I had a 1986 Honda CRX HF, with a 5 spd and a 1.5L engine that got 55 hwy, 45 city. That is better than any Honda (and most all other cars) today. Only the Honda Insight (2 seat hybrid) came close and it was discontinued last year. In the early 80's several friends drove VW Rabbits and they all got over 42 mpg. Now it's 20 to 25 years later, so where are the improvements? We should be all getting at least 40 mpg. I guess it's true that the automakers and the oil companies are all in bed together.