CNG Civic: Cheap Running But Slow

The Honda Civic GX is slated to be sold to retail customers nationally in 2012 (it was only available in four states, previously). Since it runs on compressed natural gas, it is relatively cheap to run, with CNG fuel economy in the range of 28mpg (EPA estimate) and CNG costing around $1.70/gal.

However, there are some big trade-offs involved in driving a Civic GX. Acceleration is poor, with 0-60mph times coming in at 12.6s according to Edmunds. The range is limited compared to a gasoline powered car, or a Chevy Volt, typically around 200 miles. And if you want to fuel at home, which is likely because CNG stations are not common, you need to install a CNG compressor which will cost you around $5000, installed.

Does the Civic GX make more sense than a Chevrolet Volt? It's a tough call. The Volt's price (after subsidy) is around $33,000. The GX price is about $30,000 if you include the cost of the CNG compressor. For the extra $3,000 you gain the ability to fuel anywhere (if you run it on gasoline or charge at 110v). CNG miles cost about $.07, while all-electric miles will cost you about $0.06 per mile.

But the Volt gets to 60mph in about 8.5s, and in range sustaining (gas) mode has a range of over 300 miles. I think while the government tax credit is in place, I'd take the Volt.