Gas Mileage

[psaffa]

I leased the 2007 EX-L model (variable cylinder engine) with the expectation of improved gas mileage over my 2003 EX model. HUGE Mistake.

The new engine has extremely poor performance over my previous model.
We do mostly in town driving with occasional highway miles and yearly vacations. My average mpg varies from a low of 11.8 mpg (all town) to a high of 22 mpg (all highway). This compares to an average of 17 - 19 (all town) to 24 mpg (all highway) with my previous EX. The dealer claims that there is nothing wrong with the engine. I beg to differ. I have been tracking the mpg from the beginning and have an extensive history on the lack of performance. We try not to use the car when ever possible as it gets worse gas mileage than a large SUV. The dealer (Curtiss-Ryan) contacted a Honda Customer rep who told me that she would discuss my situation with a Honda Field Eng or Tech Rep and get back to me, but have not heard anything for 2 months now.

I'm extremly disappointed with this vehicle. Occasionally the transmission does not shift smoothly, but it is hard to demonstrate, as it does not occur on demand.

Paul S. Hamden, CT

[MTPockets08]

Paul, generally speaking, the latest generation Ody is not as fuel efficient as the pre 2005s. They are bigger, heavier and laden with more options, etc. It seems like a step backwards, but the design rolled out prior to gasoline creeping towards $4/gal. You could try increasing your tire pressures just a tad above what the door jamb label specs. Other than that, keep the auto climate controls off to keep the a/c compressor from cycling and go easy on the go pedal. How are you calculating those MPG figures? are they instantaneous per the dash computer or are they the average over an entire tank of fuel? Your only way to calculate true average fuel economy is based on how many miles driven on a FULL tank of gasoline. Instant readings will be all over the place. Total miles driven / gallons pumped into the tank = avg MPG. That's the only figure that means anything.

Joel

[homans45302]

MTPockets08, What kind of mileage do you get on your Odyssey?
I get 24-25 mpg on trips on my 2000 EX. I have not checked the around town mileage lately.
I was just curious as to what people are getting with the new Odyssey.
And you are right, the only mileage that matters is mile driven per full tank.

[MTPockets08]

We've been averaging 19-20mpg per tank on our 2008 LX. This is with mostly country road type driving. 10-15 mile typical round trips. We have yet to take it on an extended highway run. The LX has no dash readout for MPG. Where my ultra-cheap Chevy Cobalt does. Go figure? Honestly, the dash MPG readouts are meaningless based on short trips. Lots of owners freak out when they read them after extended idling at traffic lights, stop/go driving, etc. If an Ody owner is averaging 10-12mpg on a whole tank of gasoline, then something is wrong.

Joel

[VHODY]

We have a 2006 EX-L with the VCM engine. It averages 17-18 around town and has returned 26-28 on a highway run. Highway runs include 4 adults and related luggage. We have been extremely happy with the mileage and performance. This van knows how to go. We went through two Ford WIndstar's. There is no comparison to the ODY. The Windstar's are gone for good reason.