I have been comparing fuel economy at FuelEconomy.gov... so far, I have found that each model from 93-99 offered anywhere from 2-4 different 1.5L engines. Some say: "FFS", others say "FFS, SSL", and then you have the SOHC and DOHC (single and dual overhead cams). But I have no clue what the FFS/SSL stands for..

I made an Excel sheet to compare all of the different MPG's..and I know "real world" MPG's will differ a bit. The '93-'95 8 valve, FFS, SSL motor seems to be one of the highest, at 35/41/38 (city/hwy/combined). But the '95 motor says "EGR/2-VLV (FFS) SIL".

How would I go about figuring out which engine a particular Civic has (say, if I go to look at one). I want to get the best mileage possible, in a sedan, without having to get a hatchback. Thanks for all the help!

 

not too familiar with each specific motor and the MPGs, but you should be able to tell which one it is by looking at the block. pretty sure all honda motors have the type of motor it is stamped right on the left hand side of the block.

 

EGR was only found in California versions (necessary to meet stricter smog requirements). I thought the 8 valve was only found in the CX, which was only made in hatchback body. The CX existed mostly as a base, base model to advertise a low price that would get the customer into the dealer to consider a better one. You really want 16 valve, the 8 valve is very slow (even for a Civic).

 

THE first ever Honda Civic arrived at our shores in the early 1970s as a small compact 3 door car. Over the last 8 generations it evolved in size, technology and drivetrain.

 

Ive had two EG civics..one was a '95 coupe,and the other is my dd which is a '93 sedan.both having pretty much stock D1.5 engines.in my opinon my 4 door has just the same or even better mpg..one thing that killed my gas was having a shorted speed censor,but either way a 1.5 wont drink up too much gas.

 

come grab an Acura 1.6el from Canada. Premium edition comes with leather heated seats, power heated mirrors, sunroof, pw pl. They are under 6k usually.

If that's not an option, 96-00 ex or si would be my choice.

Here's a local page. http://www.usedregina.com/classifieds/all?description=acura+el

 

I know this is kinda old, but if all you want is good mpg, go for the HX model (although i'm not sure if it came it 4-foor configuration). Next choice would be an LX model. The EX and the Si come with a D16y8 motor, which has VTEC and doesn't get quite as good gas mileage as the D17y7 non-VTEC in the LX. I get around 36 mpg combined in my 99 4-door LX.

With all that said, if you have the choice, get the VTEC motor. You won't regret it. It's not a huge power gain, but it just makes the car a little more responsive and sporty (and the stock non-VTEC motor is just outright slooooooww)