In article <1154779883.434392.327540@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups .com>,
"mrmatrix" <thewebbfam1@msn.com> wrote:

> Hello all, we currently have a highlander for our "family car", V6 and
> AWD, which means about 18.5 -19 mpg mpg for us (UGGH)......well, gas
> prices have us reconsidering its legitimacy. We are thinking about
> getting either a new Civic EX, Accord LX, SE or EX 4 cyl, or new Camry
> LE or SE 4 cylinder. (I don't like the Corolla)
>
> Specifically, will the civic be suitable for use as a primary "family"
> car. We have one child (no more planned, trust me!). I know it is a
> "step down" from the highlander, but we really like the looks of the
> civic, and we LOVE the MPG it gets! Could 2 normal sized adults fit in
> the back of the new civic with a small child seat in the middle?

I think you'd struggle.

A 4 cylinder, manual transmission Accord gets astounding gas mileage and
performance--and not only can it fit the people you want, it's
bulletproof.

(I had a 2000 Accord that got 35mpg going through the mountains in
summer with the AC on.)

Probably the same goes for a Camry.

A Civic is two steps down from you, size wise. That's a long way. The
Accord/Camry is one step down, and will be easier to take.