I'm getting rid of my slow and gas guzzling 97 Jetta VR6 and I want something that is nimble and fuel-efficient (25mpg+).

I know the Civic HX has the highest fuel economy in the gas only Civic line, but it has significantly less HP than the SI, and more than the DX/EX/LX.

How does it handle passing and merging? Can it accelerate decently uphill? Is the 35-40 mpg worth the difference in performance from an SI with only 25mpg?

I have heard that turbocharging can actually increase fuel-efficiency as well as power. How would this affect the Civic HX?

Basically, I have two main goals with my next car:
1. Lower my insurance (Currently $140/mo)
2. Get better fuel economy (Currently ~17mpg)
and finally:
3. Get more power.

The acceleration in my VW Jetta feels anemic... unless I floor it. It has an automatic transmission, so this may account for some of that.

Any thoughts/suggestions for me to consider?

I have in my sights a 2003 Civic SI hatchback w/ 37000mi for about 13k.
I could get an older model HX with low miles for around 6000 I think.

Thanks for any input.

farmersckn

 

The HX is the vtec-e motor, it comes with zero swaybars and a slower steering rack.

IMO the best Civic in the lineup is the LX. Has all the swaybars and the normal 1.7 sohc motor is just as good as the vtec motor in the Ex and def. better than the Hx motor. The Lx is also lighter because it does not have the moonroof.

 

it does have a front sway bar. I have and hx and it has a front sway bar.

 

speed and quickness arent necessarily the same thing...and can be relative. My civic isnt fast, but feels quick. Thats my perception. Its more about fun, and yea, 1800$ a year and 34mpg consistently. Go to a dealer with an open mind and drive one.

Yes assuming you dont floor it constantly, a turbo on your civic engine will not cause a decrease in MPG, but you may not increase it, if some, not much. But it wont drop it really, unless you got a lead foot.

 

my VP gets ~40mph highway, dont really need an HX.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by rewsnaeht &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">my VP gets ~40mph highway, dont really need an HX.</TD></TR></TABLE>

yeah the ex gets like 38..no point of getting the hx

 

Si

i think its worth the extra money

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by M1K3 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Si

i think its worth the extra money</TD></TR></TABLE>

the extra grand?

IM KIDDING.. jesus..

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by farmersckn &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The acceleration in my VW Jetta feels anemic... unless I floor it. It has an automatic transmission, so this may account for some of that.

Any thoughts/suggestions for me to consider?

I have in my sights a 2003 Civic SI hatchback w/ 37000mi for about 13k.
I could get an older model HX with low miles for around 6000 I think.

Thanks for any input.

farmersckn</TD></TR></TABLE> 6000 for an older model hx??? your crazy to pay that much!!!

 

hx still wont be as fast as the jetta. when i drive my sisters stock 04 hx it is slow and handles like a drunk bitch on prom night. get the SI dude.