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Car Forum / Honda Cars / August 2007

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Honda Fit Mileage?

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lymecheck@hotmail.com - 16 Jul 2007 05:08 GMT
I bought a 07 Honda Fit Sport version in April and so far, am only
averaging 22 mpg.  This is mainly surface street driving with 60 mile
round trips each weekend.  About 3/4 of total driving has been with a/
c fan speed #2 or 3.

Can this be normal?  I don't normally use the paddle shifters, but
thinking that would help some.
Robert A. Cunningham - 16 Jul 2007 06:11 GMT
>I bought a 07 Honda Fit Sport version in April and so far, am only
> averaging 22 mpg.  This is mainly surface street driving with 60 mile
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> Can this be normal?  I don't normally use the paddle shifters, but
> thinking that would help some.

Well, I'm certainly no expert, but it seems incredibly low to me, as I'm
averaging 35.69 MPG, but that is for a 5 speed manual trans.  I think the
mileage would depend a large part on what your speed is when the a/c is on.
In city driving, especially stop and go, the A/C can take a huge toll,
especially for a small engine such as the 1.5 liter Fit engine.

Also, I think the paddle shifters would not increase your mileage; I think,
if anything, they would decrease it.

Robert A. Cunningham
mjc13<REMOVETHIS> - 16 Jul 2007 09:25 GMT
> I bought a 07 Honda Fit Sport version in April and so far, am only
> averaging 22 mpg.  This is mainly surface street driving with 60 mile
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> Can this be normal?  I don't normally use the paddle shifters, but
> thinking that would help some.

   Try switching the A/C off to accelerate, leaving it on when
cruising, braking and stopped. Also try being a little more gentle with
the throttle; speed isn't as important as how hard you accelerate.
TomP - 21 Jul 2007 15:22 GMT
All current model Honda's turn the A/C compressor off during spirited
acceleration.  The Myth Busters proved that car's get better mileage with
the A/C on and windows closed.

"mjc13" wrote:

> > I bought a 07 Honda Fit Sport version in April and so far, am only
> > averaging 22 mpg.  This is mainly surface street driving with 60 mile
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> cruising, braking and stopped. Also try being a little more gentle with
> the throttle; speed isn't as important as how hard you accelerate.

--
Tp,

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---  (  )/ (  )    ----  -\<.
--------------------  (  )/ (  )
-----------------------------------------

No Lawsuit Ever Fixed A Moron...
mjc13<REMOVETHIS> - 21 Jul 2007 23:23 GMT
> All current model Honda's turn the A/C compressor off during spirited
> acceleration.  The Myth Busters proved that car's get better mileage with
> the A/C on and windows closed.

   First, you can save even more gas by turning the A/C off during
normal acceleration, not just "spirited." Second, the A/C uses more
power than just the ventilation system, with the windows closed. I don't
believe anyone mentioned driving with the windows open. If you leave the
A/C on and the windows closed and think that's enough, you'll lose 2-5
MPG. depending on driving conditions.

> "mjc13" wrote:
>
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
>
>  No Lawsuit Ever Fixed A Moron...
Gordon McGrew - 22 Jul 2007 06:12 GMT
>> All current model Honda's turn the A/C compressor off during spirited
>> acceleration.  The Myth Busters proved that car's get better mileage with
>> the A/C on and windows closed.

Actually, that was the result of the computer indicated mileage which
found the AC had no effect at all.  When they actually drove the SUVs,
the one with the AC on ran out of fuel first.

http://cartalk.com/board/showthreaded.php?Cat=0&Number=341160&page=6&vc=1

>    First, you can save even more gas by turning the A/C off during
>normal acceleration, not just "spirited." Second, the A/C uses more
>power than just the ventilation system, with the windows closed. I don't
>believe anyone mentioned driving with the windows open. If you leave the
>A/C on and the windows closed and think that's enough, you'll lose 2-5
>MPG. depending on driving conditions.

I tested my '98 Odyssey with A/C vs. windows partway down at 75mph and
posted the results in this newsgroup about a year ago.  I found that
the A/C reduced fuel economy by about 6% vs. 2% for partially lowering
the windows.  (I only lowered the windows part way because there was
too much turbulence lowering them all the way.)
mjc13<REMOVETHIS> - 22 Jul 2007 11:38 GMT
>>>All current model Honda's turn the A/C compressor off during spirited
>>>acceleration.  The Myth Busters proved that car's get better mileage with
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
> the windows.  (I only lowered the windows part way because there was
> too much turbulence lowering them all the way.)

   Sounds reasonable. And you usually need to just lower one window
partway to greatly enhance the ventilation...
TomP - 28 Jul 2007 15:12 GMT
"mjc13" wrote:

> > All current model Honda's turn the A/C compressor off during spirited
> > acceleration.  The Myth Busters proved that car's get better mileage with
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> A/C on and the windows closed and think that's enough, you'll lose 2-5
> MPG. depending on driving conditions.

I filled my wife's Fit last week and she managed 22.5MPG.  The best recorded
mileage is 25.00. last September.  This is ALL in town, short trip driving.

It is what it is...  Why have a car with A/C if you're not going to use it?
Personally, I run the A/C 365 days a year.

People that are fanatics about MPG, maybe should consider an Insight or Prius.

--
Tp,

-------- __o
-----   -\<.    --------  __o
---  (  )/ (  )    ----  -\<.
--------------------  (  )/ (  )
-----------------------------------------

No Lawsuit Ever Fixed A Moron...
jim beam - 28 Jul 2007 16:24 GMT
> "mjc13" wrote:
>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
> People that are fanatics about MPG, maybe should consider an Insight or Prius.

or an old civic.  mine will do 40+mpg on the freeway driven legally.  or
better yet, a crx hf.  that will do 50+.
mjc13<REMOVETHIS> - 28 Jul 2007 23:01 GMT
> "mjc13" wrote:
>
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
>
> People that are fanatics about MPG, maybe should consider an Insight or Prius.

    I also never said not to run the A/C. Let me spell it out,
carefully: in city driving, press the A/C button when you're up to speed
or decellerating. Leave it on while stopped. Turn it off only to
accelerate. If that's too hard, then don't do it. We won't be waiting to
hear the next installment.

...
TomP - 05 Aug 2007 15:39 GMT
"mjc13" wrote:

>  Let me spell it out, carefully:

   I promise to read carefully....

> in city driving, press the A/C button when you're up to speed
> or decellerating.

> Leave it on while stopped.

> Turn it off only to accelerate. If that's too hard, then don't do it. We won't be
> waiting to
> hear the next installment....

Your driving suggestion (above) is proof of your fanaticism.   But it's your
right...

Just admit, you bought the wrong car, sell it and end the torture.

On the other hand you can probably sell it for what you paid, less tax, tags and the
stomach lining you've lost from worrying about the fuel economy.

--
Tp,

-------- __o
-----   -\<.    --------  __o
---  (  )/ (  )    ----  -\<.
--------------------  (  )/ (  )
-----------------------------------------

No Lawsuit Ever Fixed A Moron...
mjc13<REMOVETHIS> - 08 Aug 2007 06:33 GMT
> "mjc13" wrote:
>
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
> --
> Tp,

   I can't resist one last response. I've been averaging 35-40 MPG
*using the A/C.* If you did in fact read carefully, you'd know that my
complaint about my '95 EX sedan is with the way it's geared, not the
great fuel economy. This from a car that is much heavier than the Fit,
rides at least as well, and is more comfortable. It also handles great.
In short, if you want to haul stuff and drive a sporty-feeling car, get
a Fit. If you want exceptional fuel economy, don't. If you want to
improve your fuel economy, follow my suggestions. If you don't,
then...don't.

   If you want good acceleration above 2nd gear, avoid the mid '90's EX
sedan.
jim beam - 08 Aug 2007 13:43 GMT
>> "mjc13" wrote:
>>
[quoted text clipped - 25 lines]
> *using the A/C.* If you did in fact read carefully, you'd know that my
> complaint about my '95 EX sedan is with the way it's geared,

you and your gearing.  what rpm's do you have at 70?

> not the
> great fuel economy. This from a car that is much heavier than the Fit,
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>    If you want good acceleration above 2nd gear, avoid the mid '90's EX
> sedan.
High Tech Misfit - 16 Jul 2007 12:11 GMT
> I bought a 07 Honda Fit Sport version in April and so far, am only
> averaging 22 mpg.  This is mainly surface street driving with 60 mile
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> Can this be normal?  I don't normally use the paddle shifters, but
> thinking that would help some.

How many miles on it so far?  If not much, it's probably not broken in.
Michael Pardee - 16 Jul 2007 13:20 GMT
>I bought a 07 Honda Fit Sport version in April and so far, am only
> averaging 22 mpg.  This is mainly surface street driving with 60 mile
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> Can this be normal?  I don't normally use the paddle shifters, but
> thinking that would help some.

As HTM says, break-in normally improves fuel economy. My next question is:
how long are most of your trips in town (count all legs when the engine
stays warm as one trip)? All cars get awful economy the first mile or so as
the engine warms up.

If you don't mind doing a chicken dance, you can try something that has
worked for some Prius owners when their economy is low after the car is
serviced. Sometimes the parking brake is set too tight, so the procedure is
to apply the parking brake hard and release it about ten times. Cheap and
easy, even if only a shot in the dark.

Mike
Jim Yanik - 16 Jul 2007 15:24 GMT
> I bought a 07 Honda Fit Sport version in April and so far, am only
> averaging 22 mpg.  This is mainly surface street driving with 60 mile
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> Can this be normal?  I don't normally use the paddle shifters, but
> thinking that would help some.

just the driver or with a couple of passengers,or a lot of extra weight in
the car?
Have you checked tire pressures?
Are you one who's heavy on the gas pedal?(I note it's a "Sport" version...)

running AC will drop mileage a bit. It's an extra load on the engine,and
IIRC,the gov't mileage tests do not include running AC.
Fan speed doesn't matter.

Signature

Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net

Josh S - 16 Jul 2007 17:43 GMT
> I bought a 07 Honda Fit Sport version in April and so far, am only
> averaging 22 mpg.  This is mainly surface street driving with 60 mile
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> Can this be normal?  I don't normally use the paddle shifters, but
> thinking that would help some.

Here are your EPA figures.  
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calculatorCompareSideBySide.jsp?column=1&i
d=22862

The EPA MPG is 27-city   34-Hwy.

You are on the low side of owner reported mileage of 21-city 37-hwy.

Here are some good tips on driving efficiently:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.shtml
lymecheck@hotmail.com - 18 Jul 2007 03:26 GMT
Hey...thanks everyone for the tips!

The car was new in April this year, about 1,300 miles on it.  My
driving is usually local, no more than 10 miles a shot, usually more
like 5.  But I do get on the freeway for a 60 mile round trip every
Sat.

Not heavy on accelleration or speed, pretty conserative driver here.
70-80 on freeway (this is California, if yu don't keep up, you get
creamed).  Not a hard breaker either.

May try the parking break trick, that sounds reasonsable.  If mileage
does not improve in the next month, I will probably take it in for a
look see.

Thanks again!
Josh S - 24 Jul 2007 00:34 GMT
> Not heavy on accelleration or speed, pretty conserative driver here.
> 70-80 on freeway (this is California, if yu don't keep up, you get
> creamed).

That's far to fast for good hwy mileage.
Mileage falls off very rapidly over 60 mph, particularly with boxy
shaped vehicles.
My well shaped mid sized car's mileage drops 10% going from 60mph to
70mph.
I would expect a greater than 10% mileage drop with a smaller engine and
a boxy rear design vehicle.
JXStern - 24 Jul 2007 01:57 GMT
>> Not heavy on accelleration or speed, pretty conserative driver here.
>> 70-80 on freeway (this is California, if yu don't keep up, you get
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>I would expect a greater than 10% mileage drop with a smaller engine and
>a boxy rear design vehicle.

Mebbe.  My 2004 Accord got the same mileage anywhere between 55 and
80, far as I could tell.  And my 2007 gets the same, too, just lower.
But the Fit does end rather abruptly.

J.
mjc13<REMOVETHIS> - 24 Jul 2007 06:10 GMT
>>>Not heavy on accelleration or speed, pretty conserative driver here.
>>>70-80 on freeway (this is California, if yu don't keep up, you get
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> J.

   Once again, it's the Fit's gearing. Our Camry sedan (with
automatic!) will get close to 40 mpg highway at 65-70 on level ground,
but it's loafing along at about 2600 RPM. It's also got a nice, smooth
shape.
jim beam - 24 Jul 2007 06:16 GMT
>>>> Not heavy on accelleration or speed, pretty conserative driver here.
>>>> 70-80 on freeway (this is California, if yu don't keep up, you get
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
> will get close to 40 mpg highway at 65-70 on level ground, but it's
> loafing along at about 2600 RPM. It's also got a nice, smooth shape.

dude /WHAT/ is it with you and gearing???  it's not the gearing, it's
the overall equation of the motor's characteristics, the car's
characteristics, and how those two match up.  simply reducing revs does
/not/ automatically reduce gas consumption - it can increase it
significantly if it's a mis-match.
TomP - 21 Jul 2007 15:21 GMT
My wife's base Fit A/T gets 22/25mpg, no highway, all in town Los Angeles
area.
The Fit has 5 star crash rating, that comes at a cost.  That cost is
weight... the Fit is heavy for it's size.
Blame it on all the airbags, and steel to make the crush zones that make
it safe(?)

On the other hand, if a person's budget is stretched that tight.  That
another 10$ at the pump is the difference between travel and eating.
Perhaps they should consider an alternative such as a motorbike or
bicycle...

> I bought a 07 Honda Fit Sport version in April and so far, am only
> averaging 22 mpg.  This is mainly surface street driving with 60 mile
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> Can this be normal?  I don't normally use the paddle shifters, but
> thinking that would help some.

--
Tp,

-------- __o
-----   -\<.    --------  __o
---  (  )/ (  )    ----  -\<.
--------------------  (  )/ (  )
-----------------------------------------

No Lawsuit Ever Fixed A Moron...
 
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