This week - new car - first tank of gas averaged 17 MPG with city/highway driving. A/C used often. Don't laugh, it's been mid 80's here in South Florida. This is a third Honda amongst several domestics. We didnt buy this car for gas mileage alone, it's sure to improve.
Especially since, if I'm assuming correctly that you just bought it recently, the dealer didn't "fill" it, rather they probably just filled it up close to the line, but didn't let the pump shut itself off.
Have fun with it. Do you have a Coupe or Sedan? Just curious.
Well, I put another 1000 miles on my 2008 EX V6 Accord and I am still getting 20-21 mpg. In response to the other posts, I am not running AC, and the windows are closed. Also, I am not relying on a device to calculate my mpg (Not that I do not trust it, just because I do not have one). I use the tripometer and gallons consumed from the gas station receipt to calculate the mpg (Some people may have heard of this old fashioned method !).
I came across another very, very weird problem with the Accord today besides the stiff suspension, hard seats, dim headlight bulbs, etc., that others are complaining about. When I open either of the rear windows at around 70mph, the vehicle shakes violently. It scared the hell out of me the first time it happened. The tires are inflated properly so I know it is not that. Sounds like another major design problem. Could someone try this out and let me know. There could also be a serious and dangerous mechanical problem.
As an added bonus, I am also noticing a loud ticking noise from the engine when I lift the hood. Is this normal?
The car is a sedan.... I love the car. I compare it to my first car which was a 1928 Ford Model A with 42,000 miles (orginal). This was in 1956/7. Some may be suprised by the comparison but both are easy to drive, driver friendly, have a hand break that you can actually pick up, 4 cyl, tight turning ratio and a reliability you can bank on.
I'm sure you are right about the dealer's tank fill-up (not that dealers are bad). I filled up Friday after work and put every drop possilbe in the tank. My tire PSI is on the money.....
I open either of the rear windows at around 70mph, the vehicle shakes violently.
Was it just one window? I've had that happen on the last couple of cars I've owned when I open any window just a little bit. I find that I have to open it either all the way or have the roof or another window open a bit. I don't pretend to know the physics of the situation but getting the right airflow seems to solve the problem. For me, I don't think that the car is actually shaking but the air kind of vibrates like it is the whole car.
If that doesn't sound like your issue, then you may have more problems than I do.
I'm sure you are right about the dealer's tank fill-up (not that dealers are bad). I filled up Friday after work and put every drop possilbe in the tank.
Just stop after the first click; you'll ruin your evap canister if you flood it by pumping too full.
I feel much better since today I am starting to see other posts with the same problem. Here are the details so you can try it yourself. I did not experiment with different speeds, but I do experience it at 70mph. It only occurs when I open the left or right REAR window all the way open. It does not occur with the front windows. The vehicle does not shake a little....it shakes violently. The first time it happened I thought I was going to lose control of the vehicle, so I pulled off to the side of the road. I then started experimenting with it to find out the cause. It sounds like an air flow design problem. It could also be exasperated by the fact that the rear windows do not go down all the way (some glass is exposed). Not sure this is because there is not enough space in the door to accept the glass, child safety thing, etc.
This is yet another problem with this vehicle. The list is growing rapidly. Mostly design or ergonomic problems (Although when I open the hood I am hearing loud tapping from the engine....great). I will have this checked out when I bring it in for the 5000 service. I can't wait until Toyota comes out with a reasonably priced hybrid SUV with decent gas mileage so I can get rid of this piece of junk.
Other problems. Please note that other posts have verified my observations.
Road noise= Loud at highway speeds Vehicle Ride= Very stiff and bumpy ride, especially on back roads. Headlights= Dim. Very noticeable on side or country roads without street lights. Gas Mileage= Poor. 20 - 21 mpg no matter what the driving conditions, even with cruise control on the highway. It is the same on the highway or back roads. This might be considered OK for a six cylinder, but what really bothers me is that it is not even close to the new EPA "so called real world gas mileage ratings". It might improve over time but I am starting to doubt it. Seats= Hard as a rock. Transmission= upshift/downshift surge in lower gear which appears to happen only when vehicle is cold. I have to experiment more.
I have personally not experienced the following problems, but I see many posts about them. VCM rough shifting between 4 and 6 cylinder mode and headlights flickering under load.
So this is the famous Honda Accord that everyone has been talking about over all these years. I may have USED to be a good vehicle. My parents owned one many years ago and it was a much better vehicle.
By the way I contacted Honda Corporate, and I am receiving the same form letter that others are receiving.
Don't know about the rest of your issues, but the rear window thing is common to just about any sedan. In my 92 Accord and my 03 Accord opening only rear windows creates serious air buffeting situation. I liken it to a parachute type of thing. Try this with any sedan, and you will probably have similar results.
Concerning the other issues you mention, I know a test drive will not give you any indication of fuel mileage, or head lights, but a test drive should give you some indication of the ride, seat hardness, road noise, and transmission shifting. When I do a test drive, I try to be thorough. Sometimes the salesman doesn't like it, because I will floor it, and go at least 5 miles :surprise: , but hey I have to be sure I like the car before I sign anything.
I know, it's too late to go back now, but maybe in the future, you will be more thorough, in test driving the next potential car.
"...By the way I contacted Honda Corporate, and I am receiving the same form letter that others are receiving. .."
My EXL V6 has been great and the more I drive it the more I enjoy it, so I have not had a reason to contact Honda but I would really be interested in seeing the form letter that others are receiving. Could you scan it and post it here. Just curious. Thanks.
Okay, seems like I maybe one of the front runners on the mileage category for the 08 Accord. I have about 3100 miles now and the overall mpg for the 3100 miles has been 24.2 mpg. It is mostly due to daily commute with a couple of short highway trips I have taken. So I would say 65% hwy, 35% city. I am noticing an improvement, it could be the more miles or maybe because the weather has been nicer over the last couple of weeks. Watching the trip computer, the freeway mpg is usually at around 34-36. I should note that I try to enjoy driving so I don't pay attention to my driving style for the sake of reducing gas mileage so the mpg that I have got is due to my normal driving conditions.
Filled up just before the trip and got 19.82mpg in mixed driving. 244 miles. A lot of short trips, including many 1 mile drives to/from the train station.
Filled up again upon returning from the trip. Same station. Same pump. Same day. Automatic turn off. Got 31.80mpg. Trip was mostly highway. Speed was either 60 (in 55 zone) or 70 (in 65 zone). It was more 70 than 60. Included a substantial amount of local driving on each end (traffic lights and stop signs), looking around for a place for lunch, stopping for bathroom, got slowed down in some traffic on the way back, etc.
I was thrilled with 31.8mpg for a V6, especially since I just drove the car normally and made no effort to achieve high mpg. With a light foot, I would think 35mpg (or better) could be possible for this same trip. And if there was no local driving involved, geez, could be close to 40.
...I was thrilled with 31.8mpg for a V6, especially since I just drove the car normally and made no effort to achieve high mpg. With a light foot, I would think 35mpg (or better) could be possible for this same trip. And if there was no local driving involved, geez, could be close to 40.
I know the feeling, d3. Chances are, fuel numbers - as you and the car become more congruent - will just get better. My 6M coupe recently logged 300 miles on about 7 3/4 gallons of 87.........
If you had 45k worth of practice, you could post similar numbers.
I am looking forward to picking up my *new to me* Accord on Tues.
Couple questions: What does the L stand for and what additional options are included?
Also, bought the car from a private party for $12,900 with 60k? Mechanic said he would buy it if I didn't. Am I getting as good of deal as I think or is this the going rate?
Yeah, wrong forum, but to make things short and sweet, the "L" basically is a trim level that includes leather, heated seats, auto-climate-control, power driver's seat, etc.
It's based on the EX Accord, and adds the "L" features previously mentioned.
In V6 form in 2005, all you could get was the LX V6 or the EX-L V6. I have a 2006 EX 4-cyl, without the leather and aforementioned goodies, but does include sunroof, 6CD, etc.
Keep us posted on your mileage here though, for sure!! And congrats on the Accord, it sounds like a good deal to me.
My last tank consisted of 40% highway miles, with 30 miles interstate driving at 75mph, the rest 2-lane highway at 60mph. The remaining 60% was city driving. I only managed 23 mpg on a full tank. The 03 Accord LX Auto I had before would have returned 26-29 mpg on this same situation. Obviously very disappointed, and am wondering if there is something wrong with my vehicle.
I agree with you both, my 03 does better than my 95 did. The 08s as a hole probably do very well, but since it is winter, there are a lot of variables that just don't exist during the summer, granted there are variables during the summer, but not nearly as many. A lot also depends on location.
I live in SC, and it has been unseasonably warm lately, so I doubt winter conditions are a part of the problem. In fact, it was still 80+ degrees when I purchased the car in September, and the mileage was the same. I consistently get 4-5 mpg less with this vehicle.
I haven't heard anything that points to different reports than you gave us on the 08s. They seem to have signinficantly lower mileage (on the 4 cyl) than the Gen VII, and actually less than the Gen V or VI as well.
I think that was a HUGE mistake Honda made, if it turns out that is the case. I have been thoroughly disappointed with this car. The front struts were replaced, had loose window weather stripping, a paint defect on one door, and now tire noise like cupped tires. I suspect that the strut problem may be to blame for that.
Had been semi depressed about my mpg lately. Dropped from about 35 mpg for my rolling 10 tank average to just under 30 mpg. Snow tires, lots of wind, and extremely cold temps were some of the contributing factors.
Yesterday was warmer. I had a 470 mile trip. 200 down 70 there and 200 back. Way down was just under 35 mpg. 2,000 ft elevation gain and headwind kept it down some as did the 30 - 40 degree temps (still much warmer than it had been). I filled up beflore my trip back - put in a little more than usual as the pumps were different. The trip back was at 65 mph. In my favor was a tailwind, 65 degree temps and a general downhill trip. Working against good mpg - I still have my snow tires on and my scangauge II is still calibrated for really cold temps (it takes 5.9% of the reading instead of 2 or 3% in the summer)
My mileage was 44.2 for 200 miles. I have had close to that mpg before at 65 mph for even longer trips, but that was on flat roads on the eastern part of SD. This trip was driving around/through the badlands of SD - very hilly. The astounding thing is that after driving 200 miles my gas gauge was only down 1.5 ticks from full - ie: it shows I have used less than 1/8 of a tank. I drove 160 miles before the needle was lined up with the heavy line by the F.
Loving the warmer weather.
I was halfway tempted to keep gong to get a 700 mile tank.
Obviously this trip was pure highway (although I did manage to hit the only light for the whole trip) and the conditions were pretty good so don't expect these numbers on a daily basis. My average for the full 470 miles was a little under 39 mpg which included into the wind on the way there and some in town driving.
Wow, i thought I did good when I got 60 miles to the thick F line 160? That seems crazy!
I'm heading for the gulf tomorrow; with moderate temps and lots of troopers on the highways, I'll be closer to 70 mph, hopefully to make for the 3rd 40MPG run of my car's life.
Yea it does seem crazy, I think I overfilled because the pump was different. I usually put in about 3/4 of a gallon after the first click, but this time over 2 gallons went in. It must have been going in just right to not keep triggering the cutoff.
My latest tank on the 08 EXL 4 Cyl was 19.3 mpg, all city mileage. Very disappointing. My grandfather's Buick LeSabre gets better mileage with a 3.8 V6!
With temps warming, my last 2 tanks have been right at the 27mpg mark (o8, LX 5spd) with mixed driving. Still hoping for near 30 once the snow tires, freezing weather, and winter-blend gas go bye bye.
I just took a trip with my brother. He was driving his 05 Pilot with his family and I was driving my 08 Accord I4 AT. We drove the same roads, at the same speed, at the same time. We filled up at the same time and then drove 350miles. His Pilot got 25mpg and my Accord got 27.2mpg. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm -- that ain't right!! :confuse:
First tank averaged 17 MPG with city/highway driving. A/C used often. ... mid 80's here ... didnt buy [the] car for gas mileage alone, it's sure to improve
Second tank results with light A/C 60% City/40% Hwy. Moderate temps (low 80's days). Importantly I modified my driving style from first away at the green light to easy does it; AND, the transmission at 500 miles morfed from that of an over wound clock to something smooth and athletic - amazing. 24.6 MPG for 380 miles.
Were you driving in front of the Pilot to break the wind for him? :shades: The V-6 Accord should beat the Pilot by more than 2 mpg - the I4 should do better still. Maybe more break in will help. Driving style is a factor as well. I know some people who can't pass on the highway without flooring it, then they will slow back down. This really hurts mpg.
I had the opportunity to repeat my trip from the other week. Filled up at the same pump (or I should say overfilled) and had the same results. This time I was in more of a hurry on the way down (200 miles) and only got 33.5 mpg. 72 mph, headwind, generally uphill, 30 degrees. On the way back (after filling up) I got 45.1 mpg. This time I slowed down to 60 mph and had a tailwind, was generally going downhill and the temp was about 50 degrees. The tailwind was not as good as last trip (nor was the temp) thus the small increase despite dropping 5 mph. The extra mpg did get me to 175 miles when the needle was lined up with the full mark.
This is really too fun - I probably should be carefull about overfilling though.
My previous tank took me 595.5 miles (new record) and the light had only been on for 10 miles. Ironically the pump I filled up at was overly sensative and I could not get much gas in. So my overall mpg was calculated at 43.5 for the tank. I know this is bogus because of the different fills - my scangauge calculated it at 39-ish.
Numbers are from a scangauge II 2007 SE I4 5MT. Snow tires, 0w-20 synthetic oil, 39 psi tires.
I drive 50-50 highway/city. I have a light foot(The ECO light is hard coded on the dash). The air is off, no riding w/ foot on the brake or emergency brake on. The roads are flat, no grades or mountains....
After 12-15 fill ups.. 14-14.5 MPG. I took it to the dealer, they did an analysis and came up w. nothing.
I calculate by resetting the trip meter, filling to shut off. Then next fill up, fill to shut off, take the gallons used and divide into trip. Religously a measily 14-14.5 MPG.
My 2003 HONDA EX V6 did 20+ consistanly.
With 4$ a possibilty. This is very disappointing to say the least.
I already replied to this in the Answers section so I won't repeat anything here except that tankbeans reminded me of something else.
If you use the auto-climate control, the AC is running the whole time, even if it is cold outside. As tankbeans said, using the defogger also uses AC, which harms mileage.
I have driven just over 2000 miles on my 08 Accord 4cyl 5MT EX-L.
I am averaging 24.5 MPG mixed driving, 30 MPG highway, and 22 MPG for city driving.
I've noticed that the OEM Michelins are underinflated, and I have noticed improvement in fuel economy just by increasing tire pressure to above 33 psi.
My new 2008 Accord EXL V6 is getting more fuel efficient.
Test #1 Jan 8 2008, 350 mile trip with ~90% highway miles. With only 900 miles on the car I averaged 22.2 mpg.
Test #2 March 23, 2008, same trip. with ~1800 miles on the car I averaged 25.6 mpg. I set the cruise at about 75 mph for most of the trip.
The ECO light was on 60% - 75% of the time and the ride was very smooth. VCM switching was not noticable, just a great feeling to cruise up behind another car with 3 or 4 cylinders working, then blow by them with all 6 cylinders providing acceleration.
The National Speed Limit of 55MPH was established by the U.S. Congress in 1974 in response to the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo. In the interest of accuracy and fairness, the President at that time was Richard M. Nixon.
I also have the same problem. Putting both back windows down at 70 mph and the car shakes violently and the noise inside of the car is deafening. Why have 4 doors if you can't roll down the back windows? Don't have this problem with my 2001.
Second tank got 22.16 MPG. I have not been happy with the car so I drove the crap out of it on this tank. Last tank was 24.5. Both are 70% highway miles.
Got my new LX-P last week and I am really luvin it. My commute varies between 70/30 Hwy/City to 60/40 depending on traffic. My first tank of gas after the dealer fill up gave me 27.8 mpg.
I am very happy with that after being a little worried about reading other I4 owners with poor milage.
My 2003 had the exact same issue. It doesn't really bother me, I just crack the front windows or sunroof and the problem goes away. The mileage does suck on the 08 4cyl, at least mine does.
It's because the car is airtight, at least that's my understanding. If you crack your own window when you have the rear windows down, the problem will be fixed. This happens to all cars, not just Hondas.
It's weird because my 2001 does not do it. If it is an airtight thing, then the 2001 must not be airtight which would not suprise me considering all the other issues I've had with it. I like to drive with the back windows down because having the front windows down is really loud and I also like to save gas by not using the AC. I'll try your solution today and see what happens.
If you research tips on fuel economy some will tell you that air conditioning, while creating a drag on the engine, is actually better for fuel economy then opening your windows, particularly at hwy speeds. Consumer Reports found that both open windows and air conditioning used about 1 mpg. I always use AC because it is quieter, cleaner and more comfortable.
If you research tips on fuel economy some will tell you that air conditioning, while creating a drag on the engine, is actually better for fuel economy then opening your windows, particularly at hwy speeds.
I've seen this myth debunked several times. MythBusters even did a show on it. A/C kills mileage. You do much better with it off and your windows open. I've confirmed it in my own cars.
Here's an article that discusses it as well as other fuel saving tips: Road and Track
I guess for me it started when I had my first accord, a 4 cyl SE 4 Dr model back in the early 90's. Everytime I had the AC on, it was a major power drain. So I just learned to drive with out it. Over the years I have just continued to do the same thing. It does save gas in my opinion (and I did see the mythbuster episode) It seems the new accord is louder and more unstable with the windows down than some of the past accords. The wind noise can really be deafening some times. In the old accord, you could hear the wind outside of the car, now it seems like it's inside of the car (if that makes any sense).
Comments
Have fun with it. Do you have a Coupe or Sedan? Just curious.
I came across another very, very weird problem with the Accord today besides the stiff suspension, hard seats, dim headlight bulbs, etc., that others are complaining about. When I open either of the rear windows at around 70mph, the vehicle shakes violently. It scared the hell out of me the first time it happened. The tires are inflated properly so I know it is not that. Sounds like another major design problem. Could someone try this out and let me know. There could also be a serious and dangerous mechanical problem.
As an added bonus, I am also noticing a loud ticking noise from the engine when I lift the hood. Is this normal?
The car is a sedan.... I love the car. I compare it to my first car which was a 1928 Ford Model A with 42,000 miles (orginal). This was in 1956/7. Some may be suprised by the comparison but both are easy to drive, driver friendly, have a hand break that you can actually pick up, 4 cyl, tight turning ratio and a reliability you can bank on.
I'm sure you are right about the dealer's tank fill-up (not that dealers are bad). I filled up Friday after work and put every drop possilbe in the tank. My tire PSI is on the money.....
thanks
Was it just one window? I've had that happen on the last couple of cars I've owned when I open any window just a little bit. I find that I have to open it either all the way or have the roof or another window open a bit. I don't pretend to know the physics of the situation but getting the right airflow seems to solve the problem. For me, I don't think that the car is actually shaking but the air kind of vibrates like it is the whole car.
If that doesn't sound like your issue, then you may have more problems than I do.
Just stop after the first click; you'll ruin your evap canister if you flood it by pumping too full.
This is yet another problem with this vehicle. The list is growing rapidly. Mostly design or ergonomic problems (Although when I open the hood I am hearing loud tapping from the engine....great). I will have this checked out when I bring it in for the 5000 service. I can't wait until Toyota comes out with a reasonably priced hybrid SUV with decent gas mileage so I can get rid of this piece of junk.
Other problems. Please note that other posts have verified my observations.
Road noise= Loud at highway speeds
Vehicle Ride= Very stiff and bumpy ride, especially on back roads.
Headlights= Dim. Very noticeable on side or country roads without street lights.
Gas Mileage= Poor. 20 - 21 mpg no matter what the driving conditions, even with cruise control on the highway. It is the same on the highway or back roads. This might be considered OK for a six cylinder, but what really bothers me is that it is not even close to the new EPA "so called real world gas mileage ratings". It might improve over time but I am starting to doubt it.
Seats= Hard as a rock.
Transmission= upshift/downshift surge in lower gear which appears to happen only when vehicle is cold. I have to experiment more.
I have personally not experienced the following problems, but I see many posts about them. VCM rough shifting between 4 and 6 cylinder mode and headlights flickering under load.
So this is the famous Honda Accord that everyone has been talking about over all these years. I may have USED to be a good vehicle. My parents owned one many years ago and it was a much better vehicle.
By the way I contacted Honda Corporate, and I am receiving the same form letter that others are receiving.
Concerning the other issues you mention, I know a test drive will not give you any indication of fuel mileage, or head lights, but a test drive should give you some indication of the ride, seat hardness, road noise, and transmission shifting. When I do a test drive, I try to be thorough. Sometimes the salesman doesn't like it, because I will floor it, and go at least 5 miles :surprise: , but hey I have to be sure I like the car before I sign anything.
I know, it's too late to go back now, but maybe in the future, you will be more thorough, in test driving the next potential car.
My EXL V6 has been great and the more I drive it the more I enjoy it, so I have not had a reason to contact Honda but I would really be interested in seeing the form letter that others are receiving. Could you scan it and post it here. Just curious. Thanks.
Averaging 22.62mpg in mixed driving.
Finally took a trip. 252 miles.
Filled up just before the trip and got 19.82mpg in mixed driving. 244 miles. A lot of short trips, including many 1 mile drives to/from the train station.
Filled up again upon returning from the trip. Same station. Same pump. Same day. Automatic turn off. Got 31.80mpg. Trip was mostly highway. Speed was either 60 (in 55 zone) or 70 (in 65 zone). It was more 70 than 60. Included a substantial amount of local driving on each end (traffic lights and stop signs), looking around for a place for lunch, stopping for bathroom, got slowed down in some traffic on the way back, etc.
I was thrilled with 31.8mpg for a V6, especially since I just drove the car normally and made no effort to achieve high mpg. With a light foot, I would think 35mpg (or better) could be possible for this same trip. And if there was no local driving involved, geez, could be close to 40.
I know the feeling, d3. Chances are, fuel numbers - as you and the car become more congruent - will just get better. My 6M coupe recently logged 300 miles on about 7 3/4 gallons of 87.........
If you had 45k worth of practice, you could post similar numbers.
best, ez....
Couple questions: What does the L stand for and what additional options are included?
Also, bought the car from a private party for $12,900 with 60k? Mechanic said he would buy it if I didn't. Am I getting as good of deal as I think or is this the going rate?
S.
oops - wrong forum, but I'll post the mpgs.......
It's based on the EX Accord, and adds the "L" features previously mentioned.
In V6 form in 2005, all you could get was the LX V6 or the EX-L V6. I have a 2006 EX 4-cyl, without the leather and aforementioned goodies, but does include sunroof, 6CD, etc.
Keep us posted on your mileage here though, for sure!! And congrats on the Accord, it sounds like a good deal to me.
Yesterday was warmer. I had a 470 mile trip. 200 down 70 there and 200 back. Way down was just under 35 mpg. 2,000 ft elevation gain and headwind kept it down some as did the 30 - 40 degree temps (still much warmer than it had been). I filled up beflore my trip back - put in a little more than usual as the pumps were different. The trip back was at 65 mph. In my favor was a tailwind, 65 degree temps and a general downhill trip. Working against good mpg - I still have my snow tires on and my scangauge II is still calibrated for really cold temps (it takes 5.9% of the reading instead of 2 or 3% in the summer)
My mileage was 44.2 for 200 miles. I have had close to that mpg before at 65 mph for even longer trips, but that was on flat roads on the eastern part of SD. This trip was driving around/through the badlands of SD - very hilly. The astounding thing is that after driving 200 miles my gas gauge was only down 1.5 ticks from full - ie: it shows I have used less than 1/8 of a tank. I drove 160 miles before the needle was lined up with the heavy line by the F.
Loving the warmer weather.
I was halfway tempted to keep gong to get a 700 mile tank.
Obviously this trip was pure highway (although I did manage to hit the only light for the whole trip) and the conditions were pretty good so don't expect these numbers on a daily basis. My average for the full 470 miles was a little under 39 mpg which included into the wind on the way there and some in town driving.
I'm heading for the gulf tomorrow; with moderate temps and lots of troopers on the highways, I'll be closer to 70 mph, hopefully to make for the 3rd 40MPG run of my car's life.
I thought the gauge was broken for a while there.
I just took a trip with my brother. He was driving his 05 Pilot with his family and I was driving my 08 Accord I4 AT. We drove the same roads, at the same speed, at the same time. We filled up at the same time and then drove 350miles. His Pilot got 25mpg and my Accord got 27.2mpg. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm -- that ain't right!! :confuse:
Second tank results with light A/C 60% City/40% Hwy. Moderate temps (low 80's days). Importantly I modified my driving style from first away at the green light to easy does it; AND, the transmission at 500 miles morfed from that of an over wound clock to something smooth and athletic - amazing. 24.6 MPG for 380 miles.
I had the opportunity to repeat my trip from the other week. Filled up at the same pump (or I should say overfilled) and had the same results. This time I was in more of a hurry on the way down (200 miles) and only got 33.5 mpg. 72 mph, headwind, generally uphill, 30 degrees. On the way back (after filling up) I got 45.1 mpg. This time I slowed down to 60 mph and had a tailwind, was generally going downhill and the temp was about 50 degrees. The tailwind was not as good as last trip (nor was the temp) thus the small increase despite dropping 5 mph. The extra mpg did get me to 175 miles when the needle was lined up with the full mark.
This is really too fun - I probably should be carefull about overfilling though.
My previous tank took me 595.5 miles (new record) and the light had only been on for 10 miles. Ironically the pump I filled up at was overly sensative and I could not get much gas in. So my overall mpg was calculated at 43.5 for the tank. I know this is bogus because of the different fills - my scangauge calculated it at 39-ish.
Numbers are from a scangauge II 2007 SE I4 5MT. Snow tires, 0w-20 synthetic oil, 39 psi tires.
I drive 50-50 highway/city. I have a light foot(The ECO light is hard coded on the
dash). The air is off, no riding w/ foot on the brake or emergency brake on.
The roads are flat, no grades or mountains....
After 12-15 fill ups.. 14-14.5 MPG. I took it to the dealer, they did an analysis
and came up w. nothing.
I calculate by resetting the trip meter, filling to shut off. Then next fill up, fill to
shut off, take the gallons used and divide into trip.
Religously a measily 14-14.5 MPG.
My 2003 HONDA EX V6 did 20+ consistanly.
With 4$ a possibilty. This is very disappointing to say the least.
Any feedback would be great !
If you use the auto-climate control, the AC is running the whole time, even if it is cold outside. As tankbeans said, using the defogger also uses AC, which harms mileage.
I am averaging 24.5 MPG mixed driving, 30 MPG highway, and 22 MPG for city driving.
I've noticed that the OEM Michelins are underinflated, and I have noticed improvement in fuel economy just by increasing tire pressure to above 33 psi.
Test #1
Jan 8 2008, 350 mile trip with ~90% highway miles. With only 900 miles on the car I averaged 22.2 mpg.
Test #2
March 23, 2008, same trip. with ~1800 miles on the car I averaged 25.6 mpg. I set the cruise at about 75 mph for most of the trip.
The ECO light was on 60% - 75% of the time and the ride was very smooth. VCM switching was not noticable, just a great feeling to cruise up behind another car with 3 or 4 cylinders working, then blow by them with all 6 cylinders providing acceleration.
As temps have crept up, so has my MPG.
Second tank got 22.16 MPG. I have not been happy with the car so I drove the crap out of it on this tank. Last tank was 24.5. Both are 70% highway miles.
I am very happy with that after being a little worried about reading other I4 owners with poor milage.
Try it.
I've seen this myth debunked several times. MythBusters even did a show on it. A/C kills mileage. You do much better with it off and your windows open. I've confirmed it in my own cars.
Here's an article that discusses it as well as other fuel saving tips: Road and Track