Here you go Jay, straight from Honda's Tech Line

Tech Line fields many questions on fuel economy, including why some vehicles
don't get the fuel mileage estimates shown on the fuel economy label (part of
the Monroney label that's on every new car and truck). Before you read this Q &
A, here's a sample label with an explanation of its contents.

Question: Why can't I get the City and Highway mpg estimates shown on the label?

Answer: The mileage estimates on the label reflect the average mpg attained by
similar vehicles in a model line under controlled laboratory conditions and are
not the result of an actual road test. And remember, as stated on the fuel
economy label: "Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions,
driving habits, and vehicle's condition."

Question: Just how are the EPA mileage estimates made anyway?

Answer: Test vehicles are run by professional drivers on a treadmill-like
device that easures exhaust emissions and fuel usage. During the test, the
vehicle's headlights, A/C, heater, audio unit, and all accessories are turned
off. Upshifts on M/T vehicles are typically made at 15 mph (1st to 2nd gear), 28
mph
(2nd to 3rd gear), 41 mph (3rd to 4th gear), and 52 mph (4th to 5th gear). The
City portion of the test simulates a 7.5 mile stop-and-go trip with an average
speed of 20 mph. The trip takes 23 minutes, has 18 stops, and keeps the engine
idling about 18 percent of the time to simulate rush hour traffic delays.
The Highway portion of the test simulates a 10-mile drive with speeds averaging
48 mph. It's
run from a hot start in a mix of rural and interstate driving conditions. There
are no stops, and there's not much idling time. When both test results are
known, the City mpg is lowered by 10 percent, and the
Highway mpg is lowered by 22 percent; this makes the results closer to real
worldls fuel consumption.

Question: How do I calculate mpg?

Answer: You divide the miles driven by the number of gallons of fuel that you
used.

Question: How can I increase my vehicle's mpg?

Answer: To increase your vehicle's mpg, do this:
.. As often as possible, accelerate slowly and smoothly, keep your engine speed
below 3,000
rpm, and lower your road speed.
.. Keep your tires inflated to the specs listed on the doorjamb sticker.
.. Keep your vehicle in top condition by following the maintainance schedule
listed in your owner's manual and by using the recommended engine oil.

Question: Where can I get more info on fuel economy?

Answer: You can get a free copy of the Model Year 2001 Fuel Economy Guide by
any of these
means:
Mail: National Alternative Fuels Hotline
9300 Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22031-1207
Phone: 800-423-1363
Internet: www.fueleconomy.gov






Jay A wrote:

> Well after being an '06 Civic owner for 3 months now, I can honestly say
> that the mileage in this thing is so overrated it's a shame. EPA states 30
> city 40 highway but in reality, it depends more on whether the air
> conditioning is on than anything. Yes I have gottan close to 40 (actually
> about 38 when I had no traffic at all and no AC on during the entire
> tankful...and that was only one tankful in the 3 months I have owned the
> car) but in reality, I rarely get more than 33mpg and lately with all the
> heat in SoCal, I am lucky to get 26mpg with the air on.
>
> What gets me is that the Accord I had prior to the Civic seemed to get just
> about the same mileage whether the air was on or not. MAN I miss that car. I
> am actually beginning to think about dumping the Civic and going back to the
> Accord. In addition to the poor mileage, the AM radio sounds awful, the air
> itself feels more like a heater when the car is not moving, and all in all
> I am not impressed with this vehicle one bit. The Accord is a great
> car...the Civic? You can have it!

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