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General discussion

New Honda Hybrid for the U.S. for the U.S. 80MPG

Feb 23, 2006 9:07AM PST

Discussion is locked

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Also wanted to know
Feb 23, 2006 9:12AM PST

just out of curiosity what some opinions are about the highly computerized hybrid cars compared to other methods of propulsion?

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Economically based, I'm not impressed at all...
Feb 23, 2006 9:03PM PST

Back in the '90s I owned a Ford festiva that consistently achieved 44 MPG on the highway. A '92 if memory serves me.

In '96 or '97 I leased a '97 Ford Aspire that I used for traveling. It was equipped with a 5 speed standard trans. The MPG varied wildly on it but generally stayed at 49 MPG steady state with cruise enabled on the highway. In one instance while I was traveling I topped off the tank..I was in the southeast corner of Utah, if memory serves me...and drove to Jackson Hole WY which was 61 or 62 miles away. When I arrived there I topped off again and put in less than 1 gallon of fuel. Like I said, the MPG varied wildly.

The accomplishments of the Automakers with their Hybrids and other high MPG vehicles are ridiculous. They announce them as though they are so proud of them.

Of course my good experiences were from the '90s. Where I work we received a '93 Chevrolet C-1500 full size pickup, long bed, 305 V8, 4 speed auto trans. That achieved 26 MPG on the highway. In '03 my workplace purchased 2 '03 Chevrolet Half ton full size pickups...Silverados...long beds, V6 engines, 4 speed tans. with OD. They push it to get 17 MPG. But that's city stop and go driving. They don't get out on the highway. The '93 achieved about 19 to 21 MPG in city stop and go driving.

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One other note...
Feb 23, 2006 9:12PM PST

the vehicle I currently drive for traveling purposes is an '03 KIA Rio. 5 speed. It pushes it to get 32 MPG on the highway. It might go up to 34 without the a/c but not consistently. The Festiva and Aspire, mentioned in the former post, were both made by KIA.

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SMART cars
Feb 23, 2006 10:20AM PST

I really wish they would bring the Smart car to the U.S. once and for all. Rumors were they were on their way but in the form of an SUV. Hopefully that idea died a PAINFUL death along with other SUV sales in the U.S. (laughing my A$$ off at $2.80 per gallon as I drive up alongside some LA tool in his Hummer - as if traffic and parking aren't bad enough here.)

As for this Honda, the 80 mpg is very cool.

-Kevin S.

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Smart Roadster... :)
Feb 23, 2006 10:33AM PST

I can see myself in one, even with only 3cylinders.

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Small Hybrid SUV Not Necessarily Bad
Feb 23, 2006 10:35AM PST

I wouldn't dismiss the idea of a small SUV hybrid. I agree that the idea of a hybrid hummer that gets 8 miles a gallon is silly, but a hybrid Saturn SUV or Subaru Outback/Forrester might be a big hit. I'm a woodworker and need something I can haul some wood in, so I have an Outback Hatchback (which also has all wheel drive, nice for the couple of times a year we get weird weather in NC).

I would totally buy a hybrid Outback or maybe one of the Saturn SUVs.

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Station Wagon?
Feb 23, 2006 10:46AM PST

A nice Hybrid Station Wagon would also be nice, and with a lower center of gravity and potentially less drag due to lower ride height would get better fuel economy.

but alas station wagons are for some reason considered boring where I'm at (Dates, for some reason, don't like it when you pull up in one) go figure.

Personally like the wagon idea but ehh.

Oh and the Smart wasn't a Hybrid. at least I think it wasn't...

Philip P.

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Station Wagon?
Feb 23, 2006 10:47AM PST

A nice Hybrid Station Wagon would also be nice, and with a lower center of gravity and potentially less drag due to lower ride height would get better fuel economy.

but alas station wagons are for some reason considered boring where I'm at (Dates, for some reason, don't like it when you pull up in one) go figure.

Personally like the wagon idea but ehh.

Oh and the Smart wasn't a Hybrid. at least I think it wasn't...

Philip P.

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(NT) (NT) Ugh.. Lag
Feb 23, 2006 10:49AM PST
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Don't forget about the rumors of the F-150
Feb 23, 2006 12:34PM PST
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No shame if needed
Feb 23, 2006 12:48PM PST

I have no problem with people driving around with big trucks, SUVs and vans, who might actually NEED them. But I'm so tired of hearing soccer parents using their kids as an excuse to justify something the size of which you used to only find on a construction site.

God forbid they should have to bend over 10 degrees to buckle the little brat in the car seat of a station wagon.

-Kevin S.

PS Outbacks are cool... though fugly. I own a Saab and I think it's the Forester that Saab has teamed up with Subaru to make. The dealer said that people call it the Saabaru. Happy

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I agree Kevin.
Feb 23, 2006 12:53PM PST

Hummers never should have made it to the private sector. They were developed for the military, and that's where they should have stayed. Why on earth would anyone need something THAT gargantuan, that sucks up THAT much fuel??

-Terry

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Thank Arnold
Feb 23, 2006 12:58PM PST

Yeah, I think you can thank the ridiculous butthole that is our California governor for that piece of junk. I believe it was Schwarzeneggar who begged them to let him buy one. The consumer version followed shortly thereafter.

-Kevin S.

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Don't Forget
Feb 23, 2006 1:47PM PST

That Jeeps started out the exact same way. You know, developed for the military, not private sector.

-Ryan

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Oh yeah
Feb 23, 2006 1:56PM PST

I forgot about that. Thanks for pointing it out Ryan.

-Terry

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True
Feb 23, 2006 2:17PM PST

Yes, and generations of intoxicated frat boys have been rolling them over ever since.

Silly


-Kevin S.

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The're both owned by GM
Feb 23, 2006 9:39PM PST

the 9-3 is on the Epsilon platform i.e. Chevy Malibu. the first time I heard anyone call it a saab-aru was when the 9-2 came out which is basically an Impreza in drag. ( that's a good thing ) and the 9-7(the SUV I think it's 9-7) is the b9 tribeca.

Philip P.

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9-3
Feb 24, 2006 6:55AM PST

I didn't mean to imply the 9-3 was the Saabaru. The Saabaru is a smaller car built on what I thought was the Forester chassis. I have the 9-3 and the stink of GM is all over my car. Thankfully, it's a two-year lease so I can turn the pig in and maybe get one of these crazy new hybrids next year.

-Kevin S.

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The Saabaru is the 9-2x
Feb 24, 2006 7:46AM PST

And its built on the Impreza chassis.


So basically you get Saab styling and Brand, with Subaru AWD, reliability, and driving excitement.


I want one. -_-

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Looks like the Japanese market only
Feb 23, 2006 11:33AM PST

From RTFA it appears that this vehicle is a subcompact designed for the Japanese market. These vehicles usually do not make it over here. Issues of marketability notwithstanding they usually cannot meet US safety standards. If it does I would certainly consider it.

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Scion Xb
Feb 23, 2006 11:46AM PST

The whole reason to bring it over would be to compete against the Scion cars which seem to sell very well. plus if an Elise (Which I desperately want) can pass crash test standards Honda should be able to. Makes sense right?

Philip P.

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It is coming to the US
Feb 23, 2006 12:52PM PST

The hybrid version of the car is still a question mark but that particular model is, in fact, coming to the U.S. later next year, as stated in the caption next to the picture. Just with a regular engine.

-Kevin S.

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We've had a Civic Hybrid for 4 years. When...
Feb 23, 2006 10:19PM PST

We showed that model to our son who is going to college this year, he said "sold."

But then again, he's been living the hybrid dream for longer than most and knows the advantanges for 40+ MPG. Even if that only hits 70+ MPG...

Bob

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Awesome
Feb 24, 2006 7:21AM PST

If I was getting a car, that would be mighty tempting.

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Would be interesting to know...
Feb 24, 2006 8:59AM PST

...if the 80 mpg that they claim is using the ABSURD EPA estimates which don't even come close to real world results or if this is tested in city and highway situations to truly be 80 mpg.

The EPA is supposedly changing the way they test fuel efficiency in cars in a couple of years but right now, it's an absolute farce. Obviously auto manufacturers will be lobbying to fight a change that will more accurately reflect the mileage. I truly hate corporate America and all of the slime that runs most of it. Especially the American oil and auto industry.

-Kevin S.