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Honda Pilot Real World MPG

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Comments

  • trmend1trmend1 Member Posts: 59
    Ok... baited and hooked!!! Thanks for the revisiting of Thermodynamics classes in 2nd and 3rd year engineering.... :P Those were not my favourite courses and it set a shiver down my spine just remembering the torturous lectures! (Structures is my thing) There are so many factors that determine fuel mileage, not only on engine power, aerodynamics, driving habits, location, etc... the EPA listings is at best a huge guesstimate! For me... with an 07 EXL 4WD it all averages out to about 16 mpg city and 20 mpg on pure highway driving. I am just waiting for Honda's answer to the hybrid SUV and I will jump on it in an instant!! But for now, The Pilot is the answer to my family's needs.

    Cheers,
    Tess
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Since Tidester set the bait, I couldn't help but take it.

    LoL! Outside of physics or engineering classes I think few people give much consideration to things like thermodynamic efficiency and fundamental limitations so I like to reinforce the point whenever the opportunity arises. :)

    Thanks for the additional reinforcement and ideas!

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    it set a shiver down my spine just remembering the torturous lectures!

    It's all in the delivery. Some teachers can do it and some cannot.

    You make an excellent point with regard to the complexity of overall fuel efficiency. Ultimately, the solution will likely be lighter and smaller vehicles but I don't think we're quite ready for that.

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • kipkkipk Member Posts: 1,576
    Why heck Joe,

    We may have a solution. All they have to do is to convert the "Heat" to usable, working energy to propel the car!

    How hard can that be? :shades:

    (Godda go take my medicine.)

    Kip
  • justaveragejoejustaveragejoe Member Posts: 268
    Kip, It is puzzling to me that a average home gas furnace that is solely intended to produce heat and not meant to produce WORK still can't get better that around 85% efficient. :confuse:

    Tess, I had two great physics teachers and I have fond memories of that whole learning experience. I am also in structures (and geotechnical) now. Your mileage is about the same as mine, I can squeeze a couple more mpg on the highway.

    I am waiting for the fuel cell automobile. That way, when I come home from work, I plug my house INTO MY CAR for home energy! ;)

    Joe
  • kenmarckenmarc Member Posts: 16
    We have a 2004 AWD Pilot, and have always seen 18-19 in pure city driving (school and the mall), and 20-21 in mixed. Last road trip from Denver to South Dakota was around 22.5 with a heavy foot. Do the older Pilots get better than the new? I'm curious as we're at the end of our lease, and considering on 08 Pilot, but leaning more towards the new Mazda CX9 for something different. Either way, I don't want to get into something that's 15-17 mpg....otherwise I would buy and keep my Pilot.
  • harrysuriharrysuri Member Posts: 2
    Hi ,
    I just bought 2WD VP 08 model last month. I was hoping for the worst but got pretty good avg in 2/3 city 1/3 hwy driving to work . Got right around 22.15 mpg .I thought I calculated it wrong the first time but it was the same the secod time too (355 miles in 16 gal) I am hoping to clock over 26-28 in all hwy driving. I am planning for a 2200 mile round trip during xmas and will surely post the results.
  • kipkkipk Member Posts: 1,576
    Keep the speed down around the 60-65 mph and you can get near, or exceed your target MPG. Depending on load, terrain, and pedal preasure.

    At 70-75 expect closer to 22-23 mpg. Wind resistance at 70 and above really takes it's toll on Pilot mileage.

    This info was posted by "just average joe" and as I understanding it, is that (layman terms) wind resistance is basically a measurement of the vehicle frontal area X Velocity Squared. The frontal area is constant with the particular vehicle, so what changes is speed. Therefore at 60 mph the velocity part would be 3600. At 75mph it would increase to 5625. That is about a 50% increase in the wind resistance on the front of the vehicle, it will hurt mileage.

    Good luck, :)

    Kip
  • davidd3davidd3 Member Posts: 582
    Do the older Pilots get better than the new?

    I believe that they do. There was once considerable discussion in this forum about that. And I am not alone in my belief. You might want to scroll back and see if you can find it. Some good information and speculation there.

    I have a 2007 EXL 4WD. It's got about 14,000 miles on it. I'm getting 17.4mpg overall in mixed driving. I'd say my mixed driving is typically 1/3 city (not NYC or anything like that) and 2/3 highway (though mostly short trips ranging from 5 to 20 miles each way). My speed on the highway is generally 60 to 75, depending on the speed limit (which can be as low as 55 where I live). Don't have a lead foot. Acceleration of the Pilot does not excite me (and the handling is downright scary when you're used to driving sports sedans). Don't have a light foot either. I keep up with traffic.

    If you do not absolutely need 4WD, the new 2WD Pilot seems quite promising to deliver mpg even better than what you are getting with your 2004 4WD, thanks to the combination of 2WD (lighter weight than 4WD) + VCM technology (using only 3 cylinders at times). I do not believe that the 2WD version was available back in 2004 when you got your 4WD Pilot.

    The 4WD CX-9 is rated somewhat worse on gas than the 4WD Pilot, 15/21 as compared to 17/22. But if you want a change and something (at least in my opinion) nicer to look at and perhaps even fun to drive (zoom zoom), then by all means go for a CX-9 next. Makes sense to me. I'd certainly be checking it out if my lease was expiring.
  • trmend1trmend1 Member Posts: 59
    I feel it is also a function of "breakin' in the engine". New engines run rich.

    As to driving styles I completely agree. Commuting with my Acura RL is like a racehorse... doing the family thing with the Pilot... the chuckwagon!!! Both are fun.. in there own ways!

    Cheers,
    Tess
  • rich1945rich1945 Member Posts: 7
    Haven't posted in a while have only about 5500 miles on my 07 ex l awd and still only getting about 12 mpg true mostly city driving NYC and I read about all these people claiming to get 20 or better mpgs and I can't understand it I have tried lite foot ,heavy foot next will be no foot Someone was telling about a cold air filter system that is suppose to increase mileage and performance does any one know anything about it?????

    (
  • trmend1trmend1 Member Posts: 59
    In all honestly and mid to full sized SUV will get horrible gas mileage in stop/start/pesky city driving. My worst tanks are of this type of drives. (13 mpg was my worst) You burn the most fuel in 1st to 2nd gear in acceleration.. the more you do that the more you burn. So if you are accelerating and braking within yards all day long it will drain your gas tank! If I didn't have to haul half the soccer/football team with gear most evenings and weekends (and now the ski/mountain season) I would have opted for a smaller 5 seater SUV.. but I need the 8. (and the cargo space)

    My bro, the Honda Specialist, says wrapping the filter is a myth... Be patient if you can... once the engine gets to 12 - 15K, mpg should start to improve. You have to remember that the EPA ratings are just a rough estimate... from a sample set. Some will get less than estimated... some will get better than estimated. Another thing is that some of those 20+ mpg postings are with 2WD which have a better mpg's than the 4WD's.

    HTH's
    Cheers,
    Tess
  • davidd3davidd3 Member Posts: 582
    still only getting about 12 mpg true mostly city driving NYC and I read about all these people claiming to get 20 or better mpgs and I can't understand it NYC driving will get you the worst possible mpg. Don't compare your mpg to that of other posters, because their driving conditions are totally different than yours. 12mpg sounds about right in your circumstances, at least to me. You might not even get 20mpg from a Civic!
  • davidd3davidd3 Member Posts: 582
    I feel it is also a function of "breakin' in the engine". New engines run rich.

    I recall, but not in detail, discussion about a change in the gear ratios and new Pilots revving higher than old Pilots at same speeds.

    Commuting with my Acura RL is like a racehorse... doing the family thing with the Pilot... the chuckwagon!!!

    The chuckwagon! I love it.

    I suppose that you too must have had those moments where you find yourself inadvertently driving the Pilot too hard, forgetting for a moment which of your vehicles you are driving (even though you are sitting at what feels like 10 feet above the ground). It's downright scary taking corners in a Pilot. As a highway cruiser, I have no complaints. But until you get to the highway, . . . you'd better take it easy. And as I understand it, so far as SUVs go, the Pilot is supposed to be better than most when it comes to handling. Heck, I'm afraid of going off the road or even tipping it over. So I mostly baby it through the turns.
  • trmend1trmend1 Member Posts: 59
    I suppose that you too must have had those moments where you find yourself inadvertently driving the Pilot too hard, forgetting for a moment which of your vehicles you are driving (even though you are sitting at what feels like 10 feet above the ground). It's downright scary taking corners in a Pilot. As a highway cruiser, I have no complaints. But until you get to the highway, . . . you'd better take it easy. And as I understand it, so far as SUVs go, the Pilot is supposed to be better than most when it comes to handling. Heck, I'm afraid of going off the road or even tipping it over. So I mostly baby it through the turns.

    It took me about a month or so to "tune" my driving to the appropiate vehicle. Having at minimum 3 boys in the back, 2 of them teenagers arguing usually brings me back to reality!! ;) As for handling I am quite impressed with the Pilots cornering. It feels strong and solid and never a scary moment for me and I don't consider myself the "babying" type when it comes to driving. I even had to do emergency evasive maneuvers with debris on the road a couple of times both city and highway and I never felt that I was losing control. I guess the "feel" is in the beholder... I had the experience of driving a 90's Montero Sport and I whipped around a corner in that thing and I swear I was on 2 wheels!!!

    Cheers,
    Tess
  • kipkkipk Member Posts: 1,576
    David,

    Think this is what you were referring too.

    2004 Pilot specs: http://www.hondanews.com/search/release/1469

    2007 Pilot Specs. http://www.hondanews.com/categories/889/releases/3635

    Kip
  • trmend1trmend1 Member Posts: 59
    Stand corrected.... thanks Kip!

    Cheers,
    Tess
  • kipkkipk Member Posts: 1,576
    Don't know what you should feel corrected about! :)

    There is about a 12% difference in the overall ratio final drive ratio of the older and the newer Pilots when everything is locked up in OD. I've not run the numbers in the other gears.

    Honda prides themselves as being the "Highest fuel mileage Car Company". I can't imagine why they would change the "Ratios" if it would result in Poorer mileage.

    My take is that on flat ground with little wind an 03 might/will get better mileage than an 07. Simply because it is turning 100-250 less rpm, according to speed.

    I believe that in areas where rolling hills and worse are the norm, the newer Pilots may/will have the advantage, simply because they will stay in the upper gears longer before downshifting.

    My next door neighbor bought a new 07 Ridgeline a few months back. He drives conservative as I do, and his spread sheet shows his 07 Ridgeline getting about the same MPG as my 03 Pilot. He also discovered the vast difference in "Cruising" at 75 mph vs 65 mph. Nearly 5mpg according to him. It affects my 03 about the same.

    Riding in the Ridgeline, I have noticed that it tends to stay in OD longer, when going up a long hill, than my Pilot does. It may hold OD all the way to the top, where the Pilot will not.

    We have had some really "LIVELY" discussions concerning older vs newer Pilots and their mileage.

    Bottom line is that whether the vehicle itself is capable of 15/22 or 17/27, the driver will have great influence on the mileage. Most any vehicle will get better mileage when driven conservatively. Most will return worst numbers when driven aggressively. ;)

    People come on here and say things like >" 21 mpg highway is all that can be expected from a Pilot" . I believe they are absolutely correct for their particular circumstances and driving styles.

    Others "Post" really good mileage! That is a reflection on their circumstance and driving style.

    Kip
  • justaveragejoejustaveragejoe Member Posts: 268
    Kip,

    You are good at digging up those old posts! :)

    Here are some more interesting facts about this subject:

    My 2007 Pilot Final Ratio = 4.375
    Your 2004 Pilot Final Ratio = 4.428
    The 2007 Ridgeline Final Ratio = 4.533

    All 3 weigh about the same. They are all 4WD. They have the same engine, although my 2007 Pilot has a few more horsepower than yours, and the Ridgeline has a few more horsepower than mine.

    But your neighbor's Ridgeline runs at a lower RPM at highway speeds than both of our Pilots.

    Now let's assume that the Ridgeline has the same wind drag coefficient (which it doesn't and I couldn't even find any information on which was lower) So if everything else is the same, and we all drive at 65 mph, then my Pilot's engine turns more RPMs, moves more air through the engine, and is required to utilize the most fuel.

    I really want that sixth gear so that I could idle down the freeway.

    Just thought I would through-in some more of my car-dork information. :blush:

    Joe
  • trmend1trmend1 Member Posts: 59
    Kip and Joe... being a GeerHead is not a bad thing!! I really want that 6th gear too... its called driving on the perpetual downhill and you can coast all the way!! I think Esher did it ... but he never got the chance to go into the 3rd dimension!

    Cheers,
    Tess
  • justaveragejoejustaveragejoe Member Posts: 268
    Oops! The final ratios indicate that my 2007 Pilot should be turning slower than the other two. I always get confused on the fact that higher number means lower gears. The Ridgeline has lower final gears for more power for pulling or acceleration.

    Overall Gear Ratios for these vehicles:

    Final * 5th = Total Overall
    2004 Pilot 4.428 * 0.52 = 2.30

    2007 Pilot 4.375 * 0.595 = 2.60

    2007 Ridgeline 4.533 * 0.531 = 2.41

    Overall Ratio on the 2007 Pilot is the highest number or the lowest geared vehicle.

    Whew! :blush:

    Joe
  • kipkkipk Member Posts: 1,576
    These are the latest numbers he sent tonight.
    2007 Ridgeline. He said that 26.5 was a wake up call of how slower speed= better mileage. On the road, when I've been with him he sets the cruise on 70-75 and gets in the low 20s mpg.

    Date Odometer $/gal Gallons Cost Mileage Avg
    8/3/2007 30
    8/13/2007 299 $2.579 14.93 $38.51 18.01 18.01
    8/22/2007 424 $2.649 7.74 $20.50 16.15 17.38
    8/22/2007 562 $2.619 6.61 $17.30 20.89 18.17
    8/22/2007 742 $2.529 8.90 $22.50 20.23 18.65
    8/23/2007 961 $2.649 10.76 $28.50 20.36 19.03
    9/3/2007 1196 $2.549 12.79 $32.60 18.37 18.89
    9/24/2007 1507 $2.629 17.50 $46.00 17.77 18.64
    9/30/2007 1619 $2.629 6.09 $16.01 18.39 18.63
    10/12/2007 1775 $2.549 7.45 $19.00 20.93 18.81
    10/12/2007 1871 $2.599 4.58 $11.91 20.95 18.91
    10/16/2007 1971 $2.519 4.45 $11.20 22.49 19.07
    10/18/2007 2075 $2.699 4.63 $12.49 22.47 19.22
    10/18/2007 2372 $2.599 12.50 $32.50 23.75 19.69
    10/26/2007 2582 $2.589 9.35 $24.20 22.47 19.90
    10/28/2007 2838 $2.719 9.64 $26.21 26.56 20.36
    11/2/2007 3136 $2.589 13.75 $35.60 21.67 20.48
    11/2/2007 3406 $2.589 11.59 $30.00 23.30 20.68
    11/15/2007 3673 $2.839 13.70 $38.90 19.49 20.59
    11/23/2007 3743 $2.839 4.93 $14.00 14.20 20.41
    12/2/2007 3829 $2.879 4.52 $13.00 19.05 20.38
    12/5/2007 3878 $2.869 2.37 $6.80 20.67 20.38
    12/11/2007 3969 $2.819 4.82 $13.60 18.86 20.35
  • kipkkipk Member Posts: 1,576
    Looks about right Joe. His Ridgeline turns a few more RPM at a given highway speed than my Pilot.
  • davidd3davidd3 Member Posts: 582
    2007 EXL 4WD.

    I put nearly 13,000 on my Pilot in 2007, and averaged 17.42mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Best tank (mostly highway) returned 21.48mpg. Worst tank (mostly city) returned 15.31mpg.

    Sometimes a family of 5. Other times just me and a load from places such as Costco.

    I'd say the mix is close to 50/50 city/highway, though the highway drives are mostly short drives of 5 to 20 miles each way.

    I do not drive my Pilot aggressively, but I do not have a light foot either. I believe that my driving style is moderate, at least when I'm driving my Pilot that is.
  • zarbazarba Member Posts: 30
    We're at 12K on our Pilot, and mileage is very sensitive to speed and tire inflation. When the Goodyears are pumped up to 38-40 psi, we get about 2 mpg better, and it also handles much better, with less wallowing in corners.

    It'll get 19 mpg on the freeway, A/C on and cruisse set at 78-80 mph.

    I'm traveling this weekend to Chattanooga, and we'll see how she does. If I can keep my foot out of it, and cruise at 75 mph with no A/C, we should be able to get near 20 mpg.
  • mer66mer66 Member Posts: 14
    David, based on my experience (and I drive very conservatively), your mpg is right on the money. (average 17.42mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Best tank (mostly highway) returned 21.48mpg. Worst tank (mostly city) returned 15.31mpg).
    And I believe that is truly about the best anyone can expect from a 4500 lb truck with an EPA rating of 15 city, 20 hwy.
  • kipkkipk Member Posts: 1,576
    zarba,

    At 78-80 MPH you can expect, and will probably get, in the neighborhood of 18-19 mpg under the best of conditions. The wind resistance is real tough at that speed, and really drags down the mileage. Today, You will also likely be headed into some fairly heavy winds, going North. Even so, "Cruising" at 75 might still yield 19-20. Drop her down to 70 and maybe 22-23. That ain't exactly flat ground up there. ;)

    You would probably be amazed at the improvement in mileage if you "Cruise" at the posted speed limits and use a light foot when accelerating . :)

    They are predicting some possible snow/ice in North Georgia and Tennessee. You might be well advised to bring that tire pressure back down to recommended levels.

    Kip
  • cbrunson1cbrunson1 Member Posts: 30
    I haven't put in my two cents worth lately, so here goes. I started keeping track of everything after I got to 5K miles, and I'm pretty happy so far. Since filling up right at 5000 miles, I have driven 3813 miles and pumped 177.75 gallons, for an average of 21.45 MPG. My round trip is about 45 miles a day and a significant portion of it is freeway driving, and I rarely exceed 65 MPH. The engine is probably never warmed up for best performance, so there's opportunity for improvement, but I think I can get to 22 or 23. The mileage is still improving incrementally, as I compared MPG from 6000 miles to current and 7000 miles to current.
    There was a previous post that mentioned pumping up the tires to 38 to 40 and how that makes the Pilot drive better. My experience suggests that it may drive better but ride worse, as in 'like a buckboard.' The tires are not only a part of the steering system, they're also part of the suspension system. The fuller (and now harder) tires may also decrease the road-holding ability of the tires under hard cornering or in wet conditions. BUT, yes, mileage should improve, and to each his (her) own.
  • trmend1trmend1 Member Posts: 59
    Coming up on 5K... I'm averaging at 16 mpg and most of that is scooting around the city to soccer fields, football fields and the hockey rink.... oh.. and of course the grocery store! The chuckwagon is doing me good!

    As to upping the tire pressure... I think I'll try that out.. but in the summer... winter here in the rain and snow I need as much traction as possible!

    Cheers,
    Tess
  • davidd3davidd3 Member Posts: 582
    David, based on my experience (and I drive very conservatively), your mpg is right on the money. (average 17.42mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Best tank (mostly highway) returned 21.48mpg. Worst tank (mostly city) returned 15.31mpg).
    And I believe that is truly about the best anyone can expect from a 4500 lb truck with an EPA rating of 15 city, 20 hwy.

    15/20 must be the revised EPA rating for the Pilot. My 2007 showed 17/22 on the sticker. If the real EPA rating for the 4WD Pilot is 15/20, then I feel better (even OK) about my real world gas mileage. Your remark about my mpg being right on the money also makes me feel better about my mpg. Thanks.
  • cyclone6cyclone6 Member Posts: 8
    Took a 600 mile trip out west going from about 500 ft elevation to over 8,000 feet elevation and got 21.1 mpg bucking a very stiff north-west wind. Return trip got 27.77 mpg. Family of 4 with lots of luggage driving the speed limits. I am consistantly getting aroung 21 mpg around town.
  • kipkkipk Member Posts: 1,576
    Really good mileage considering load and conditions on the trip. Head winds can really hurt a Pilots mileage. Local mileage is outstanding. You have this thing down to a science. :shades: Congratulations!

    Kip
  • parvizparviz Member Posts: 484
    You probably know this....EPA has changed the formula used to calculate the gas mileage, hence the difference in all 2008 cars vs. earlier models, even if there were no model changes were made.
  • davidd3davidd3 Member Posts: 582
    You probably know this....EPA has changed the formula used to calculate the gas mileage, hence the difference in all 2008 cars vs. earlier models, even if there were no model changes were made.

    Understood, which is why I have come around to the view that my 2007 4WD Pilot is really rated at 15/20, not the 17/22 which appeared on the window sticker. Makes it easier to justify (and not feel badly about) my real world gas mileage. My overall average of 17.4mpg for mixed highway/city driving is virtually right at the mid-point between 15 and 20.
  • kipkkipk Member Posts: 1,576
    There was a large sign displaying things that affect fuel mileage. There was the usual, proper tire inflation, don't carry heavy loads unless necessary and blah, blah, blah.....!

    The one that really stood out was:

    Each 5mph, over 60mph, effectively adds $0.15 to each gallon of gas.

    It did not refer to any particular make or model of car.

    Makes sense, as my mileage drops about 12% at 70mph vs 60 mph. Therefore I'm having to buy 12% more gas to travel a given distance. So if I burn 12% more of the $3 gas I will pay "effectively" $3.36 per gallon to run 70 mph vs $3.00 to run 60 mph. .

    I find that to be an interesting way to put it.

    Kip
  • chadnezzarchadnezzar Member Posts: 1
    I drove 1205 miles mostly highways and interstates in florida and got 23 mpg. I usually dont count, but i was amaze by this number. All i thought was i was getting less than 20mpg everytime( around 18-19mpg). Mind you i was running 80-107 miles per hour in the interstates.
  • texaspilottexaspilot Member Posts: 13
    Just a quick update to my Pilot owner friends; we had to sell our's as we purchased an Airstream and needed more towing capability. We had no trouble selling our 06' Pilot 4X4 ES-L with 18K miles for $27K here in Austin area. We purchased an 08 Tahoe and drove it to Montana over the holidays, averaging 19.5 MPG at 80 mph~; high point was 22.5 at 65MPH. Point is, as good or better then my Pilot in MPG, but real surprise was overall experience; ride, comfort, power, turning radius, and sound system are superior! First Chevy, and boy are we impressed. After negotiating $7K discount, it is still about $3K more then the Pilot for equivelint features, but night and day in driving experience. We shall see how it holds up.
  • kipkkipk Member Posts: 1,576
    texaspilot ,

    Sounds like a great vehicle. How is it equipped? 2wd or 4wd ? Which engine? What gear ratio? How does it handle the Airstream. What size Airstream?

    I've been thinking about getting another camper. Hopefully a used Airstream in the 23' . We used to have a 26' Argosy (Painted Airstream), but stupidly sold it. :sick:
    It sure did pull good!

    Kip
  • jimbomarjimbomar Member Posts: 4
    I recently bought (12/15/07) a certified 2006 Pilot EX. with 32K miles. The dealer informed me the previous owner blew the engine and traded it in for a new model. Honda replaced the damaged engine with a brand new engine, which had 200 miles on it when I purchased it.

    The gas mileage I am getting is nothing close to Honda's claims or what I see in the discussion board here and other places. I drive conservatively and always use the cruise control on the highway at speeds between 55-65. My combined mileage (1/2 around town 1/2) highway is about 14.7 mpg. My highway mileage is about 15.8. I made an appointment at the dealer today to get this looked at. The service manager told me it takes about 5K miles to break the car in and get better mileage. I then spoke with the salesman who said the same thing, and mentioned that in winter (live in CT) my mpg would be about 10% less than in warmer weather.

    Is the mileage I am currently experiencing in line with what other owners experienced when their Pilot was new? After the 'break-in' period, can I hope to get possibly 22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined? Is what I am told about a break-in period correct? Any help is GREATLY appreciated
  • trmend1trmend1 Member Posts: 59
    I have an 07 Pilot and depending if you have a 2WD or a 4WD your MPG should be slightly different. The 2WD is more fuel economical. I have had some really hordenous tanks some of them as low as 13mpg... but all in all average about 16-17mpg. The time the engine eats the most gas is in acceleration. The heavier your foot the more gas used. I TRY to keep the tac under 2500 rpm for shifting and I get better mileage. I commute in a Acura RL which has the same engine as the Pilot but 1/2 the weight, if I switch vehicles without changing my driving style I can easily tac the Pilot up to 4000-4500 and see that fuel gauge drop infront of my eyes! Ease to red lights and coast as much as you can until you brake. Its like sunday driving in the midweek chaos! Use the cruise control as much as possible and try to stay within 60 -65 on the highways.

    As for the breaking in period... its been suggested that there is one.. or its a myth. Either way I am at 4400 miles now and I will wait and see if there is a difference in the coming months.

    HTH
    Cheers,
    Tess
  • umkaiumkai Member Posts: 8
    For some reason or the way I drive, I constantly get slightly over 20 MPG City/Hwy Mixed in where I live (Cary, NC) with my 2007 2WD EX-L. For long travel with pure highway driving, I can get 24+ MPG no problem with the cruise control set no greater than 75 mph. It amases me that sometimes we acheive that with 5 passengers and cargo.

    I accelerate moderately but I coast a lot as soon as I anticipate that I will need to slow down or even stop. There is no point to continue the speed and stop abruptly in less than 100 feet away from the intersection. Sometimes the light turns green when I approach and I just accelerate again without touching the brake and I pass those in front of me previously.

    I pumped the front tires to 36 psi and the rears to 34 psi and I think that helps too. The ride is a little bit bumpier but the handling is slightly better.

    At about 12000 miles, I just switched to synthetic oil (Mobil 1) for 2nd oil change and now the engine runs smoother and I anticipate even greater MPG. I will keep you guys posted.
  • jimbomarjimbomar Member Posts: 4
    Thanks Tess, I appreciate the tips. Hopefully over time the mileage will improve. I already drive like my grandmother :cry: to help improve the mileage I get beeped at because I don't move fast enough when the lights turn green
  • trmend1trmend1 Member Posts: 59
    I know.. I know... I like to zip around as much as the next person, but when it comes to driving my chuckwagon (ie the Pilot) I gotta remember that these horses eat alot of oats to get moving ... and we all like to save on oats!! This is the vehicle that is meant to haul people and stuff... and that's it. Sure its nice to have a little styling and more zip.. but its at the cost of the gas tank. So I put on my granny hat on and accelerate at relative snail speed. When its zippy time... I have my thoroughbred Acura for that!

    Please see my next post on my latest story on mileage...

    Cheers,
    Tess
  • trmend1trmend1 Member Posts: 59
    I recall seeing a tire commercial periodically... some racecar driver dude saying "always check your tire pressure". Ya ya sure sure... always thinking.. next time I gas up.. promise.

    Well... for the first time I got the display on my dash showing my left front tire is underinflated. That is nice and handy TPS feature! Well... I knew I didn't have a dedicated tire pressure guage yet (I know, bad girl, I slapped my wrists already!) :blush: and I stopped by the local automotive shop and picked up a handy digital guage for 12 bucks. I went to the gas station to add more air to that front left, but first I wanted to see how low it was... to my amazement, it was only 25psi! Its supposed to be at 32psi. Well.. if that one was low.. I'd better check the rest. All the rest were either 27 or 28 psi. Too low and it probably was affecting my gas mileage. So I pumped up my tires to 32 in front and 34 in back and I'm only 30 miles into my gas tank, so I will see if I get a better mpg return this tank...

    Now I have been shown the light with keeping up with checking my tire pressure, I now wonder if anyone has used nitrogen for their tires and if they have any info to share?

    Cheers,
    Tess
  • bsolve1bsolve1 Member Posts: 3
    I am experiencing the same thing with my 2006 Pilot 4W. I already have 18,000 mi. on it and still waiting for any mileage improvement (ha ha). I live in a totally flat city area and drives it to work generally after the rush hours and where traffic is moderate and encounters about an average of 10 stop lights each way. I have been monitoring my pilot's consumption every time I get full tank of gas and I'm observing that mileage improves when you are easy on your gas pedal specially when moving from stop. Just try to ignore other motorist who may be honking on you. Using the cruise control also helps. My best city/highway mileage was 18/22 but this only happened once when I used cruise control most of the time even within the city and on the full stretch of highway outside the city. Most of the time, I only get about 14 mpg-city and 17 mpg-highway.
  • umkaiumkai Member Posts: 8
    Hi Tess,

    Just like everybody else, Honda sets a threshold lower than the recommended pressure for the tire monitor light to turn on so you will not see the light on as soon as the pressure drops below recommended setting.

    Also, since the front end is heavier, I would pump the front tires with slightly higher pressure to compensate the weight difference. Some manufacturers do suggest higher tire pressure for the front tires since most pessenger vehicles have higher percentage of weight on the front.

    Let us know if your mileage increase after correcting the tire pressure.
  • jimbomarjimbomar Member Posts: 4
    Thanks for the info. I guess the old saying "misery loves company" is true for me. I feel bad for you, but am glad that I am not the only experiencing this problem. I did a lot of on-line investigating and talked to a number of Pilot owners, and all seemed to be getting mpg's close to what Honda quotes. This is why I am so dissapointed with what I am getting. I just filled my tank with 89 octane (previously used 87), and visually it seems to be doing better. The proof will be when I fill the tank again. After that I will try 91 and see if there is any improvement.
  • dfwhondadfwhonda Member Posts: 45
    This question may have been answered previously, but do owners of 08 FWD Pilots with the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system think that it does improve gas mileage?

    My initial thought is that it would improve gas mileage for those who spend more time on the highways than in stop-n-go traffic, but I'm wondering if people are indeed getting the 22 mpg which Honda advertises (in part due to this system on the FWD Pilots).

    I'm looking to purchase a new (at least to me) SUV in the next week or so, and am debating between a 2006 MDX and 2008 FWD Pilot EX-L. If anyone has positive (or negative) comments about VCM and its effect on overall gas mileage, I would greatly appreciate it as that is the one of main reasons I would select the Pilot over the MDX.

    Thanks.
  • upstatedocupstatedoc Member Posts: 710
    Is that 22 mpg overall/city/hwy? My '07 MDX AWD gets 22-23 mpg on the highway and 17-18 in the city w/o VCM.
  • kipkkipk Member Posts: 1,576
    >"but I'm wondering if people are indeed getting the 22 mpg which Honda advertises (in part due to this system on the FWD Pilots). "

    I don't know that the VMC is a wonder mileage maker. It would have to help a bit.
    The drivers foot will have more effect than anything else.

    As far as real world vs EPA sticker. Read up on it. This entire forum is about that. I've gotten 18+/- mpg on a trip with very little elevation change. The return trip the next day was 26+/- with the same load . Major difference was speed, 80+ vs 60-65. Generally speaking with 2 aboard and 68 mph the mileage will be 23-25 depending on terrain, use of AC and such. Mine is an 03 4WD.

    Kip
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