Guess I'm just dense, but I don't understand the "problem" with the standard wheels....I don't think they are ugly, nor do I think bigger EX wheels look better. Besides, the standard ones are a way to spot another hybrid.....

Still waiting for vanity plate to arrive.....not hybrid-related

 

The stock wheels actually have a logic to them. They are lighter, narrower for less rolling resistance and smooth for aerodynamics.

AND some folks prefer their look to other wheels. I am not one of those folks. The issue for me is that the smaller rim and its relationship to the the wheel well arch. The smaller rim radius is out of sync with the wheel well arch, and just makes it look odd. It the OEM rim was 16" it would be fine. One other thing with the stock tires, they are very inexpensive, and not very good tires. They have a miserable tread life, anemic handling, and a uncomfortable ride. But they are only $68 each.

Another issue about the stock wheels appears that they cause a significant error in the speedometer, and an over statement of MPG. There are some other threads that discuss this issue in more depth.

 

As a week old owner of an awesome Alabaster/navi 07 HCH I agree with Shelly on the the stock wheels. They look great and also set the HCH apart from the Civic. I also got 52.7 mpg on my second 56 mile commute thanks to this site.
Does anyone have a source for foglights as my dealer gave me a crazy price?

 

Far be it for me to tell people what to do, but I would have worn out the first set of tires, then got the new ones with the rims.

Nice ride!
Wish you many happy trouble free miles.

Bill

 

I put my stock ones back on for the winter and I must say I don't mind them that much as I did before when I first got the car. I took a hit with the MPG since I went with 17s and standard tires. The car behaves a lot better with the wider tires. There are tradeoffs and you choose the ones you can take.

 

Here is a good source for the fog light kit

BTW, I have had no short comings with the 16" tires, and my mileage is between 47 and 53 mpg with them. Remember, the 15" tires are giving the speedometer an error that is giving you a higher mileage reading than what you are really getting.

 

Thanks Orient for the link. Any guess as to the difference in mileage and speed between the 15 and 16 inch tires?

 

Here is a discussion of that question.

 

Filled up the tank for the first time today;

First tank stats:

Nov. 31 -- Dec. 11:

- 426.9 miles
- 41.0 mpg
- 10.4.04 gallons - $27.00 - pumped to round up to the dollar...

This is a HUGE difference from my BMW M3.

No problems, quirks or negatives yet....

I love this car.

edit: I drove it more or less like I would any other car...I haven't tried the techniques yet for better MPGs etc. I'm sure I could have done better for the first tank as well--I'm happy with it...I'm sure as I learn and a possible engine break-in bump it will get a bit better