Woman takes on Honda and gets $10,000

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A popular car maker said its new models are good on gas, but fuming customers say they were taken for a ride.

Heather Peters' case might seem like just another frivolous lawsuit. The complaint is her 2006 Civic hybrid failed to get the 50 miles per gallon as advertised by Honda.

Peters took on the giant automaker in small claims court, dropping out of a proposed class action settlement that offered dissatisfied customers a couple of hundred dollars. Peters, a former attorney, argued her own case.

"So I decided to opt out and go on my own, Judge Judy style," said Peters.

A judge sided with Peters, awarding her nearly $10,000 and citing Honda for misleading language that promised "plenty of horsepower" while still sipping fuel. Honda will appeal the verdict because it says fuel economy estimates are determined by the Environmental Protection Agency - not the automaker.

Former government prosecutor Laurie Levenson said, "It starts as a $10,000 judgment, but this could end up as a billion dollar bleed if everyone opts out of a class-action and goes instead through small claims court."

And Peters is urging 200,000 other plaintiffs to sue. She's set up a website called "Don't settle with Honda.org." She's also renewing her law license so she can help those who want to take on the car company.

"It is justice in a very small place, but it proves that sometimes the little guy wins," said Peters.

Peters got a $10,000 judgment, because that is what California allows in small claims court. New York's limit is half that.