You must drive with an egg under the accelerator on flat roads with no head winds. It is rare to find anyone who consistently achieves or exceeds EPA ratings for either highway or city driving. It has been acknowledged for years that their ratings are unrealstic and EPA has publicly stated their desire to revise the testing procedure.
Current Accord EPA for highway is 34mpg. If you can get 40mpg, you should - check your math - check your engine Something is wrong. If not, Honda should pay you money to find out how you do it.
EPA highway is measure at constant speed of 48mph. NO ONE drive like that. 48mph is known during oil crisis to be the most fuel efficient speed. Any other speed would degrade the mpg. BTW, city mpg is measure at 18mph top speed along a stretch of stop lights. It is very HARD to get EPA mpg if you drive like a normal person. Most people living in suburban area (mixed high/city) should get between EPA highway/city but closer to city rating. My car is rated at 17/23. I get about 18mpg with mixed city and highway. My wife gets about 19mpg. Once I held gas paddle for a stretch of several miles on highway, and use my OBC (on-board computer) to measure mpg, I got about 22mpg. You cannot beat EPA highway rating.
You have to add 28% to EPA mileage just to get the figures they come up with. Never heard of anybody who couldn't easily beat EPA highway mileage before.
If I keep my Integera near 85 (speed limit is 75 here) I still get 31-32 mpg, and it is EPA 28 on the highway. Had an EPA 34 Corolla that got low 40's in real life (37 mpg going just under 80 withthe AC on) The Accord is EPA 34 so it actually got 43.5 mpg during the EPA tests.
The EPA most certainly does NOT measure at a constant speed of 48. It is an average of 48 and includes varying speeds.
Look at Consumer Reports highway mileage for cars to get an idea of what they can achieve.
It is true that automatic trannies do not exceed the EPA numbers by as much because the tests are slighly biased against manuals - high gear is not used as often as it should be (in the 80's Honda had two identical CRX's one with a shift light and one without - the one with the shift light was rated 5 mpg better on EPA tests)
Drive a little smoooother , and keep tire pressure up. ; ^ )
20 years ago, you could always assume that your mileage would be better than EPA. Now-a-days you can always assume that your mileage will be worse. This has been documented and reported in car mags and elsewhere. Dudleyr, I don't know how you do it but you are lucky to have such results. Anyway caount me as another who cannot come close to beating the EPA and I do not drive aggressively.
You have it exactly backwards. 20 years ago the EPA did NOT adjust their results downwards by 22% (multiply by 28% to get back the original number) now they do adjust the numbers. A little research will bear this out. My 1980 Scirocco was rated at EPA 45 on the highway. Today it would be rated at EPA 35 with the revised standards.
And yes I could get 45 mpg, but just barely - had to keep close to the then national 55 mph speed limit (over 60 would blow it).
Yes 20 years ago the EPA numbers were the upper limit of what you could expect, but no longer.
Actually I don't think dudleyr need to check his math or his engine. He only needs to check his trip computer to verify that info. If you have the Accord with the Navi it will tell you your MPG over time. My TSX has a similar engine with the Accord 2.4 and I can tell you I can get the "average" MPG to 37MPG if I do this. While you're driving at 70MPH on the freeway, go to the INFO section -> TRIP computer and reset your stats. Then keep on driving at 70MPH on normal freeway for another 10 miles with AC off, you'll see that you can get 36-37MPG easily. The 2.4L accord should get a better number since the engine is tuned for more fuel economy while my TSX is tuned for revving. The sticker on my TSX does say "31-37 MPG freeway" even though the EPA rating is 32 for freeway.
guys, I stand corrected. Here is the EPA testing procedure. I got inaccurate information from automags. You know how wrong they can be sometimes.
>> from EPA.gov ..
The test used to determine the city fuel economy estimate simulates an 11-mile, stop-and-go trip with an average speed of 20 miles per hour (mph). The trip takes 31 minutes and has 23 stops. About 18 percent of the time is spent idling, as in waiting at traffic lights or in rush hour traffic. The maximum speed is 56 mph. The engine is initially started after being parked overnight. Vehicles are tested at 68 F to 86 F ambient temperature.
The test to determine the highway fuel economy estimate represents a mixture of "non-city" driving. Segments corresponding to different kinds of rural roads and interstate highways are included. The test simulates a 10-mile trip and averages 48 mph. The maximum speed is 60 mph. The test is run with the engine warmed up and has little idling time and no stops (except at the end of the test).
People also thought they are saving money on clean fuel vehicle (hybird). Yes. They can $1000 or more each year. But the cost of the hybird vehicles are usually $4000 more than regular gasoline powered vehicle.
Hey! How about bio-diesel? It is about $800 for the convert kits on your diesel car. It cuts back you trips to the gas station. And it burns like French fries. FYI - There is only 1% or less of diesel car sold in the state. The Benz and Jeep may bring up the numbers later this year. And let's see what the different will Honda VCM make?
I would guess the EPA would go from 25 to 29 on the highway with VCM. At least if Honda's estimate of a 15% improvement holds true. 28 would probably be a safer bet though. That would leapfrog the Sienna, which is at 27. I think city mileage will stay about the same.
Initially I thought this could be an actual photo, but upon closer examination I agree with a previous poster that this is a photo-shopped creation. One giveaway is the beltline that runs across the length of the vehicle. It runs virtually horizontally from the rear to the edge of the front door and then it takes a weird nosedive on a steep angle down toward the front. The steering wheel is way too visible considering the angle that this "photo" was taken. The vehicle appears too narrow to be an American version. Also, the headlights do not appear to match the description of a number of reports from those who have viewed an actual prototype. They have all described the headlights as being huge, kinda like the Pilots', but larger. I don't think the headlights pictured here fit that desription. Nice try. No cigar.
My family and I spotted the new Odyssey been driven down the interstate being followed by a Pilot with manufacturer tags on the license plate. We drove past it and I noticed it was a gold van "taped up" around the windows and lights. I realized what it was as we passed it and looked back and made out the honda grill even though it was black taped over. We slowed down to 60mph to let it catch back up so we could check it out better. The 2 guys driving it and the guy in the pilot were laughing because the must have realized what we were thinking. I was gold and had a moonroof. From what I could tell( from driving down the interstate at about 70mph beside it) was that the back seat had the integrated head restraints like those in the new Sienna. The back and sides of the van looked pretty much the same as the current Odyssey, the front definetly reminded me of the Pilot with bigger lights and slightly larger grill, but keep in mind there was black tape over the entire grill and matching gold body color tape around all lights and rear windows I guess to help "disguise" it. It definetly looked pretty much the same, not a radical difference. If I could have crawled back to the back of my Odyssey and gotten my digital camera, I would have. I guess they were test driving it. We were driving home from VA to LA and were heading towards Birmingham, AL on the interstate when I spotted it. It was definitely the highlight of our 18 hour trip to Louisiana with three kids!
WOW you are one lucky guy!! thanx for the info !! Did you kinda see like what rims did it have on? like 5 spoke or what? and also did it have fog lights? thanx!
The van was going 70 mph down the interstate and my husband slowed down after we passed it so I could get a better look at it. We stayed in front of it for a little while, but because it was taped up I could honestly not make out if their were fog lights or not. As for the wheels, when we let it pass us, I believe the wheels were spinning too fast to makes anything out, sorry. I really just noticed the moonroof and that the front grill looked larger, definitely brought to mind the Pilot and Freestar. You wouldn't think that the tape around the back window and lights would disguise that much, but it really does break up the car. I couldn't say if it did or didn't look like that green van picture because of the tape around the lights, all the tape on the lights matched the gold paint of the van only the front grill had black tape on it. The sides looked about the same, still had the door tracks not hidden like the current Odyssey. It did not look like a drastic difference from the current Odyssey other than the front end seemed a little larger(lights and grill). I wonder how often they take them out for test drives? This all took place on Thursday afternoon, and I don't know why the white Pilot was following it, unless it was to help disguise it too. I also wonder how many other people noticed and braked as hard as we did after we passed it! The 2 guys inside must have gotten a kick out of it because they were laughing it up. This is probably why Honda keeps it such a secret, because it definitely seemed like a big deal to us, like we got to see some big top secret before anyone else. We actually pulled off to eat lunch about 15 minutes later, and I did dig the camera out of our luggage just in case we were to catch up to it again, but alas we never saw it again. I wonder what the guy driving would have done had I started snapping pictures while we were side by side!?!
you are one lucky person! And the description sure sounds like the green mystery Honda picture that showed up at the beginning of this discussion. (think post three or four)
The exterior looks of the new Ody seems promising based on your description. The current Ody already looks good on the exterior, and making the front grille and headlights bigger will probably enhance it's looks. Didn't someone mention July 4th weekend was supposed to be the big announcement time for the new Ody?
Yeah, I recall someone here and also on the OdyClub mention that July 4th would be the announcement and August would be the release of Ody on the dealer lots. I hope it blows the Sienna away. I like the Sienna a lot, but if the Ody blows it away, it means it's the best :-) If it retains most of its current looks, that great news.
Yup, TSX was the one who said that July 4th was gonna be the debut of the 2005 Honda Odyssey, as far as i know and from what ive heard he works for Honda, so we can maybe expect a July 4th debut!!! yyyyyyyeeeeeaaaaa!!!
Looked at the movies on the web site listed by vcarreras - I just hope the 05 Ody doesn't look anything like the Elysion - that sucker is seriously UGLY!
Must say the Sienna is also pretty bland from outside.
Guess there's not that much designers can do to a breadbox with a wheel in each corner but the current Ody at least has clean, crisp lines.
back again guys... with some final news on the new ody!
Honda will be doing press confrence in July '04 to debut it's all-new Odyssey (U.S. Model) All the info will be available online at that time. Don't expect anything to be released in N.A. anytime before - because it can affect it's current '04 Model sales.
The reason they didin't release anything in the NY AutoShow because the 2004 Odyssey is due to last it's full year unlike what Toyota did with it's Sienna with early model year debut. The current odyssey has lost it's share to the new Sienna but Sales numbers are still higher than the other competition which includes the new Quest from Nissan, the restyled Mazda MPV and Kia Sedona.
I can't believe I follow this edmunds and OdyClub stuff all for a minivan. My lease ends for my '01 in early August, so I extended my lease just in case that '05 Odyssey came out after that. My husband won't pre-order the new one since he hasn't seen it yet. You positively can get your deposit back. I hope it's worth the wait, and I like it. I'll wait and see till July 4th!!!!
its amazing how all these people we come here just to wait for a redisigned minivan!!! its awesome!!! like jchan said over 1500 posts and over 1 year and 3 months the wait everything has comedown to the real thing, we are 13 days away!! its unbelieveable!
2005 Release Dates/Model Matrix Production begins this August. An actual on sale date will be released in July.
Odyssey
LX EX EX w/Leather EX w/Leather and Rear Entertainment EX w/Leather, Rear Entertainment & Navigation EX Touring w/Leather EX Touring w/Leather, Rear Entertainment & Navigation
WOW i feel important i feel like a sale person!! well jchan i think Honda is doing what Toyota is also doing like if you want NAV u gotta get the RES also. But lets just wait and see what happens maybe this info aint accurate enough...who knows???
You just said it "But the new GM minivans will mainly be unchanged" thats why this thread's got less posts because peeps are not interested in little dumb makeovers. adn no we aint dreaming i bet you everything o at least MOST of the stuff we "DREAMED" about is coming true!! But anyways this isnt about trashing other therads.
I'm so glad that the Odyssey can have both NAV and RES in the same car. My friend bought the '04 last year in September and told me it's either one or the other. Now I can have both!
Hi guys. I don't want to be a party pooper but last Friday I happened to meet the Owner of my local Honda dealer while geting breakfast. I mentioned that I had read on the net that he would be seeing the new Ody soon at a meeting in July. He said that was true, but it was going to be in LATE July. I have been friendly with this guy for years and he has always gone to Honda new car introductions in LATE July.
it won't be too long, just longer than expected. And we'll wait and see about the NAV with RES thing, since I really don't want the RES, but I want the NAV.
...if one could buy their Odyssey (or Sienna) like a Dell? Just log onto the web site, order the vehicle with EXACTLY what you want (and not with what you don't what), and the build order goes straight to the factory floor.... . . . Oh well, just a thought....
Comments
- check your math
- check your engine
Something is wrong. If not, Honda should pay you money to find out how you do it.
EPA highway is measure at constant speed of 48mph. NO ONE drive like that. 48mph is known during oil crisis to be the most fuel efficient speed. Any other speed would degrade the mpg. BTW, city mpg is measure at 18mph top speed along a stretch of stop lights. It is very HARD to get EPA mpg if you drive like a normal person. Most people living in suburban area (mixed high/city) should get between EPA highway/city but closer to city rating. My car is rated at 17/23. I get about 18mpg with mixed city and highway. My wife gets about 19mpg. Once I held gas paddle for a stretch of several miles on highway, and use my OBC (on-board computer) to measure mpg, I got about 22mpg. You cannot beat EPA highway rating.
If I keep my Integera near 85 (speed limit is 75 here) I still get 31-32 mpg, and it is EPA 28 on the highway. Had an EPA 34 Corolla that got low 40's in real life (37 mpg going just under 80 withthe AC on) The Accord is EPA 34 so it actually got 43.5 mpg during the EPA tests.
The EPA most certainly does NOT measure at a constant speed of 48. It is an average of 48 and includes varying speeds.
Look at Consumer Reports highway mileage for cars to get an idea of what they can achieve.
It is true that automatic trannies do not exceed the EPA numbers by as much because the tests are slighly biased against manuals - high gear is not used as often as it should be (in the 80's Honda had two identical CRX's one with a shift light and one without - the one with the shift light was rated 5 mpg better on EPA tests)
Drive a little smoooother , and keep tire pressure up. ; ^ )
Do we have anything new on the 05 Odyssey?
And yes I could get 45 mpg, but just barely - had to keep close to the then national 55 mph speed limit (over 60 would blow it).
Yes 20 years ago the EPA numbers were the upper limit of what you could expect, but no longer.
>> from EPA.gov ..
The test used to determine the city fuel economy estimate simulates an 11-mile, stop-and-go trip with an average speed of 20 miles per hour (mph). The trip takes 31 minutes and has 23 stops. About 18 percent of the time is spent idling, as in waiting at traffic lights or in rush hour traffic. The maximum speed is 56 mph. The engine is initially started after being parked overnight. Vehicles are tested at 68 F to 86 F ambient temperature.
The test to determine the highway fuel economy estimate represents a mixture of "non-city" driving. Segments corresponding to different kinds of rural roads and interstate highways are included. The test simulates a 10-mile trip and averages 48 mph. The maximum speed is 60 mph. The test is run with the engine warmed up and has little idling time and no stops (except at the end of the test).
Hey! How about bio-diesel? It is about $800 for the convert kits on your diesel car. It cuts back you trips to the gas station. And it burns like French fries. FYI - There is only 1% or less of diesel car sold in the state. The Benz and Jeep may bring up the numbers later this year. And let's see what the different will Honda VCM make?
But once again, it's probably not it.
http://www.honda.co.jp/drivetheminivan/
One giveaway is the beltline that runs across the length of the vehicle. It runs virtually horizontally from the rear to the edge of the front door and then it takes a weird nosedive on a steep angle down toward the front.
The steering wheel is way too visible considering the angle that this "photo" was taken.
The vehicle appears too narrow to be an American version.
Also, the headlights do not appear to match the description of a number of reports from those who have viewed an actual prototype. They have all described the headlights as being huge, kinda like the Pilots', but larger. I don't think the headlights pictured here fit that desription.
Nice try. No cigar.
The current Ody already looks good on the exterior, and making the front grille and headlights bigger will probably enhance it's looks.
Didn't someone mention July 4th weekend was supposed to be the big announcement time for the new Ody?
I hope it blows the Sienna away. I like the Sienna a lot, but if the Ody blows it away, it means it's the best :-)
If it retains most of its current looks, that great news.
Must say the Sienna is also pretty bland from outside.
Guess there's not that much designers can do to a breadbox with a wheel in each corner but the current Ody at least has clean, crisp lines.
back again guys... with some final news on the new ody!
Honda will be doing press confrence in July '04 to debut it's all-new Odyssey (U.S. Model)
All the info will be available online at that time. Don't expect anything to be released in N.A. anytime before - because it can affect it's current '04 Model sales.
The reason they didin't release anything in the NY AutoShow because the 2004 Odyssey is due to last it's full year unlike what Toyota did with it's Sienna with early model year debut.
The current odyssey has lost it's share to the new Sienna but Sales numbers are still higher than the other competition which includes the new Quest from Nissan, the restyled Mazda MPV and Kia Sedona.
Until then you will only hear predictions...
--------------------------------------------------
So maybe this is it, July 4th!!!
Besides who would have a press conference on a holiday??
My guess it that it will be in late July.
Now that I look at the actual post from TSX, it DOES say "July '04", NOT "July 4th"......
Production begins this August. An actual on sale date will be released in July.
Odyssey
LX
EX
EX w/Leather
EX w/Leather and Rear Entertainment
EX w/Leather, Rear Entertainment & Navigation
EX Touring w/Leather
EX Touring w/Leather, Rear Entertainment & Navigation
I can have you trillion posts of my dreams!...
Actually, is there any credible info (or reasonable guesses) on what the touring package actually consists of?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I don't want to be a party pooper but last Friday I happened to meet the Owner of my local Honda dealer while geting breakfast. I mentioned that I had read on the net that he would be seeing the new Ody soon at a meeting in July. He said that was true, but it was going to be in LATE July.
I have been friendly with this guy for years and he has always gone to Honda new car introductions in LATE July.
We'll just have to wait a little longer.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
.
.
.
Oh well, just a thought....