John True, professional jazz piano player from California, has filed a class action lawsuit against American Honda Motor Co. for misleading mileage claims of the Honda Civic Hybrid. John True was only able to average 32 miles per gallon, which is WAY below the EPA's old estimates. The question that this suit seems to revolve around is whether or not Honda misled consumers with inflated mileage claims.
Did Honda imply that it is possible to get 49 miles per gallon in the city and 51 mpg on the highway? Is it impossible to meet those figures? Those are the questions that will be considered in the suit. Sage Marie, speaking on behalf of Honda, said that the "vast majority of Civic Hybrid customers are satisfied with the performance since it delivers consistently and substantially higher numbers than comparable non hybrid vehicles in the real world. It is possible to attain the EPA estimates, and customers do all the time."
This may very well be the first time a manufacturer has been sued over unrealistic mileage claims. If this one is successful, it would not be shocking to see more like it in the future.
Complete story:
AutoblogGreen's exclusive interview with John True
Hybrid Civic driver averages 32 mpg, files class action lawsuit against Honda - AutoblogGreen
The Detroit News-Hybrid owner sues Honda over mileage claims
