Rep Power: 0

When I have the a/c on, every minute or so, you feel the engine cut out or stumble for about a second, but other than that it feels pretty normal. I had the same exact problem on my high-mileage '90 CRX Si, it was a more drastic stumble (you could actually hear some kind of clicking noise to go with it), but I figured it was because of the age of the car. So I'm pretty disappointed this is happening with my new (used) EX Coupe with 20K miles.

My girlfriend has an older Toyota Corolla and the same kind of thing also happens when the a/c is on. So is this just a trait that Japanese 4-cylinder cars have? I've driven a lot of cars, I recently had a Pontiac Grand Prix (V6) that didn't do this, I've driven a lot of rentals, including cars like a Chevy Cavalier (which is a cheap American 4-cylinder), and I haven't noticed this either. What gives? Is there anything I can do?

 
Rep Power: 305

it would seem to me that it the compressor putting more of a bind on the motor. I'm sure everyone realizes that when you drive with your A/C on the car feels more sluggish then with it off. this happens to me when I'm driving with a/c too.

 
Rep Power: 452

As XSRcivic said, the compressor is an added load on the engine when it engages. Same as the condensor fan and radiator fan that come on with the AC. So I think what your feeling is the compressor engaging and disengaging. That is where the stumble is coming from. When the compressor turns on, the idle drops for a split second, but the IAC kicks the idle up to compensate for the added load.