Hello,

I'm new to the group and am hopefully asking these questions in the right area....My wife and I commute 50 miles roundtrip (100 miles combined daily.) 90% of the trip is on Interstate with a 70mph speed limit. I'd say we spend $360-$400 a month in gas. We've been thinking about getting a Civic Hybrid. My question is....what kind of mileage can we expect if we're driving 70-75 miles per hour. I have heard that the Hybrids need to be driven in the 60-65 miles per hour area to maximize economy. Would a standard Civic be the better choice/investment?

Looking forward to your replies!

Welcome Theater guy,

70 - 75 miles per hour will not maximize your Civic Hybrid's potential. You'll get "ok" mileage, depending on terrain, say 30 - 38 mpg, depending on a few other variables.

My question is, why do you have to drive that fast? Can't you leave for work a little early and cruise in doing 60 - 65? Your mileage will be better, and your mental state will follow.

Of course, most hybrids do better in the city. You have more "control" to regulate how you drive. Barreling down the interstate doesn't give you a lot of options, other than varying your speed. You will soon have other words of wisdom to consider from kind folks who have been at this a long time.

I would consider purchasing the Civic Hybrid, but maybe wait until the 06 hits the dealer showroom...but with gas pushing $4, I'd have your money in hand to make your deal quick before the hybrid shortage starts.

Kansas, not as flat as you think...

I used to go 70 and now do 55 -62 miles per hour I stay in the right lane and at times have even had to pass someone else.I would say going 75 in a hybrid is counter productive.Kevin

2004 silverblue 5 sp.

Unfortunately some states have posted speed limits of 70 and its hard to be an obstruction in traffic on a small interstate (2 lanes both ways). I used to curse the 55mph speed limit on the interstate near richmond, but now I love it

A hybrid is a good choice, just try to get yourself behind someone big and draft

*shameful* I was behind this huge honkin Racing Truck, Was wider than a normal tractor trailer, but it was barrelling down the road at 80 miles per hour, I followed it for nearly 70miles averaging 48mpg. It was amazing */shameful*

Oh and the time to buy a hybrid was about 6 months ago

theaterguy -- that is a LOT of money on gas. I take it car pooling is not an option ?

In your position, I would consider either one of a few choices:

1. A 3 - 5 year old Honda Civic. Pay 5 - 10k, get 35 - 40 mpg
2. A '06 Honda Civic. Pay 14 - 16K, get 40 - 45 mpg
3. A '06 Honda Civic Hybrid. Pay 18K after tax credits, get 50 - 55 mpg

In all cases, really consider dropping your highway speed to 60 - 65 miles per hour.
A Prius is also a fine hybrid (I love ours), but not worth the premium as a highway car if money is the overiding consideration.

Good Luck -- Eric

R2-E2, 2G Prius.
Highway/City/Husband/Wife MPG: 56.5, as of 12/2005, 26K miles

Jac Nasser, Ford President: "We are planning to launch a hybrid version of
this car [P2000] within this year [1998]. We will also make FCEV available in
2004."

Thanks for the tips!

Unfortunately, going slower is not an option. I currently drive an 02 Explorer and cruise about 75-80 and still get passed! On the brightside, the traffic is generally not congested and you can cruise at your desired speed nearly the whole commute. It's very flat as well.

I could probably get away with going 70, but have been wondering if we're better of getting a 5 speed "standard" civic since 70 would be the absolute minimum speed we could go...I've seen slower cars get nearly pushed off the road.

Thanks Again for your help.

IMO a HCH is not a good option for going that fast. They are slightly underpowered and you will just be straining the power plant at those speeds. Your mileage will not be worth it at all.

The Hyundai Elantra is a very nice car for very little money. Check em out!

I'd say it's time:

I'm somewhat curious where you drive that you can't get away going under 70. I used to be a bit of a speed demon in my '95 Explorer, usually going 78 miles per hour or so as an average speed. I traverse the same roads now in my '06 Escape Hybrid, but now I stick to the right lane at 65. I get passed by a lot of vehicles, but I don't get pushed off the road. Plus, if you can cruise at your desired speed nearly the whole commute (Your words, not mine), then you should be able to get away with a slower speed.

Anywho, then you'll probably be able to save with a hybrid, if you chose one that's got enough power to meet your needs, and suits any other needs you have.

Even with the Escape Hybrid, you should be able to get if it's mostly flat at 75 or so miles per hour about 28 MPG or so. Doing some quick generic math, your '02 Explorer gets what, about 14 MPG (going 75 MPH or so)? 100 mile commute, five days a week is 500 miles, a FEH will pretty much cut your fuel costs in half, and save you about 13 gallons of gas a week, which you can multiply by whatever gas prices are where you live to see your weekly savings would be right now.

I'd suggest doing some research and some test driving, and find out what works for you.

First 4WD Hypermiler

Have you read the FEH FAQ?

Live in Michigan? Let it be known in Michigan Roll Call

Read My Automotive Blog at Rich Rambles

I should have been more clear....When I said desired speed I meant 70+. I typically see people running 75-95.

I'm going to experiment this morning and see if I can safely run in the 65-70 range.

Thanks Again, everyone, for all of your advice.