What is "wrong" with these new subcompacts?

podred · September 2008

Yes yes, that must be it. I am sure that a company like Ford losing market share like my dog sheds fur wouldn't be interested in bringing a vehicle that promises to be a huge hit to market as fast as possible.

Yes, now you get it. All one must do is look at their track record of denial.

After all, Ford of Europe (now UK) has been building world class fun to drive small cars for decades. And yet they have a zillion excuses for not bringing them over to the US. All the while Toyota and Honda laugh all the way to the bank with cars that are not half as exciting.

It's no wonder that Ford and GM have lost their way.
Poor Greedy Old Boys Network... Truck / SUV ~ Dealer / Addicts.

nippononly · September 2008

All the while Toyota and Honda laugh all the way to the bank with cars that are not half as exciting.

And note that T&H were in exactly the same position as Ford - they were bringing over models that were originally designed for foreign shores (Yaris, Fit, etc) and had to be federalized and also modified to meet the price point Americans expected of smaller cars. Yet they did it, every time a gap appeared in their line-up.

And I will agree with podred's unspoken point: Ford could take a SERIOUS bite out of Japanese market share if they would bring these great European models to market. But instead they "Contoured" the Mondeo, they cheaped out on the Focus, and they delayed the Fiesta until it will be the last subcompact brought to market by any of the automakers, with the possible exception of Chrysler. And even THEY are going to bring a car to market before too much longer, although it looks like in their case the Chinese will design and build it for them. The quality and desirability of the fruits of that project remain to be seen.

nortsr1 · September 2008

I have to agree with you, nippononly. Ford has some great European models....and everytime they decide to bring one over, (Focus for example), it is ALWAYS two years LATE and when we finally will get it (decontented) the other manufacturers will already be introducing newer models to make the NEW European Focus "OUTDATED"!!!!!!

texases · September 2008

True, it's late, but at least Ford is agressively moving to correct the situation by converting several US truck plants to produce Euopean Fords. We've heard nothing significant from Chrysler (I hold out little hope for them), and GM, while it has a number of good cars, has way too many divisions and models. Read more here:
Ford Plan

alltorque · September 2008

Over here in Europe both Ford and GM, (Vauxhall/Opel), now have good line-ups. Ford has (new) Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo all with a good range of petrol or diesel powerplants and option lists to suit most. GM has new Corsa, Astra and the very good new Insignia with ditto on the engines and options.

Just how much "Federalising" does it take to make these cars US-compliant. I cannot believe that your safety testing is so much more rigorous that things need re-engineering and all the cars come in left-hand drive format already, (for maunland Europe). As for design; I think what thyey generally do is mess up some clean Euro-designs................but that doubtless keeps some US-based in-house design group in business, when they should really be binned.

Just let you guys have the cars we can get. Onanism is never attractive.

Sorry, don't understand why you have to get anything "different" - but maybe you don't understand it, either. :confuse:

andre1969 · September 2008

Just how much "Federalising" does it take to make these cars US-compliant. I cannot believe that your safety testing is so much more rigorous that things need re-engineering

It may not be safety testing so much, anymore, but I'd imagine emissions compliance is the biggest hurdle to federalizing a car. Then again, we have those 2.5 mph bumper standards, which might be hard for some European designs to meet without some tweaking.

texases · September 2008

Andre's right, it's not necessarily that US regs are 'much more rigorous', just different. Emissions and bumpers would be the main things, but 'different' can cover lots of small things, too. Just ask the US appliance manufacturers that were refused entry to some European markets a few years ago because they used the 'wrong' gas fittings!

guss · September 2008

Eighteen months, in Ford time that means more like 30 to 36 months. I can not think of one new vehicle launch that Ford brought in on time. I am all for getting it right, most of those delays were to get the bugs worked out like the Escape in 2000 and the new F-150. so I would bet it takes them that long with these new European Fords. Ford needs to find a way to streamline the process and make sure they do it in 18 months. Even at that the lost opportunity cost of every sale they are not getting now is huge.

I assumed the Fiesta would be here as a 2009, but it looks like that will be an 2010 model at it's earliest. That is a huge disappointment. Same with the Focus , to restyle the same basic car for 10 years is sad.

ateixeira · September 2008

Who knows where gas prices will be by the time the Fiesta makes it over here.

The EcoSport, a small crossover based on the Fiesta, would have a lot of potential here, also.

Kirstie_H · September 2008

A reporter would like to speak with consumers in New York who have recently dumped a truck or SUV in favor of a more fuel-efficient vehicle. If you are willing discuss your experience, please respond to jwahl@edmunds.com with your daytime contact information.

podred · September 2008

My guess is this is another case of totally failing to plan ahead or offer a diversified line-up of cars, then making a half-assed attempt to catch up to the current trends.

In the case of the Fiesta, I will call it a 3/4-assed attempt, since the car seems to be so good.
But they will still be two years late.

I could not agree more.... Very well said.... Cheers!

podred · September 2008

1/11/07 Ave price/gallon $2.10
6/23/08 Ave price/gallon $4.01

Gas prices doubling in 18 months is relatively unprecedented.

It is ashame that the automakers with large, high profit vehicles didn't invest some of those proceeds in methods to make a profit on smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles. Instead they provided vehicles like the Aveo and Cobalt that lack any feeling of quality, the Focus, which is okay if you can get past the styling.

So the automakers adjust to the market, try to create smaller, more fuel efficient cars and then they get beat up for not doing it fast enough

This situation is far more complicated than just reacting to increased gasoline prices in recent times. This goes to pollution, waste, driving oversize behemoths for the sole sake of ego gratification, etc. GM & Ford most specifically have had (for decades) the resources and small cars in the UK, to use as the basis of good, well made fuel efficient, fun cars for the US. So what took them so long?.... GREED, Denial, and the overall corporate culture of World Class Procrastination!

podred · September 2008

True, it's late, but at least Ford is agressively moving to correct the situation by converting several US truck plants to produce Euopean Fords

I was a Ford enthusiast for years, in fact I Raced a Lotus Formula Ford, so I'm not a Ford hater. Then it became apparent well over a DECADE ago, that they put Greed First, Job One Remember? I cannot agree that they are "aggressively moving to correct the situation. It's my understanding they are still looking for a dictionary to identify the meaning of the word "aggressive".

Hello? Wake Up Ford, too little, too late.... Sad.... Very Sad !

texases · September 2008

I can't argue with that, they've run so far down the wrong path I just hope they can get back, but it sounds (and that's not proof, I know) that the new pres is fine with stepping on the old guard's toes to try and save the company. It's come to that, which is, yes, very sad.

podred · September 2008

I can't argue with that, they've run so far down the wrong path I just hope they can get back

I agree with you 100%.
I wish Ford no ill will, and despite my expressed disgust at their past choices, I would like nothing better than to see them succeed.

ateixeira · September 2008

they've run so far down the wrong path I just hope they can get back

If you peek at the curb weight of a Ford Flex you may still think that way.

Even their crossovers should be on a diet.

lilengineerboy · September 2008

they've run so far down the wrong path I just hope they can get back

If you peek at the curb weight of a Ford Flex you may still think that way.
Even their crossovers should be on a diet.

Curb Weight:
Toyota Sienna 7 Passenger Minivan: 4310
Honda Odyssey 7 Passenger Minivan: 4387
Honda Pilot 7 Passenger Crossover: 4356
Ford Flex 7 Passenger Crossover: 4468

Somehow 100lbs doesn't seem that far out of line on a 4000+lb vehicle.

dtownfb · September 2008

Actually the AWD version weighs in at 4640 lb.

lilengineerboy · September 2008

Actually the AWD version weighs in at 4640 lb.

And the Siena AWD 4464, for a difference of: 176 lbs

Dropping the 18" and 20" wheel package for a more pedestrian 16 or 17" package would probably help, as would not having a refrigerator on board.

There are plenty of valid things to pick on Ford about. This just isn't one of them.

lemmer · September 2008

Odyssey and Pilot are both 8-passenger, didn't check on the others.

nippononly · September 2008

has crossed the 2500-pound threshold, at 2520 with a manual, I believe. That's too bad, but in a 5-door that seats 4 real adults, it is acceptable I guess.

I was glancing through the real-world fuel economy thread, and while there aren't that many posts on '09s yet, folks seem to be getting upper 30s, which is encouraging.

ateixeira · September 2008

I still think that's significant, not to mention you compared it to the heaviest of the other 3.

It's nearly 300 lbs heavier than the Pilot.

Knock off that weight and it would handle better, accelerate better, use less gas, brake better, do everything better.

It's not just the Flex, compare the Edge to its 2-row only crossover competition.

andre1969 · September 2008

Knock off that weight and it would handle better, accelerate better, use less gas, brake better, do everything better.

When you're dealing with vehicles that heavy already, I don't think an extra 200-300 lb makes that much difference in performance, unless the vehicle is really inadequate to begin with. One of my friends used to have a 1998 Tracker that performed just fine with just the driver on board. However, with the driver and a front seat passenger, you could definitely feel the strain. And put two more people in the back seat, and the sucker was downright dangerous!

As for the Edge, isn't that mainly Mazda's creation? So if it comes across as too chunky, we can blame them! :shades:

ateixeira · September 2008

You're such a muscle car guy, andre!

Even in a subcompact thread? :P

Did Mazda help with the Edge? No idea. I thought it was based on the Taurus X/Freestyle, but I don't really know. I'm sure the CX9 is related.

I have the CX9 at 4528 lbs per Consumer Guide. Sort of heavy, but Ford's still the heavy weight in that segment.

andre1969 · September 2008

Even in a subcompact thread?

Well in a lightweight, subcompact car that's designed for economy, every pound is going to count. I mean, take a 2000 lb car and pork it up to 2300 and you'd just added 15% to that car's weight. But taking something that's 4300 lb and designed for heavier payloads, and chunking it up to 4600, you're only talking about a 7% addition.

I was under the impression that the Edge, whatever the Lincoln version is called, and the Mazda CX7 were the same basic vehicle and while the CX9 looks similar, it's a totally different beast?

podred · September 2008

It's nearly 300 lbs heavier than the Pilot.

Knock off that weight and it would handle better, accelerate better, use less gas, brake better, do everything better.

While I agree with the concept of the advantage of less weight, in real world driving and ownership, there is a Honda characteristic that prevails today. A characteristic that a new Honda owner finds out AFTER it's too late and they now own the vehicle. Then standing in line (while waiting for a service adviser) in the service drive of your local Honda dealer, often this topic comes up. It's the topic of how poorly Honda's perform in the fuel economy department.

In 2006 I purchased a new Toyota Highlander, a Honda Pilot, and a Chevy Tahoe (5.3L V-8)

Both Honda & Toyota SUV's identically equipped. The Highlander would consistently get 5 to 6 mpg better in mixed driving than the Pilot. In town driving only, the Highlander returned 7 miles per gallon better than the Pilot, on the Freeway the Highlander returned 10 mpg better than the Pilot. I was shocked until I compared notes with other owners. Still convinced that something was wrong I spent hours negotiating and got the dealer to take mine back and replace it with another new Pilot. Results... Identical.

Pilot the gas hog. What a surprise! The worse part was overall I liked the Honda better, but just could not deal with getting worse mileage than I did in my Tahoe which offered much better all around performance in the snow, and the 25 mile rough dirt road to my winter cabin in the mountains.

ateixeira · September 2008

I see what you mean about the % difference being lower, but I tend to like smaller, lighter cars, so every bit counts.

Heck, I think the new A4 may have grown too much.

I heard the CX7 is based on the Mazda5, which itself is derived from the Mazda3, which shares parts with the Euro Focus. Not sure how much Ford's left in it by then.

kyfdx · September 2008

Is the new A4 heavier?

I do know that it is awfully pretty...

ateixeira · September 2008

Yeah, it felt that way when I drove it. It's bigger inside, but it didn't feel as light as the first A4 I drove, long ago.

I guess they moved it up one size class since they now have the A3.

It ain't no lightweight, though.

kyfdx · September 2008

If you pull up the specs here on Edmunds, there is no weight...

If you pull up the specs on the Audi website, they have every single dimension, but weight...

I'm betting it's a porker.. :P

lemmer · September 2008

Good grief. What kind of mileage did you get on the Highlander and the Pilot? On ours we get around 18 city and 23 highway very consistently, and I am a lead foot.

podred · September 2008

Good grief. What kind of mileage did you get on the Highlander and the Pilot? On ours we get around 18 city and 23 highway very consistently, and I am a lead foot.

HIghlander.. 19 city, 29 Highway @ 72 mph
Pilot............12 city, 19 Highway @ 72 mph

The difference is largely attributed to Toyota's Variable Valve Timing System being 100% electronically controlled, as opposed to Hondas system being a combination of mechanical and electronically controlled. A much less efficient system, which is no where near as smooth, nor does it produce the linear power increase of the Toyota.

andre1969 · September 2008

Pilot............12 city, 19 Highway 72 mph

That sounds like some kind of malfunction to me. I mean, I've had 70's battlecruisers that get similar fuel economy, with much larger, much less fuel efficient engines.

Although I wouldn't be too surprised if the Pilot doesn't actually weigh MORE than a lot of those old 70's mastodons! :surprise:

Or to use a more modern example, I've been able to get 20 mpg out of my buddy's '06 Xterra! It weighs about 4200 lb. This was on a trip with three people on board and a good deal of luggage, and there were times I was doing a bit more than 72 mph! :shades:

podred · September 2008

Pilot............12 city, 19 Highway 72 mph

That sounds like some kind of malfunction to me.

Believe me, I was quite shocked myself, as when purchasing the Pilot the last thing I had in mind was mileage. I simply thought that perhaps since it was in the same class as each of the two new Highlanders which I had for two previous years, that the Pilot would be no different, at least of any consequence. It was not until I noticed that I was having to fill the gas tank quite frequently that I even began to calculate the mileage. What a shocker! After this experience, I began to poll my friends that also owned new Honda Cars of various models. And indeed it was an experience that they shared as well, to varying degrees. Our findings were that Honda's in general just do not return the fuel economy numbers would expect out of vehicles with such modest horsepower and torque numbers. At least as compared to their Toyota counterparts.

An example is the new 2009 Camry SE V6 that I just purchased a month ago. It is rated at 19mpg city and 28 mpg hwy. I drove it from Central CA to Southern CA (600 miles round trip) this past weekend @ 72 mph it returned 32 mpg easily. And that is not a totally flat trip, nor did I keep it to 72, there were several times at 80+mph as that's the sweet spot. There is the grapevine to ascend at quite a grade. And yet this Camry exceeded the mpg ratings on the window sticker while developing serious power and acceleration. While driving in town I'm routinely getting 20 mpg no problems. An amazing display of engineering expertise. A surprisingly fast car.

lilengineerboy · September 2008

Odyssey and Pilot are both 8-passenger, didn't check on the others.

The Flex has a 'fridg where the middle row middle seat is. There is an 8-pass Sienna but not with AWD. The AWD XLE is within 100 lbs of the Flex. The Flex is also rated to tow 4500 lbs.
With respect to passengers, the payload rating of the Ody would support 2 adults/6 kids but not 8 adults.

lilengineerboy · September 2008

I still think that's significant, not to mention you compared it to the heaviest of the other 3.

No, actually I didn't, I didn't even pick the EX-L or the XLE for the vans. Its just not that big a difference with the Flex. Also, the vans are 16/23 and the Flex is 16/22, again, not a real difference.
It's not just the Flex, compare the Edge to its 2-row only crossover competition.

I would say its not the Flex at all, its pretty competitive. I think with the Edge, you got me there, that thing is a porker. It must be "road hugging weight" they are looking for in there. That said, its still rated 16/24, which is competitive in class (gotta love a million gear transmission).

dtownfb · September 2008

Considering Honda is considered one of the best engine companies in the world, i find your explanation pretty far fetch. Honda is regularly recognized as having the most fuel efficient lineup not by us on this forum but by the experts. Quite honestly if your Pilot is getting that bad gas mileage, you need to get it checked out.

lemmer · September 2008

In our Pilot, my 23 MPG number was for 80 MPH. The funny thing is I've always thought that Hondas do better than their EPA numbers. Our Pilot is the only one of our 6 Honda/Acuras owned that merely met rather than exceeded EPA ratings. I've only had one Toyota product - a Lexus RX300 that got a little below its ratings. I guess our small pool of anecdotal evidence cancels each other out.

To get back on topic, our Integras and Civics were incredible subcompacts - great mileage, great reliability and fun to drive.

andre1969 · September 2008

Now that I think about it, the one experience I have tracking fuel economy with my uncle's '03 Corolla, it didn't make its EPA highway estimate! It's rated 30/38 (probably something like 26/35 with the new numbers they started using in '07). Last year I drove it up to PA and back, almost pure highway driving, no a/c use, and taking it easy. Maybe 60-65 for the most part, occasionally getting to 70 if needed, and trying to time speeding up and slowing down so I didn't have to floor it, or jam on the brakes unneccesarily. I ended up getting 37.4 mpg. Close to that EPA estimate, but still just a tad below. Still, I was impressed at the economy. At first.

Then, I started driving my Intrepid that way, whenever I'd make that trip up there, and found that it was actually easy to make it beat its EPA estimate! The last time I drove it up there, in June, I got about 32 going up and 31 coming back. Main difference was that coming back I was using the a/c more, and driving a bit faster. But still, trying to stay around 60-65, with an occasional romp to 70. It's rated at 20/29. Probably 18/27 with the new numbers.

I guess one thing that could account for the discrepancy here though, was the terrain. While the trip was practically pure highway, there are a few steep hills between here and there. The Intrepid is less likely to downshift on the up-grades, and could maintain its speed on some of the downhill slopes with no pedal pressure at all. I'd have to give the Corolla some gas even on the downhill portions, or it would lose enough speed to become a road hazard.

alltorque · September 2008

Reading many posts re actual MPG vs EPA figures and would comment as follows :

MPG figures from EPA in USA or EU-specified sequence testing here in Europe are surely only to be taken as a comparative guide to that model's likely fuel consumption in various theoretical situations. Here in Europe it is widely believed that our "Official" figures are over-optimistic by around 8%.............but that varies model-to-model etc. Even the manufacturers are pressing for a change to the testing sequences to give more reliable "real world" figures. Having great mileage figures according to standard tests looks great in the brochure but becomes less attaractive when Joe Public complains that he can't match them, so it's in everyone's interests to be as accurate as is possible. Of course, there will never be all-encompassing accuracy due to manufacturing tolerances, geographical differences, (terrain), driving styles, vehicle loadings etc etc ad infinitum.

My wife's Honda Jazz, (Fit), is the 1.4 7A model and the EU Combined Sequence mpg is claimed as being circa 45mpg, (imperial gallon). When she drives it she gets 40 - 42 mpg but that 95% town/urban driving and she's very happy with that. (I can't get that 'cos I drive it like the sports hatch I want it to be using the flappy-paddle gearchange - bad boy me). I know the lowered economy is down to me and accept it. I know that if I drive my Volvo S60 D5 Geartroninc like a saint then I can achieve some really outstanding numbers. When I drive it like a sporty saloon, (not that much of an oxymoron), then I know I'm going to be visiting the diesel pump a lot sooner.............but, by jove, it's worth it.

What I'm saying, in an awfully roundabout way, is that "Official" figures are, at best, a rough guide based on specific operating criteria. If you're getting in the region of those numbers be happy - if you're numbers are wildly different and there are no obviously adverse factors then go see the dealer. Being out by a couple of mpg is no cause for concern. If you like the car and the fuel economy isn't hurting too much............smile. There are worse things that getting mpg that doesn't quite match the EPA or EU guesstimates.

Back to topic - I am giving Ford a break. After many years of producing mediocre cars, I now believe they are producing some very good ones, (at least here in Europe). Same goes for GM with their mainline Vauxhall/Opel brands.

Thank you listenin g to an old man. Have a great weekend.

ateixeira · September 2008

the vans are 16/23 and the Flex is 16/22, again, not a real difference

Hmm, debatable. The Flex has a 6 speed automatic and the AWD Sienna only has 5, so it should be better, not worse.

The weight hurts for sure.

andre1969 · September 2008

Actually for 2009, the EPA's website has the the Sienna 4wd rated at 16/21, compared to 16/22 for the 4wd Flex.

For 2wd models, it's 17/23 for the Sienna and 17/24 for the Flex.

Speaking of transmissions and the "benefit" of an extra gear, could someone explain why the 2009 Charger 3.5 is rated 17/25 with the 4-speed, yet 16/25 with the 5-speed? :surprise:

ateixeira · September 2008

I wonder why the change?

In the real world I do waaaaay better then the EPA numbers with my Sienna. I can beat 21 mpg around town, though mine is FWD.

Any how, the high end Siennas with that curb weight include power sliding doors on both sides, power folding 3rd rows, and a power hatch. Those have got to weight more than a single fridge. And the Sienna has 2 center consoles as well, for 1st and 2nd rows.

nippononly · September 2008

from Ford:

"But Americans will have to wait until 2010 for the Fiesta, which needs to be modified to meet U.S. government requirements.

"We recognize that we're late, with this car, to market," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's head of global product development. "So, it really has to stand out. It has to stand out in its design. It has to stand out in how it drives."

So far, it appears to be doing all that and more. European journalists are already short-listing the Fiesta for 2009 car of the year."

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080915/AUTO01/809150365/1148-

Apart from that, there are some things in there that make it sound pretty attractive:

- ...anticipated gas mileage of 31 miles per gallon in the city and 39 mpg on the highway...

- The nimble Fiesta eats up the narrow, twisting roads of the Tuscan hills with relish and its economical engine provides plenty of pep.

- What is most surprising, however, is the interior.....the Fiesta sports an über-modern two-tone design. Soft-touch surfaces are the norm, something surprising in a car of this class. But it also is quite comfortable, even for an American-sized adult.

And perhaps most encouraging, in terms of the content they will make available to us slothful Americans:
- Farley believes that there is "small but significant" number of American consumers who would gladly pay $17,000 or $18,000 for a nicely equipped model.

They hope to sell 75K/year. Since it's Ford, it's hard to call how well the Fiesta will do, as there is such ample opportunity for them to screw it up. But I have my fingers crossed that this adds one to the very short list of "premium" subcompacts we unworthy Americans get...

podred · September 2008

Considering Honda is considered one of the best engine companies in the world, i find your explanation pretty far fetch. Honda is regularly recognized as having the most fuel efficient lineup not by us on this forum but by the experts. Quite honestly if your Pilot is getting that bad gas mileage, you need to get it checked out.
.
I agree that Honda makes great engines. I have alot of experience with Honda cars and motorcycles. They did check my Pilot out, and if you read my entry, you will remember they gave me a second new one to satisfy my demands. Yet that second Pilot was a gas hog just like the first. I'm reporting just the facts. You can choose to ignore it, but you'll be sorry if you buy one of these. As I also mentioned in my post, I have spoken with numerous other Pilot owners that have the same experience. Finally you will notice that at no time did I indicate I was upset, or angry over the issue. lt simply is what it is. Pilot's are gas hogs. So What? I simply dumped it and bought something else. But that did not sour me on Honda products, as I just bought a new 2009 Fit. The first one in my region. Mileage.... exactly what's on the sticker. So it just goes to show you that it's primarily a characteristic of the V-6 used in the Pilot and their Van. Also it's important to note that not everyone is capable, or understands how to calculate fuel mileage accurately. As an engineer by formal education, I tend to be very particular about specifics. Thus I fill my vehicle up at the same pump at the same station near home, whenever I'm testing for mileage.

Cheers

ateixeira · September 2008

I like the current model sold in Brazil, but the prior one was hideous. The new one looks great, so it keeps getting better.

Let me try to find some pics...

Old:

Current:

Coming:

For sure it wins the award for "Most Improved".

plekto · September 2008

- ...anticipated gas mileage of 31 miles per gallon in the city and 39 mpg on the highway...

***
So, in other words, it's essentially like all the other subcompacts out there instead of the version the get in the U.K.:

FUEL CONSUMPTION (TDI engine): (urban) 53.3mpg / (extra urban) 76.3mpg / (combined) 65.7mpg (UK)

FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 44.4mpg / (extra urban) 63.5mpg / (combined) 54.7mpg (Converted to U.S. Gallons)

44 / 63 MPG. As usual, the U.S. gets the dumbed-down idiot version foisted off on us. Even with a 20% increase in fuel costs for diesel, that's about 35/51 relative to gasoline.

dtownfb · September 2008

I don't doubt your experiences. I do doubt your conclusions about Honda and toyota. What your reported were not facts, they are your experieinces. Not unless you are the authority on gas mileage...... Read the forums, there are reports of people getting bad gas mileage in all cars. The difference is none of them make outlandish comments about a company's technology. Talking to other Pilot owners is hardly adding data as you mention, many people do not know how to calculate gas mileage. Too many factors go into determining gas mileage. But as an engineer, I'm sure you know this since you are very particular about specifics.

And now you are saying that the poor gas mileage is a characteristic of the V6 because your 2009 Fit gets EPA mileage. Don't you think that is a leap using data from a completely unrelated vehicle to support your conclusion. As an engineer by formal training, I would think you would know this.

BTW, i am also an engineer by formal training and licensed in the state of PA. I know how to determine gas mileage, I also understand statistics and can sniff out BS as well. If you want to question the fuel efficiency in the Pilot based on your two expereinces, that is fine. But to say all Honda V6 engines are gas guzzlers and tha Honda's engine technology is behind Toyota is ludicrous.

Based on what you described and your experiences, stick with Toyota or stay away from SUVs when gas prices are $3.50 per gallon.

nippononly · September 2008

Nah, the European fuel economy test produces numbers that are way higher than ours every time, even when converted to U.S. gallons. It's just a different test, that's all.

But I bet Europe has smaller slower engines, and we will only be getting the very most powerful engine, because acceleration standards are so much more leisurely in Europe. The smaller slower engines we won't get are the ones producing the best FE numbers, that's for sure. It's the standard formula for bringing a "world car" to the States. Me, I would buy one of the slower models for another 15% savings in gas. Nobody's going anywhere fast when they are stuck in traffic headed to work anyway. 0-60 in 12 seconds and 50 mpg (gas) combined? No sweat!

plekto · September 2008

I've heard from friends in the U.K. that the combined figure is pretty close to real world.

And, actually, the area where the diesels lag is in the highway speed. 0-30 they literally jump off the line thanks to tons of torque. Great for city traffic and only really suffer with onramp flogging.(course freeway traffic here in L.A. is rarely above 40mph, so all that speed is moot as you mentioned)

What is "wrong" with these new subcompacts?

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