According to an EPA estimation, a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid can average a combined 42 mpg. According to a Torrance, California resident, the same car could only muster at best 32 mpg. That difference was enough to cause Heather Peters major distress; so much so that she filed a small claims lawsuit against the automaker. A few days ago, California Commissioner Doug Carnahan ruled in favor of Peters and awarded the woman $9,687 in damages. According to the Associated Press, Carnahan said, “At a bare minimum Honda was aware … that by the time Peters bought her car there were problems with its living up to its advertised mileage.” Soon after the ruling was final, American Honda issued a statement in which they fully intend to appeal the lawsuit.
According to Honda, there are a multitude of factors that play a part in any vehicle’s fuel mileage, being a hybrid or not. Printed clearly out on the federal required window sticker that mileage is dependent upon options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle condition. There is no guaranteed promise stating that a Civic Hybrid will achieve 50 mpg, but can average “up to” that claim. In fact, proud Honda owners have spoken out with real claims of 50 mpg or better using the car in real-world driving. The major motivation for the appeal is that there is no misleading statements about the vehicle’s abilities and that the window sticker clearly states that fuel mileage is dependent upon driver operation. In short, Peters achieved 32 mpg because of the way she drove.
“In conclusion and with all due respect to the court, American Honda believes that the judgment in this case is a radical and unprecedented departure from California and federal law, and, as stated above, we intend to vigorously appeal this decision,” said American Honda.
Source: Associated Press & Honda
