A San Diego judge will consider whether to accept a class-action settlement between Honda Motor Co. and owners of about 200,000 Civic hybrids over the automaker's inflated claims of fuel efficiency.
Friday's hearing has drawn attention because a Southern California woman won far more by challenging the legal status quo with a victory in small claims court. Heather Peters was awarded nearly $10,000 last month. The class-action settlement would give motorists $100 to $200, plus a rebate toward the purchase of a new Honda.
More than 1,700 owners have opted out of the settlement. Some believe consumers should be paid more. Some believe that the $8.5 million payment to plaintiff attorneys is too high.
Peters recently renewed her license to practice law and plans to address the judge Friday.