Post Your Van Gas Mileage Here

dudleyr

Look at the latest CR - it tests the Ody and the Sienna. The mileage is pretty close.

 

If you wait a year the hybrid Sienna might be out.

 

Have you looked at a Ford Freestyle? It is larger than a Highlander, and gets fairly good mileage. It is based on the large Volvo platform, and got 5 star crash ratings all around without side airbags (they are available though).

hansienna

Which issue? I recently subscribed to CR and have not seen a test of minivans yet.

     In Edmunds long term tests, the '99 Ody EX averaged 18.3 MPG, 01 GC ES averaged 17.8 MPG, and the 04 Sienna XLE has averaged a much lower 16.0 MPG.

     Ody was 14.4 % BETTER than Sienna while the GC was 11.2 % BETTER than the Sienna and all 3 were lower than EPA Ratings.

     MY 2002 T&C LX was getting better than EPA 18/24 rating but the average has dropped with winter driving.

dudleyr

The March issue. It just came out. Edmunds tests are a good guide, but the mileage is not under identical conditions from one vehicle to the next.

hansienna

THANKS. Mine should be in the mail and if not soon delivered, it will be time to complain to the US Postal Service.

     How many minivans were included in CR's test?

dudleyr

The new Odyssey, the Sienna, the new Chrysler and the Saturn (same as Chevy etc.). They were rated in that order, thought the first two were a virtual tie.

 

City mpg was 13 for Sienna 12 for Odyssey.

Hwy mpg was 27 for sienna and 28 for Odyssey. The both tied at 19 mpg overall.

 

Their city test is pretty heavy city driving loop they do, and their highway is at a steady 65 mph on flat ground with no wind.

 

Highway was a little dissapointing for both, given that the Sienna got 30 mpg last year on the highway in the same test (and got an overall average of 21). I did notice that the EPA highway for the Sienna went from 27 last year to 26 this year. Not sure what they did, probably something silly like changing the gearing to take an imperceptable couple of tenths off of the 0-60 times. BTW both vans tied for 0-60 in the test. 8.6 seconds I think.

shootmealready

We have the new 05 Odyssey, as of late Dec. We generally we like the vehicle very much as it drives well and is quiet and comfortable. However, we are not sure why we are not even getting the average city mileage despite that most of our mileage is rural without lights.

 

I have noticed that strong odor from incomplete combustion at idle in our driveway-this seems strange as I associate this with an auto's exhaust that are accelerating hard out in front of me.

 

We are out of town in a different vehicle and plan on having the engine diagnosed by the dealer upon our return. I trust they can explain the less than 20 mpg overall.

 

I would address the mileage issue forcefully with your Honda dealer. We purchased the vehicle in part because we believed at face value the 20/28 mpg with the VCM option.

 

jon

hansienna

Winter driving kills gas mileage.

     Drive it on the interstate highway on a long round trip and keep the speed at 65 MPH or less and your Odyssey will easily exeed the 28 MPG EPA highway rating.

marine2

Besides some of the driving tips in some of these posts to help you get better mileage, here is another. Keep your windows rolled up anytime your driving over 35 MPH. That wind coming into your car or van can effect your mileage.

craigmri

Its been proven that cars get better gas mileage with the windows rolled down(and air conditioning turned off) VS Windows rolled up(with air on).

 

Air conditioning zaps gas mileage.

 

Saw it tested on Mythbusters :-)

 

Craig

stever

I was drinking a Coke and eating Pop Rocks and my stomach exploded and missed that episode that night.

 

If 'Mythbusters' can't solve it, they'll have fun blowing it up (SignOn San Diego)

 

Steve, Host

marine2

Mythbusters, I have never heard of the show. It sounds good I'll have to watch it. I also see they are going to retest it going faster. How often does this show come on?

dudleyr

Who drives 45 on the highway? 70 is more like it, and there is a huge amount of wind at that speed.

marine2

I have always heard that at higher speeds, windows down will use more gas than A/C. It would seem you only have to put your hand out to feel the pressure the wind has on it. I'm interested in having them redo the test and see what it says. I would think it would show even at 45mph

craigmri

I believe the test they performed was around the 55 MPH range.

 

Keep in mind, your widshield takes the wind blast not your side windows. There is some drag by the side windows being open but not as much as you think. The A/C compressor running off an accessory belt really puts a drag on your engine.

 

I believe MythBusters is on at 9pm wednesday nights on the Discover channel.

 

Craig

dudleyr

The article said the speed was 45 mph. Since resistance goes up exponentially with speed the difference with windows down will be much greater at high speeds.

 

To kind of keep on topic. I don't think minivans will effected as much because they have a much greater amount of wind to push to begin with, so the additional drag would probably be a smaller percent. A small car with a great Cd and a small frontal area would be hurt more by suddenly having its drag greatly increased. Also minivans tend to have fewer windows to roll down.

marine2

Thanks Craig. I realize the force of the wind hitting the windshield. But just roll down the two front windows in a car and see how much wind hits the passengers in the back seat. That wind has no where to go but hitting the back of the car, Now if there were no rear window, the air could just flow right threw. I'm no expert but that seems like it would be a heck of drag.

 

Ever notice these 18 wheelers now that put wind deflectors on top of their cab to keep the wind from hitting the flat front of the tailor? I would think the same thing happens in a car or van with the windows rolled down.

jipster

Not to toot my own horn..TOOT TOOT! But, I invented the wind deflector that fits on top of semi's cab.Didn't get it patented though...probably lost out on millions.Got a few more projects on the drawing board though.Is there a buy/sell/invest in crazy schemes board here somewhere?

marine2

Was a good invention jipster. To bad you didn't have a patent on it.

 

Well on my second full tank of gas on my Dodge GC 3.8 at about 65/35 highway/city driving, I got 19.66 MPG. That already beat the best I got out of my V6 Dodge Dakota truck, all highway. Still have less than 1,000 miles on the engine.

garandman

The article said the speed was 45 mph. Since resistance goes up exponentially with speed the difference with windows down will be much greater at high speeds.


No it doesn't. Aerodynamic drag varies as the square of the speed - double the speed and aerodynamic drag increases four fold.

 

The drag equation also includes a drag coefficient and the frontal area.

 

The rule of thumb has usually been that at 55 mph the amount of drag is about the same as all the other components. As speed increases, the drag loading increases beyond that.

 

At 45 mph it would not be surprising that having the windows open doesn't create enough turbulance to matter. At realistic highway speeds even the size of the rear view mirrors impacts mileage, and I'd be equally surprised that anyone would save anything, even if they were willing to live with the noise and buffeting. Simply putting the AC on recirculate will save you the most.

hansienna

Last tank with winter driving was 18.2 MPG. Total average for the 4837 miles since I got it is now down to 25.6 MPG but will probably continue to drop until warmer weather arrives and we go on another trip.

dudleyr

Isn't 2 an exponent?

 

The point is that it is not linear.

garandman

Ah - you got me! Nevertheless drag is squared as a function of velocity.

dtownfb

It is so nice to come to these boards to learn physics. I think it has been proven by folks who are smarter and paid to do this type of analysis that at Highway speeds, it is more fuel efficeint to roll up the windows and turn on the AC. It also makes for a quieter ride which is more valuable then worrying about saving less then a dollar at each fill up.

stickguy

In any case, slowing down will make a much bigger difference than rolling up the windows, but don't discount the impact of having the AC running.

 

One reason I like moonroofs. You can get fresh air without the noise/blowing around you get with open windows.

 

Pretty simple to do a test if you have a trip computer. Use the "instant" mileage readout, and test the scenarios. Pick a nice straight stretch of road, take a reading with AC on/off, windows up/down, and a a few speeds.

 

I bet the biggest difference will be cruising at 65 instead of 80.

stever

You like physics? We got physics :-)

 

Auto Physics 101

 

I bet the test guys on that TV show never thought about using the instant mpg gizmos that are in lots of cars these days.

 

Steve, Host

hlmrspd

I have an 05 Odyssey (VCM). With the cruise set at 65 mph I get 22 mpg on the interstate, and this is in Texas with temps in the 50's. This is not even close to the advertised 28 mpg.

fosterbnb

I have a 2001 Chry T&C 3.8L, with 73000 miles, Best Mileage to date has been 24.5 on a road trip(before the 2nd set of twins and the needed roof carrier), now we average 19-20 mpg local and 21 on the highway with 6 persons(~800 lbs people, equipment/luggage and 4 car seats) always driving 70-74 mph on the interstate

lemmer

We just took a trip in my wife's 2004 Odyssey. It got right at 23 mpg with the cruise set at about 82 mph. That is with 4 people and a lot of stuff. That is ok, I guess.

user777

hlmrspd,

i believe people will tell you, that regarless of vehicle make, allow the vehicle to go through the break-in period and your mileage should improve to some extent.

 

on our '03 ODY, we noticed the effect, but i can't unfortunately quantify it because my wife is the predominate driver of the car, and she chose to ignore my tracking system which i had started when we first purchased it. i think i got to fill it the first few times (2 or 3) because i was checking for any leaks or abnormal appearence in the engine compartment. now it's just not practical to do the tracking since i drive it so infrequently. oh well.

 

make sure that your tires are inflated properly. i think the recommended min pressure is on the driver's door jam, and the max pressure is on the tire sidewall. i think some people advocate running a few pounds over the recommended rating on the doorjam to achieve better mileage...read your owners and tire manual. get a decent tire pressure gauge (for example, target sells a digital model which has served me well).

hlmrspd

My tires are at 35# and I have 7500 miles on the van. The gas mileage has been roughly the same since I purchased the vehicle.

 

Do any of the 05 Odyssey owners with VCM actually get the 28 mpg on the highway?

marine2

It also helps to change your driving habits. Take off from the light should be a little slower than normal. You don't have to push the peddle half way down to get going.

 

I am always watching traffic and signals ahead. If traffic is lite behind you and you see a red light up ahead, take your foot off the gas and coast up to the light. You can coast for over a half a block without dropping your speed that much. If by coasting up to the light, it allows you to make it as it turns green, you've saved yourself from taking off from a dead stop. Which burns up the most gas. Your also saving on brakes.

 

If it's not to hot out, turn on your blower and let the outside air cool you off without opening your windows and causing wind drag. (Remember to turn off the recirculating switch.)Save from using your A/C as much as possible. If you do use your A/C, you want the recirculating switch on. Use the lightest oil your van will take. It helps the engine run easier. Use the cruise control as much as possible on the freeways. Steady speeds is important, especially in town. Drive like you have an egg under your foot. A clean waxed van also help wind glide off your van better.Do these things and you'll pick up gas mileage.

hansienna

Opening a side rear window just a little in a minivan will let the outside air flow through the vehicle quietly like you are getting with your moonroof.

jipster

Man...sounds like the movie Road Warrior if gas is that precious where you have to drive as if there is an egg under your foot.Kind of defeats the purpose of having a 240 whatever horsepower engine doesn't it?When the time comes where people have to soak up spilled gasoline off the road with a sponge(like Mad Max)..then I'll start worrying about mpg.Until then, roll down them windows people, stick your head out into the clean fresh air...and howl and bark like a dog.

Like is to short to be freakin out over your mpg all the time.

   I test mine mpg within a month of when I get a new vehicle.Maybe, every year after that.Inbetween those times,"AAhhWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH AAARRRGGHHHH WOOOOOHHHHH AAAARRRRRR" etc

marine2

I like the challenge of seeing how much better mileage I can squeeze out of my van, especially in city driving.

 

It doesn't take much pushing down on the peddle and seeing how fast you can go. Anyone can do that. It's fun seeing if you can up the mileage a mile or two more a gallon.

hlmrspd

What you've stated is correct however, I'm talking about highway driving with mild temps. The speed is a steady 65 and the A/C is on low. There are a lot of variables to account for with city driving that is why I like to compare highway mileage.

marine2

I have always thought that once you turned on the A/C, it didn't make any difference weather it was on high or low,as far as mileage goes. As the compressor is engaged and it's going to go as fast as the belt and speed of the engine turns it. It seems the only thing that is going faster is the fan that blows the A\C out and the fan shouldn't make any difference to mileage anymore than turning on a dome light. The only thing that should make a difference, is if you use the A/C or not.

 

At least that is what I have always believed. Maybe someone out there that knows something about this can help us out on if I'm all wet on my thinking or not. I sure wouldn't put any money down that I'm right.

user777

yeah - you can overdo it, but tracking mileage is one way of determining the health of the overall system. if you note a significant drop in mileage, it could be indicative of other problems. every fill is excessive; once a year may be too infrequent. as they say YMMV.

stever

every fill is excessive

 

I've kept a mileage book since the mid-70's. It only takes a few seconds to record date, gallons, and miles traveled. It's a cheap hobby.

 

Steve, Host

marine2

I have an envelope that I keep in my filing cabinet under Van. After every fill, I write on the receipt the miles on the trip mileage and the receipt has the gallons on it. I figure out the MPG used and and write it on the receipt. I put the receipt in the envelope. I also write on it if it was the first, second or third fill up. Gives me an idea if I am gaining mileage as the engine breaks in. I like the idea of having a little book to write it down on. You could keep it right with the van.

 

Your right Steve, it's a good hobby. Makes you want to do a little better every time you fill up. How can I get a little better mileage out of this tankful

rorr

Or you can just take the little receipt slip that come out of the pump, jot the odometer reading on it and put it in the glovebox or your wallet.

vcheng

My overall average on a long trip (cruising at about 70-75 mph) in a 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan with a "low tech" OHV pushrod 3.8 l motor and only a 4 speed automatic is about 24 mpg. However, driven sedately, it has returned OVER 30 mpg at speeds not exceeding 65 mph.

 

I am now at 70,000 miles and will post a summary over this mileage once I get chance to enter all the receipts into MS Excel.

jipster

Yeah...that's great if you enjoy keeping track of your mpg as a hobby or whatever.I'm just saying I wouldn't be stressing out over it.

hansienna

No stress, just a few moments at each fill. With the accurate trip computer in a DC minivan, it is interesting to compare the manual calculation with the Trip Computer.

     Although the complete overhead console with compass/outside temperature and trip computer is a nice "toy", the great comfort of separately controlled temperature for the driver and front passenger is one feature that is a MUST HAVE on any vehicle I will buy.

     Good gas mileage is just another plus with a DC minivan....(compensates for the higher depreciation in the first few years).

user777

good point about comparing the manual computation (miles driven / gallons pumped) to a trip computer if present in your vehicle. some trip computers may be more accurate than others. i seem to remember my '85 Jetta GLI had a pretty consistent and accurate long-term MPG estimate from the trip computer, but i preferred to calculate it the manual way anyway to make sure the fuel consumption was as expected.

jipster

Ughh folks...I'm talking about worrying about your mpg all the time. NOT writing it down at each fill or checking your trip computer... or writing every single ounce you've put in your vehicle for the last 20 years.If you enjoy that stuff great... more power to ya. I'm talking about "stressing out" that your van is only getting 15,18,21,23 or 27 mpg instead of the stated 28 mpg. Doeth anyone see my point on this matter?

hansienna

Good post. Agree with you 100 %.

stever

It goes back to watching the health of the vehicle. If I average 21 mpg and all of a sudden a tank or two drops down to 15, it's immediately noticeable. That's when I stress out.

 

And it's also fun to pull up my spreadsheet on my van and see that when I filled up during its first February (2/5/99), I got my all time low mpg of 11.16 mpg. On 2/6/04 I got a more typical winter city mpg of 18.11. Fascinating stuff isn't it, lol.

 

Steve, Host

marine2

I understand what your talking about jipster, but to me it's not stressing out. I look at it like a guy playig a video game or a batter coming up to bat. It's a challenge to beat your last tank full of gas by getting more mileage out of it. I glance at the overhead computer every once in awhile and see if I can keep it above the 18mpg in city driving, 24 on highway. As that is what the van is rated to get. It's really a lot of fun.

ddown

My New 05 T&C got 24.7 average with 2 adults and over 600lbs of cargo. This is from VA to Texas 1200 miles 1 way. Will report on milage going back might take rout a little less through the mountains.

stickguy

With the Ody, I don't think the mileage is bad considering what it is (4,500 lbs, 255 HP, all that room). What's bugging people is they can't get what's on the sticker.