Used 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas Review & Ratings

Natural gas is cleaner in terms of burning less CO2 and costs 5 to 6 times less than regular gasoline. Formerly the GX, the Honda Civic Natural Gas is the only factory conceived natural gas propelled vehicle in the United States, and was awarded green car of the year by the Green Car Journal. First introduced in 1998, the Honda Civic Natural Gas was only assigned to fleet sales due to a shortage of refilling stations, and was made available in Utah, Oklahoma, California and New York in 1995. Honda plans to go all out with its viable player in the American green car marketplace, and improve its visibility and availability to 200 dealers spread across 35 states.

The 3600-psi tank resides in the trunk, which compromises on extensive trunk space, fuelling stations are limited and to add to the ordeal, resale value is not what you would expect from a Honda, all this for a steep price tag of $25,000. On the brighter side, if you commute daily, live in the city or don't prefer the high maintenance costs of a hybrid vehicle, the Honda Civic Natural Gas is an excellent buy. The Honda Civic Natural Gas car costs $5000 more than its gasoline powered sister - the 2012 Civic EX, and navigation adds another $1500, which includes a list of CNG stations. You have a choice to use your home gas line as a personal re-fueler, but that will cost you a few thousand dollars.

Powered by a 1.8 liter four cylinder engine, similar to the one found in the existing civic lineup, Honda claims its natural gas offering delivers 38 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg in city driving. When compared to the Civic HF, the above numbers fall short with the HF delivering 29 mpg in city driving and 41 mpg on the highway, but again this is riding on premium priced gasoline. Honda gives you yet another reason to pilot its Civic Natural Gas vehicle - you never have to worry about the country running out of supply, since it is produced right here in the United States or being cut off by hostile governments.

The Honda Natural Gas vehicle is powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.8-Liter, SOHC i-VTEC engine, produces 106 lb feet of torque and 110 horsepower, which is less compared to the gasoline powered Civic that delivers 128 lb feet of torque and 140 horsepower. This forgivable difference is due to the fact that natural gas creates less power, whereas the intensity of gasoline is substantially higher. This loss in power is still not enough reason to overlook the Civic natural gas, unless you plan on taking this princess to the track.