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Originally Posted by Mark Owens
I notice that when I drive I am really sensitive to the mpg meter and so I know that it changes my driving style in an attempt to maximize my mpg. So, with all of the posts that I have read concerning hypermiling, tailgating 18 wheelers, going down hill in neutral, etc... if you drove a regular civic like that I wonder how much the mpg would impove?
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I don't know the answer to your question regarding the mileage of a regular Civic if driven with an eye towards MPG, but your post hit upon things I have been thinking about with my now 17 day old 2006 HCH.
First, let me say that everyone is certainly welcome to drive their hybrid any way they want - if getting the maximum mileage is your "thing" then go for it. On the other hand, I have no intention of tailgating trucks, shifting into neutral, "rebooting" engines on and off or any of the other techniques that the mega-milers seem to enjoy. For me - and just for me - I want to drive my car not have my car drive me.
That said, I have been schooled by my hybrid on certain driving patterns I have used in the past and the mpg meter is a real eye opener. My expereince is that by a few simple techniques like pre-coasting to a stop, driving the speed limit and feathering the gas pedal when at speed, I get a MPG figure that I am very pleased with - over twice what I got in my Acura TL S. It may not be exactly the EPA figure, but I also know that in the last 17 days I have spent about $100 less in fuel than I would have. Please send my apologies to the middle east and Venezuela if there is any revenue shortfall.
Sorry if I dragged this OT.
Dan