# DIY Eco-Mobiles The Modified ‘Aero' Civic Gets 95 MPG By Michael Plishka | Published 2009-02-02 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-green-automobiles-modified-aero-civic-mpg References: [aerocivic](http://www.aerocivic.com/) Auto companies have a tendency to make grandiose overtures when their designs improve mileage by 5 or 10 mpg. They speak of the problems encountered in improving technology, how things just can’t be done without radical changes and an increase in cost. Well, Mike Turner took $400, some elbow grease and a 1992 [Honda](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honda-civic-ehev) Civic and and modified the aerodynamic drag (the friction between the air and the car). The result is a car that slips through the air, averaging 95 mpg at 65 miles per hour. Its resistance to the air is below that of the [Toyota](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2023-prius) Prius! This car is so slick, bugs, road splatter and even deer fly over the car without splattering the windshield. His inspiration? German cars of the 1930’s, in particular a 1939 [Maybach](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mercedesmaybach-s-680) that has very similar lines to his Civic. While we could say auto companies have some explaining to do, perhaps they just need to start engineering… ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 30% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **DIY Eco-vehicles:** The trend of individuals modifying their vehicles to customize and maximize their fuel efficiency could disrupt traditional auto manufacturing. - **Aerodynamic Modifications:** The trend of adding aerodynamic modifications to cars to increase fuel efficiency could disrupt the market for aftermarket car parts. - **Sustainability:** The trend of consumers seeking more sustainable transportation options could disrupt the traditional auto industry. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Auto Manufacturing:** Auto manufacturers may need to adapt their technology or risk losing customers to more eco-friendly and customizable options. - **Aftermarket Car Parts:** The market for aftermarket car parts may need to shift towards more eco-friendly and aerodynamic modifications. - **Sustainable Transportation:** Transportation companies may need to shift towards more sustainable options in response to changing consumer preferences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Efficient Dual-Motor Hybrid Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honda-civic-ehev.md) - [Range-Boosting Aerodynamic Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aerodynamic-system.md) - [Luxury Aerodynamic Sedans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2026-a6-sedan.md) - [Miniature DIY Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peel-p50.md) - [Turtle-Inspired Sleek Automobiles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vision-imobility.md) - [Solar-Powered Sedan Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vision-eqxx.md) - [Fuel-Efficient Low Driving Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2023-prius.md) - [Electrified Classic Saloon Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saloon-car.md) - [Modular EV Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aria-2.md)