have the mud guards on my '05 HCH and i think they're a good move, especially if you care about rock chips and backspray. i dont think they're ugly though and if anything they help improve the look of the car.

as far as FE goes with them, they are directly behind the wheels/tires so they're not restricting much air flow since the wheels/tires are cutting through the air first.

 

Hi InFiniTE LooP:

___I would tend to disagree although I have no factual basis to do so. There is a small amount of airflow being directed into the wheel well area that would have smoothly flowed over the side of the HCH previously.

___Good Luck

___Wayne R. Gerdes

 

I agree since it is catching mud, road spray etc. Also it's shaped like a cup to catch the mud (at least my '03 is).

Still, I don't think it is much of a hit on mileage AND if you're trying to save a couple bucks on gas it can't be equal to the amount deducted for rock chips etc.

 

The only published stats I've seen on fuel economy were for the previous generation Saab 9-3. Some C/D editor pushed him on the hideously ugly mudflaps and he said they were great at protecting the body, but increased drag from .30 to around .32. I believe the Saab flaps were 2-3 times as big as the ones Honda uses.

 

I'd consider puting them on my car if they were color matched. But alas not.

 

Not really needed, but they are on my car! I installed them.

IMO they integrate the side a little more and make it look better. Probably little air resistance/restriction as they are low profile.

I don't drive through mud often, but have you ever gotten your car washed only to run through a puddle that backsprays the side of your car!?? The guards prevent this!