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Old 04-04-07, 08:19 AM
  #10  
JeffS
not a role model
 
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Originally Posted by donrhummy
If he can get 70+ mpg with a crappy old 1992 Honda Civic, then they can get a modern car to get 100 mpg with 4 people in it.
While the car looks beatup now, there was nothing "crappy" about that generation Civic. The VX model of the same period got even better mileage than this CX.

We have generally taken a step backwards in gas mileage - primarily because of safety requirements. This civic weighed in at a little over 2000 lbs. A current-generation civic is approaching 3000. We're so obsessed with crash testing and how many airbags and cupholders we can cram in a car, that we're going the wrong way with fuel efficiency.

Fifteen to twenty years ago, we could get 40+mpg from a compact car with ease. Now, with the exception of the Corolla, a car has to be a hybrid to get into that territory. - speaking of US market cars only. The state of the US auto industry is embarassing and socially and environmentally irresponsible. I honestly believe we would be much better off if "the big three" were to go away tomorrow.
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