Coasting in neutrel

[imzjustplayin]

Originally Posted by ben98gs

Wow... You know some people hate imports/Civics too.

While not my favorite vehicle, it is not THAT bad. Cut the guy a break, he is striving for better FE like the rest of us with the vehicle that he has availabe.

I'm not even railing against the fact it's a chevy, I'm railing against the fact that it's an HHR.. It basically falls into the much deserved category of crappy vehicles which includes such gems such as the PT Cruiser.

[GasSavers_JoeBob]

Originally Posted by *************

I'm not even railing against the fact it's a chevy, I'm railing against the fact that it's an HHR.. It basically falls into the much deserved category of crappy vehicles which includes such gems such as the PT Cruiser.

What the heck's wrong with an HHR? Or a PT Cruiser, for that matter? I happen to like them both. Of course, I also like Geo Metros, Crosleys, Honda Insights, GTO Judges, Cad V-16s, puppies, kittens, red meat and Brussels sprouts.

[theholycow]

I kinda agree with *************. PT Cruisers and HHRs seem to be too much about form and not enough about function. They don't get the fuel economy that something with so little functionality ought to get. I also find their styling to be condescending, like the designers were thinking "bah, those idiots will eat this dreck right up".

OTOH, I think they do get people driving a car who would otherwise drive an SUV. (I'd also note that they are CAFE classified as light trucks.)

[trollbait]

I believe the PT Cruiser and HHR was actually designed by the same guy.

Having driven both an HHR and Matrix, I'd say they are about the same in functionality. The aerodynamics hurts the HHR, but what really keeps it from competing with the Matrix in fuel economy is the lack of sub 2L engine.

The light truck classification is disappointing. All manufacturers do it, or would they needed too. Subaru Outbacks are classified as trucks, and I'm sure Toyota would have reclassified the Matrix if the new Tundra had been a real hit.

The problem with CAFE is that it's pressure on the supply side. If consumers don't care about fuel economy, and want large trucks, the manufacturer will sell them the truck, and come up with ways to lessen their CAFE fines.

[theholycow]

The classification is based on one major rule: Flat load floor (when the seats are removed, if there are seats). That's the difference between a hatchback/wagon/van fitting the CAFE car or truck fleet.