Watch CBS News

Judge Tentatively OKs Settlement For Owners Of Hybrid Honda Civic

SAN DIEGO (CBS) — A San Diego judge has tentatively approved a class action settlement in a gas mileage lawsuit against Honda.

KNX 1070's Tom Reopelle reports owners of the Civic hybrid accused the automaker of inflating the vehicle's fuel efficiency claims.

Podcast

Upon final approval, the settlement would pay owners of about 200,000 Honda Civics spanning from model years 2003 to 2009 checks of either $100 or $200 and rebate coupons toward a new Honda purchase.

Attorney Heather Peters, who opted out of the lawsuit and was awarded $10,000 in her own claim, said the class action outcome was disappointing.

"Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, that's the way the system works," said Peters. "I have all the respect for the judge having taken the time to put together such a very detailed opinion, even if I think it's absolutely wrong."

1,700 other Honda owners also opted out of the lawsuit, claiming the settlement offer was unacceptable.

Peters claimed the larger damage award last April after her 2006 Civic failed to deliver its advertised 50 miles per gallon fuel efficiency.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.