Honda Civic Hybrid Class Action Reaches Tentative Settlement

Washington, DC: A class action lawsuit brought against Honda over allegations that Honda's advertising of its Civic Hybrid fuel economy was not realistic, but instead based on an EPA- estimated fuel economy, has been settled out of court. However, the deal remains to be approved in court.

The suit was filed by lead plaintiffs John True and Gonzalo Delgado, and represents some 120,000 Civic Hybrid owners. According to media reports, they charged that Honda advertised a city/highway fuel use of 49/51 miles per gallon (MPG), while the plaintiff's vehicles got an estimated 31 mpg.

The lawsuit covers eligible owners who purchased a Honda Civic Hybrid between 2003 and 2008. If the settlement is approved, eligible owners will receive a voucher worth up to $1,000 which can be used towards the purchase of a new Honda. Alternatively, checks for $100 will be issued to owners who can prove they filed complaints with Honda about their cars' gas mileage.