testing
  • Highway gas mileage testing
  • Mechanical system checks
  • Onboard computer system scan

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How to Drive Without Gasoline

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Why are gasoline prices so high? It’s quite simple, actually. Never mind the unrest happening on the other side of the world. There’s no real competition at the pump right here in America. Big Oil effectively holds a monopoly on transportation fuel – from sea to shining sea. Not a traditional one, mind you, but a monopoly all the same. If you want to pass go, you’ll have to fork over $200 to fill your tank … to one of the usual suspects.

Now that’s not to say there’s a total lack of competition. But you’d be hard-pressed to find an alternative to conventional gasoline sitting across the street from the vast majority of service stations in America today (with some notable exceptions). If you want to drive without gasoline, you’ll need to do a little legwork.

The good news is that there are at least half a dozen viable alternatives that work today. These fuels are readily available across the country, but you might need to do a little digging to find a local source. Some fuels are better suited to certain geographical locations and climates. Some fuels are simply inappropriate in specific locations. But some fuels are remarkably inexpensive for the industrious …

Six ready-to-go alternative transportation fuels:

  • Electricity
  • Biodiesel
  • CNG
  • Propane
  • Ethanol
  • Reclaimed Vegetable Oil

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2012 Honda Civic Coupe Review

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2012 Honda Civic EX-L Coupe - 3/4-rear-angleMPG-o-Matic 2012 Honda Civic Review Summary: The 2012 Honda Civic uses subtle aerodynamic tweaks to achieve optimum fuel economy. Honda’s colorful Eco Assist display makes light-footed driving a cinch. While some may fault Honda for not keeping up with all the bells, whistles, and styling cues of the competition, the Civic remains a reliable and truly fuel-efficient choice in a highly competitive segment.

The 2012 Honda Civic coupe is powered by a 16-valve SOHC i-VTEC 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 140 horsepower (HP) and 128 foot pounds of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard in the DX, LX, and EX without navigation, while a five-speed automatic is standard in the EX with navigation and available in all models.

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Compact vs Sub-Compact: How Small is Small?

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There are those who say that size matters when it comes to fuel efficiency. For many folks, “to get great gas mileage, you have to drive a small car,” is a prevailing mindset. But the big question is: how small is small? Will a compact or sub-compact car fit your needs? Do you really need something larger … or perhaps even smaller?

If you’re in an urban setting, with tight parking conditions, a tiny inexpensive car may be your best bet. There’s nothing like zipping through traffic and scoring those tight parking spaces with ease. But it’s a dramatically different story out on the open road. Would you be comfortable duking it out with double tractor trailers and dump trucks on the Interstate while driving a microcar like the Scion iQ or Smart car?

The chart below provides a list of compact, subcompact, and microcars available – or (possibly) soon to be available – in the American market. Compacts, subcompacts, and microcars are often referred to as C-, B-, and A-Segment cars, respectively.

Compact / Subcompact / Micro Cars (with reviews)

Compact Cars (C-Segment) Subcompact Cars (B-Segment) Micro Cars (A-Segment)
Audi A3 Chevy Sonic Chevy Spark
Audi A4 Fiat 500 Ford Ka
Buick Verano Ford Fiesta Mitsubishi i MiEV
Chevy Cruze Honda Fit Smart
Chevy Volt Hyundai Accent Scion iQ
Dodge Dart Kia Rio  
Ford Focus Mini Cooper  
Honda Civic Mazda2  
Honda CR-Z Nissan Cube  
Honda Insight Nissan Juke  
Hyundai Elantra Nissan Versa  
Hyundai Veloster Scion xA  
Kia Forte Scion xD  
Kia Soul Toyota Prius c  
Mazda3 Toyota Yaris  
Mitsubishi Lancer Volvo C30  
Nissan Sentra    
Scion tC    
Scion xB    
Subaru Impreza    
Suzuki Kizashi    
Toyota Corolla    
Volkswagen Golf    
Volkswagen Jetta    
     

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2012 Hyundai Veloster Review

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2012 Hyundai Veloster - 3/4 front view - snowy road MPG-o-Matic 2012 Hyundai Veloster Review Summary: The 2012 Hyundai Veloster hits the sweet spot with style, ride and technology and falls just a wee bit short when it comes to oomph, efficiency and creature comforts. Shortcomings aside, the Veloster is a huge hit in an Eco Sport segment that includes the Chevy Sonic Turbo, Ford Fiesta, Honda CR-Z hybrid, and Fiat 500. Further refinement and more horsepower are due for the Veloster in the 2013 model year for those willing to save a few dollars more and wait.

The Veloster is equipped with a direct-injected 16-valve Dual-CVVT 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 138 horsepower (HP) and 123 foot pounds of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a six-speed dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters is optional. A significantly more powerful turbocharged engine is in the works for 2013.

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