Disappointed with fuel economy.

[Tycer]

2007 CR-V EX-L 4WD, 5 Speed Auto

6200 miles.
19.2 City
23.5 Hwy - Just got back from 1500 mile road trip. All interstate, cruise control on, windows up, A/C off, luggage, no passengers, 55 - 65ºF temps.

Boo Hiss.

I'm so disappointed in fuel economy that I'm almost thinking about invoking lemon laws over the TPMS issue to go back to a V6 Accord to get better economy. If gas price remains the same, it will cost me about $1200 more in three years for the CRV over a V6 Accord.

[2RedV's]

Tycer (hint:multiple posting of the same thing tends to confuse people and doesn't help you in getting a good answer in a faster fashion)

I have now replied to 2 other nearly identical posts you made in other forums.

[Tarhead]

I'm not familiar with the AWD but can it be disengaged when you don't need it?
Your engine should be broken in by now. Do you still have the factory fill oil? If you've changed it to a thicker spec oil you can drop your MPG.
Strong headwind?
Tire pressure? Lower the resistance by raising the pressure to the rec pressure.
Allignment issues? Good allignment lowers the resistance.
Winter gas mixtures? I'm in the south so not a factor with our MPG.
What kind of gas are you using? I've gotten as much as 31 and as low as 25 driving the same I-10 route but with different tanks of gas.
(Westbound:Pilot gas (outside of Mobile, AL) was the best.
Eastbound: Chevron (outside of Layfayette, LA) was the worst. You would think it would be the opposite.)
Is your cruise not adjusted correctly?

If you can't improve it by doing some of these take it back and have them figure out what's going on. May be some air/fuel mix issue.

[Tycer]

Good questions Tarhead. You'll like this: My trip was 26 to 85 to 65 to 10 to NO and back.I'm not familiar with the AWD but can it be disengaged when you don't need it?
Supposedly the rear wheels are disengaged until the fronts slip. FWD 99.9% of the time.

Your engine should be broken in by now. Do you still have the factory fill oil? If you've changed it to a thicker spec oil you can drop your MPG.
I had the dealer change the oil the day before I left with Castrol Syntec Blend

Strong headwind?
Calm and cool.

Tire pressure? Lower the resistance by raising the pressure to the rec pressure.
I had the dealer raise from 30 to 35 before they tried to reset the TPMS sensor. I wonder if the reccomended 30 is to pass rollover tests like the Fords.

Allignment issues? Good allignment lowers the resistance.
I'll check for tire scrubbing signs today.

Winter gas mixtures? I'm in the south so not a factor with our MPG.
What kind of gas are you using? I've gotten as much as 31 and as low as 25 driving the same I-10 route but with different tanks of gas.
I'm in the South also. Texaco and BP

(Westbound:Pilot gas (outside of Mobile, AL) was the best.
Eastbound: Chevron (outside of Layfayette, LA) was the worst. You would think it would be the opposite.)

Is your cruise not adjusted correctly?
I gotta tell ya, the transmission on this car is awesome. With the cruise engaged, I rarely even notice shifts.

If you can't improve it by doing some of these take it back and have them figure out what's going on. May be some air/fuel mix issue.
I'll keep working on them. Their first and second respnses have been less than encouraging.

The sales manager seems interested in getting me into another accord. Seems the gold EX-Ls are in high demand.

Tycer

[MilesR]

I am quite pleased with the mileage I am getting with my '07 CR-V. The worst tank was over 23 mpg, while the best tank was about 31 mpg. I have over 6000 miles on the CR-V.

[Tycer]

I am quite pleased with the mileage I am getting with my '07 CR-V. The worst tank was over 23 mpg, while the best tank was about 31 mpg. I have over 6000 miles on the CR-V.

Excellent. Is yours a two or four wheel drive?

Maybe that light at the end of the tunnel is coming back on:D

[2RedV's]

I am quite pleased with the mileage I am getting with my '07 CR-V. The worst tank was over 23 mpg, while the best tank was about 31 mpg. I have over 6000 miles on the CR-V.

Is this a manual mpg calcualation or what the computer says? The computers tend to be optimistic on virtually all vehicles.

[tayjenn]

I have been pleased with mine as well. I drive 8 miles to and from work everyday...live in the country so it is a straight shot with little stop and go. Other than that, it goes on little short drives (10 to 60 miles) at a time. With this driving I get about 23 to 25 mpg. Took it to St. Louis...drove 1 1/2 there and then drove from mall to mall and back home and got 27 mpg. This is what the computer is telling me by the way. I am using mid grade fuel, driving about 75 on interstate, 60 on our country roads. I do use cruise on interstate. I have a 2 wheel drive....don't know if that makes a difference or not. I had a PT Cruiser and a small Saturn before this car....while the Saturn got about 28 mpg on average, the PT only got about 22 or 23. Needless to say I am happy with the milage I am getting now....especially since it is so much bigger than both of my previous cars.

[2RedV's]

You need to do a manual calculation of the MPG. People routinely report a 1-2 mpg difference between the computer's best guess and the real thing.

[beige2007]

You need to do a manual calculation of the MPG. People routinely report a 1-2 mpg difference between the computer's best guess and the real thing.



.....i think the computer gives you an average based on the speed you're going at, the projected range if you keep that speed consistent, and the number of gallons the sensors still see in the tank. at the end of a 300-mile or so trip the computer was reading an average of 21.5 mpg...actual miles driven divided by how many gallons of gas it took to fill the tank again came out to about 25 mpg.

[2RedV's]

I routinely drive rental cars with my work, all over the country and always reset and check my mileage. Yes, it's weird but it gives me something to do while away from home. I have yet to come across a vehicle in which the computer reads low - they all read high, from 1 to 4 mpg.

[Tycer]

Thanks folks, I really appreciate your suggestions. Soon, someone will hit on the right answer.

1497miles
63.3 gallons of gas

Tycer

[2RedV's]

Thanks folks, I really appreciate your suggestions. Soon, someone will hit on the right answer.

1497miles
63.3 gallons of gas

Tycer


What, exactly, is wrong with an overall average of 23.76 mpg on an SUV?

At least you are keeping a cumulative record. That is much more accurate than recording a single tankful and "proclaiming mileage". Still, you need to break it in. Run it hard for a tank or 2. Let it hit redline a bunch of times. It's a Honda, not a Ford.

[Rotty]

I just returned from an 800 mile trip iin my 07 CR-V 2WD. Averaged 24.5 MPG in mostly below zero temperatures. Cruise set at 72 MPH. Total mileage is 2,400.

[2RedV's]

I just returned from an 800 mile trip iin my 07 CR-V 2WD. Averaged 24.5 MPG in mostly below zero temperatures. Cruise set at 72 MPH. Total mileage is 2,400.

That's good.

With the extra effect of you running "winter gas" to knock it down 5-10%, I certainly would be happy. My 99 is down to around 22.5 every tank and the wife's 04 is getting 21. It has been near zero degrees F every day for a couple of weeks.

[07CRV]

I live in Ontario, Canada, I had 2000 CRV before, bought a new 2007 CRV in November, 2006. I have found the new 2007 doesn't save fuel as they mentioned...
In average, 12.5 to 13 liters for 100km with mixed city and HW..

[beige2007]

[QUOTE=2RedV's]What, exactly, is wrong with an overall average of 23.76 mpg on an SUV?

that's about what my wife's V has been getting in its first 2000 miles...she drives mostly on surface streets here in southern California. i found that the sweet spot for the V on the freeway is 60-65 MPH where the computer will display a projected 28.5 MPG where as 70-75 MPH will only give you 25-27 MPG. for the most part she will get 23-24 on here surface streets.


........i put 32 Psi instead of 30 like the manual says. :rolleyes: it rides better, corners flatter, very minimal difference in ride quality, obviously better on gas!:D

[2RedV's]

I live in Ontario, Canada, I had 2000 CRV before, bought a new 2007 CRV in November, 2006. I have found the new 2007 doesn't save fuel as they mentioned...
In average, 12.5 to 13 liters for 100km with mixed city and HW..

Your new 2007 is larger and weighs a couple hundred pounds more than a 2000 and has a 2.4 liter engine instead of a 2.0 liter engine. It is also winter, you are using winter gas and you have a new vehicle that is not broke-in yet. It should be getting worse mileage right now.

[07CRV]

Your new 2007 is larger and weighs a couple hundred pounds more than a 2000 and has a 2.4 liter engine instead of a 2.0 liter engine. It is also winter, you are using winter gas and you have a new vehicle that is not broke-in yet. It should be getting worse mileage right now.

Althougt 2007 have more horepower, and weights...they say save more gas as new technogoly....

According to the specifications from Honda..
On 2000 CRV
10.9 liters for 100km in city
8.9 liters for 100km in HW

On 2007 CRV
10.6 liters for 100km in city
8 liters for 100km in HW

[2RedV's]

The EPA estimates are just that - estimates. All vehicles are tested in an identical method indoors on a fake "course" on a chassis dyno. IF you drove exactly like the fake course, indoors, you should be able to equal the EPA estimate.

[greenteacrv]

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calculatorSelectEngine.jsp?year=2007&make=Honda&model=CR-V%204WD

[2RedV's]

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calculatorSelectEngine.jsp?year=2007&make=Honda&model=CR-V%204WD

Nice find.

[kb5jsu]

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calculatorSelectEngine.jsp?year=2007&make=Honda&model=CR-V%204WD

Yes, Nice find indeed. My Buddy at work has been getting about 18 with his 07 according to him. He drives pretty agressively so I imagine if he minded his foot some he could do better.

[Tycer]

I'm at 10,0000 miles now and still at 19+ and 23.5. Still disappointed.

[kb5jsu]

I'm at 10,0000 miles now and still at 19+ and 23.5. Still disappointed.

I agree with 2RedV's when he states that the 07 is heavier and has the 2.4 L engine and that the EPA Estimates are achieved in a Lab environment. Individual driving syles will also impact milage as will the elevation and terrain in which you live. Estimates are just that, Estimates, I imagine if you were to read the fine print it would have the disclaimer "Individual Results May vary"

You are certainly not going to achieve Honda Civic Mileage with a mid sized SUV. It just isn't going to happen.

19 & 23.5 Sound pretty good to me

[Rotty]

I realize that the EPA Estimates are just estimates and we won't get the same results.

The vehicle my '07 CR-V 2WD replaced had EPA estimates of 18 and 26. The CR-V has estimates of 23 and 30. So, I expected to get around 4 mpg more with the CR-V than with the previous vehicle. This didn't happen. The mileage is almost exctly the same. I am disappointed with my CR-V mileage. Otherwise, it is a great vehicle.

[twinspark]

I'm delighted with the results of my first tank of Diesel (Shell Diesel Extra from the dealers).

48 MPG from 50% Motorway, 25% Country and 25% City driving.

Hope to improve this with Honda's recommendation to use BP Ultimate Diesel ! - 50 MPG is the target !

[kb5jsu]

I'm delighted with the results of my first tank of Diesel (Shell Diesel Extra from the dealers).

48 MPG from 50% Motorway, 25% Country and 25% City driving.

Hope to improve this with Honda's recommendation to use BP Ultimate Diesel ! - 50 MPG is the target !

It really is unfortunate that we don't have a diesel option here in the states.:(

[twinspark]

OK - I said 50 MPG was the target.

Just back from a week's holiday. CR-V was brimmed in Edinburgh (with BP Ultimate Diesel) and used on the bypass that day to collect last minute shopping, prior to heading off to Inverness.

Tank was brimmed again in Inverness (again BP Ultimate Diesel - my last chance of getting it given where I was going). The average, given running at circa 56 ~ 58 MPH, mainly on cruise (but with bursts to 70 MPH) was just over 57 MPG !

That's brim to brim calculated MPG (i.e. not the computer) - what an engine !

The average for my pootling about on the roads on holiday (which included steep single track in places) was 48 MPG.

Gordon.

[2RedV's]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/bevelheadgrl/thud.gif

Why, why, can we not have that engine here in the US?

Lucky you!

[Rotty]

My '07 2WD CRV fuel mileage has been improving. Over the past 6,037 miles I averaged 26.47. This is based on total miles and total gallons. My CRV calculates the mileage over the same period as 26.9.

[connermt]

1400 miles EX AWD - worst MPG was 19, best was 25.4 all on shell & have used all 3 levels of octane

[2RedV's]

Just remember, gasoline with ethanol will give you up to 10% less mpg than straight gasoline.

[adkcrv]

Good point on the ethanol. I recently learned that Murphy USA (Wal Mart) adds it to their fuel. I believe they can add up to 10% without marking the pump as such. We've been burning Shell fuel and back when we had a Jeep G.Cherokee we would see a huge difference in the range of a tank. Needless to say, we quit using the Murphy fuel.

Our new EX-L 4WD just posted a 30 mpg tank on the last fill up!:) The onboard said 27.5, but it hand calculated to just over 30. This is with only 1500 miles.

One point also is that my wife has about a 70 mile round trip HIGHWAY (60mph) commute each day. A lot of vehicles do much better at 55-65 vs 65-75. At this point we couldn't be happier with the new Honda.

[adkcrv]

I forgot to tell about the one modification we've made that certainly helps the fuel economy and the cool factor: the CRVOC.COM sticker on the back glass!:rolleyes: Thanks TMAC and I will post a picture soon. :cool:

[XboxEboy]

Please help me figure out how much extra per year it will cost me to switch cars out.

Currently my VW Golf gets 33 mpg at an average of 300 miles/week.

If I trade-in for the AWD 2007 CRV, and average 24 mpg, how much extra $$$ will it cost me per year?

[2RedV's]

Please help me figure out how much extra per year it will cost me to switch cars out.

Currently my VW Golf gets 33 mpg at an average of 300 miles/week.

If I trade-in for the AWD 2007 CRV, and average 24 mpg, how much extra $$$ will it cost me per year?

15,600 miles per year at 33 mpg = 472 gallons at $3.50 gal = $1652
15,600 miles per year at 24 mpg = 650 gallons at $3.50 gal = $2275

$623 per year or $11.98 per week. Of course, if gas prices drop, the difference drops.

[rrbhokies]

Good point on the ethanol. I recently learned that Murphy USA (Wal Mart) adds it to their fuel. I believe they can add up to 10% without marking the pump as such. We've been burning Shell fuel and back when we had a Jeep G.Cherokee we would see a huge difference in the range of a tank. Needless to say, we quit using the Murphy fuel.

Our new EX-L 4WD just posted a 30 mpg tank on the last fill up!:) The onboard said 27.5, but it hand calculated to just over 30. This is with only 1500 miles.



30mpg is great. So far, my CRV is up to 600 miles or so. However, the two tanks that I calculated by hand came up almost 1mpg less than what the onboard computer showed. I was wondering if others are finding the onboard trip computer to be accurate, better, or worse?

Also, seems like most gas stations in Virginia use 10% ethanol. I usually get my gas either at Wawa or Costco (best prices). What major gas stations still use 100% gasoline?

[2RedV's]

30mpg is great. So far, my CRV is up to 600 miles or so. However, the two tanks that I calculated by hand came up almost 1mpg less than what the onboard computer showed. I was wondering if others are finding the onboard trip computer to be accurate, better, or worse?

Also, seems like most gas stations in Virginia use 10% ethanol. I usually get my gas either at Wawa or Costco (best prices). What major gas stations still use 100% gasoline?Almost every vehicle out there with a mpg computer will be off - on the high side. No manufacturer will knowingly make theirs so that it reads low. I have had a number of different vehicles with them and they all read high. This is why you have to calculate it the old fashioned way if you want someone to believe your numbers.

[rrbhokies]

As I mentioned in my previous post, I have about 600+ miles on my CR-V.

With the two trip odometers, I am using Trip A to calculate MPG for a single tank of gas. I reset Trip A everytime I fill up. I'm using Trip B to calculate MPG overall. Like I said, it's at about 600+ miles right now.

My question is what happens when Trip B reaches 1,000 miles and goes back to zero. Will the MPG calculation reset also, or keep tracking my overall mileage. For example, when Trip B reaches 1,001 miles and the display shows 1 mile, will the MPG be calculated for just the 1 mile or will it represent 1,001 miles.

Just curious.

[vanbo]

I'm at 2500 miles on my 4wd '07, and manual calculation has me at 25.5mpg, and the dash display (I haven't reset the "B" yet) has it at 25.4mpg. Pretty accurate, in my experience.
The last two tanks I've averaged 26.8 and 26.9mpg...

[rrbhokies]

I'm at 2500 miles on my 4wd '07, and manual calculation has me at 25.5mpg, and the dash display (I haven't reset the "B" yet) has it at 25.4mpg. Pretty accurate, in my experience.
The last two tanks I've averaged 26.8 and 26.9mpg...

That's quite good gas mileage. Where do you normally drive? Is it highway, city, suburbs? Are you using regular gas or premium?

[eric_cartman]

22-24 Average Regular Driving. (Highway/City combo)
27 or 28 if purely interstate driving at 65 or 70mph.

[Tycer]

Out of the blue. 12,500 miles. Nancy took a 500 mile trip and reported 28 mpg. Inside my head, I balked at this and assumed she underfilled the tank. Nope. The next tank was 24.6 city/hwy.

We have NEVER gotten more than 22.7 mpg. Our city/hwy average has been 19.5

Something gave. Wonder what it was.

As a side note, the TPMS senser was fixed on the fourth try at 7500 miles.

[rrbhokies]

I've got 875 miles on my 4WD CRV and Trip Odometer B hasn't been reset since I bought it. It's currently showing 21.9 average MPG over my first 875 miles. That's been a mixture of highway/local driving, including a 150 mile trip all highway at 65-70mph where I recorded about 26mpg, which is the highest I've calculated for any one particular trip.

Obviously, I'm hoping the overall mpg goes up a bit. I'd be pleased if I was to eventually average about 24mpg. Hoping the next 1,000 miles goes better.

Question. What happens with my Trip Odometer B reaches 1,000 and resets back to zero. Will the Avg. MPG continue calculate including the previous 1,000 miles, or will the Avg. MPG also reset? For example, at 1,050 miles, the Trip B will only show 50 miles, but will the Avg. MPG be calculated on the full 1,050 miles, or will it only be for the 50 miles that have been driven. Anyone tested that yet?

[Black Pearl]

Only have had the car for a week 590 miles.

First tank 25.2 both city and highway driving

Second tank (today) 22.1 all city. The odometer that I reset when I filled up last time said 22.3

[rrbhokies]

Well, I answered my own question about the trip odometer.

It turns out that the trip odometer goes up to at least 9,999 miles!! That's a first for any vehicle I've owned. And, when the trip odometer went to 1,001 miles, it still showed my avg. mile over the entire period, which as 22.1 mpg.

Therefore, if anyone wants to use their 2nd trip odometer, you can effectively keep a running log of your average mpg over a 9,999 mile period. I think that's pretty awesome. I just hope I don't accidentally reset it at some point!!

[vanbo]

That's quite good gas mileage. Where do you normally drive? Is it highway, city, suburbs? Are you using regular gas or premium?

Regular gas, probably about 75% highway.

I just returned from a 1200 mile trip (Wisconsin to West Virginia and back); averaged 28.2 mpg on 87octane. I would have gotten over 29, I believe, except the long stretch in Indiana, doing 80+ mph. Fuel economy definitely suffers when you hit 70-75mph and faster... I'd say 60-65mph is the sweet spot. The trip-puter said 28.4mpg, so again, very close to reality. Given I just crossed 4000 miles, I'm expecting to be able to break 30mpg on all-highway trips, once the engine is broken in.

[alex2364]

We just went on a 400 mile trip in our CR-V and averaged 26 mpg with about 90% highway and going 70 mph. Our CR-V only has 800 miles so mileage will prolly get better after a few thousand miles.

[connermt]

07 AWD w/ 1800 miles. 95% freeway driving @ around 70 MPH with cruise for 1½ hrs w/o AC, windows up, roof open, then 25 minutes of sitting in traffic with AC on, then ¾ hours continuation, windows up, AC on = 26.62 MPG.

[pxpaulx]

We purchased our 2004 LX AWD AT in April with just over 49K miles on it. So far, we're averaging 23.23 MPG. It is mainly being driven by my wife to/from work, and with construction along half her drive it has been suffering as a result. I would expect it to jump 1-2mpg with better traffic. We also don't drive it for much else unless we take a longer trip, or go to the grocery store - anywhere in between we use our toyota yaris for the 37+MPG we get.

a great tool for tracking your mileage can be found at:

www.gassavers.org I just write down the odometer reading on the receipt and log it whenever I have a chance, saves me from my own infallibility and gives me a concrete number.

here is the CR-V performance (ours) by tank:

http://www.gassavers.org/garage/viewgaslog/406

Overall I'm satisfied, it does better than our Element did, which averaged between 20-21mpg in normal driving and barely 24 hwy.

[connermt]

We purchased our 2004 LX AWD AT in April with just over 49K miles on it. So far, we're averaging 23.23 MPG. It is mainly being driven by my wife to/from work, and with construction along half her drive it has been suffering as a result. I would expect it to jump 1-2mpg with better traffic. We also don't drive it for much else unless we take a longer trip, or go to the grocery store - anywhere in between we use our toyota yaris for the 37+MPG we get.

a great tool for tracking your mileage can be found at:

www.gassavers.org I just write down the odometer reading on the receipt and log it whenever I have a chance, saves me from my own infallibility and gives me a concrete number.

here is the CR-V performance (ours) by tank:

http://www.gassavers.org/garage/viewgaslog/406

Overall I'm satisfied, it does better than our Element did, which averaged between 20-21mpg in normal driving and barely 24 hwy.

My element did the same thing. No matter what I did, I never got to 25MPG.

[rrbhokies]

It seems that highway mileage is clocking in between 26 and 28 mpg. It's the city mileage that appears to be killing everyone's overall mpg. I've noticed that my in-town driving between home and the commuter lot, or to the grocery store, etc. is only averaging about 18/19 mpg. That's much lower than the stated mpg and is what is bringing my overall mpg to about 22 mpg after almost 1,800 miles.

Consumer Reports averaged around 23mpg in their testing. I was hoping for about 25 mpg overall, but it appears that city mileage falls well under 20mpg and for those that do a reasonable amount of mixed driving, such as myself, 22/23 is about where you'll fall into overall.

[2RedV's]

The EPA "stated mpg" is obtained, by the EPA (not Honda) on a chassis dyno in a LAB in very controlled conditions. It does not take into account aerodynamics, running the AC or driving normally. Don't blame Honda (or any car manufacturer) for not being able to get the EPA mileage rating.

[connermt]

It seems that highway mileage is clocking in between 26 and 28 mpg. It's the city mileage that appears to be killing everyone's overall mpg. I've noticed that my in-town driving between home and the commuter lot, or to the grocery store, etc. is only averaging about 18/19 mpg. That's much lower than the stated mpg and is what is bringing my overall mpg to about 22 mpg after almost 1,800 miles.

Consumer Reports averaged around 23mpg in their testing. I was hoping for about 25 mpg overall, but it appears that city mileage falls well under 20mpg and for those that do a reasonable amount of mixed driving, such as myself, 22/23 is about where you'll fall into overall.

Wow
Those numbers look too familiar!:)
On a return freeway trip, my instant readout said 25 or 26. After 2 days of puttin' around in traffic & never getting over 45MPH, it dropped to about 23. One trip was totally city, & it avg'd about 19

[E_Z_Wind]

Hello! Just brought my CR-V on 6/24 and drove it just 100 miles to and from work under non-rush hour NYC driving conditions, AC on about half the time. Mileage so far- 20 mpg. Better than the 17 mpg I got with the 150k 4 cyl '95 Jeep Wrangler 5x4 I traded but not by much. I'll try it on the highway next weekend when I drive to central PA.

[Black Pearl]

25.2 22.1 23.6 23.9 21.4 23.3


I have about 1700 miles on the Black Pearl now and the above numbers are my actual mpg for each fill up. My computer values seem to run closer than what everyone else has been reporting. It is usually higher by .2 to .7 than the actual.

I have a theory on the computer, but I haven’t tested it yet. I don’t think that it considers non-movement time into the calculation. On hot days, we will frequently leave the car run when one of us remains in the car at some shopping stop. The car may run 5 to 10 minutes with a/c running. I reset my B odometer with each brimming (as our friend from the UK says—this site is really cool with the international members) but use A for various trip measures (which renders A useless other than an indication of what I did on a particular trip). So I am going to run an experiment and closely monitor the B value after letting it idle with the a/c on.

Looking at the above numbers, I would have to say that the 21.4 figure is fairly close to the truth. On the previous numbers I babied the car for break in and I was trying to use the real time indicator to improve my mileage. On the 21.4 tank, I tried to drive normally. The 23.3 was last weekend’s Geocaching—well actually Waymarking jaunt out in the country. But much of that was extremely hilly and there were long periods where the car idled with the a/c on.

One of the reasons I bought the CR-V was for gas mileage. I was seriously considering getting a 2WD for the better mileage. With Pittsburgh winters everyone thought I was nuts—but I have never had a 4 WD vehicle before. I found only one 2WD in the area and it was LX in a color I didn’t like. So I went with the 4WD which means that it won’t snow in Pittsburgh for the next 12 years which is good.

I can’t say that I am in a swoon with the mileage that I am getting—nor am I going to return the car on a lemon law. While I didn’t expect to get anything near the EPA estimates, I thought with my babying that it would be better. Western Pennsylvania is extremely hilly. I notice that if I find rare long relatively flat straits that my indicated mileage improves only to be gobbled up again with the next hill. I think going up hills consumes more fuel than you save coming back down. My other observation is that the vehicle performs extremely well on interstate driving, which I have done very little. Most of my driving is very hilly suburban secondary roads. So overall I am somewhat disappointed with the mileage, but like everything else about the vehicle--except those gargantuan door handles.

[2RedV's]

babying a high-revving Honda is the worst thing you can do for gas mileage. Moderate rpm's is best (not redline, nor lugging the engine). I let mine shift at 3500-4500rpms's all the time and get better mpg than if I baby it. This goes for both V's.

[connermt]

babying a high-revving Honda is the worst thing you can do for gas mileage. Moderate rpm's is best (not redline, nor lugging the engine). I let mine shift at 3500-4500rpms's all the time and get better mpg than if I baby it. This goes for both V's.

Normal (ie easy) driving for mine: it shifts around 2½K w/o AC being on. (Horsepower is max @ 5800 & torque is max @ 4200 RPM for 2007, although this isn't always an engines most efficient range). If I get on it a little bit, it shifts around 4K (get on it a lot & it goes to about 5½K [NOTE: HP & Torque are always the same @ 5252K RPM]). In city driving, this constant 4K shifting is a MPG killer. Just recently, harder driving (4-4½K shifting) has dropped my avg MPG 2½-3 MPG in just 2 out of the 5 days since fill up via dash MPG display (from 23.3 MPG down to 19.8, back up to 20.2MPG currently once I stopped high RMP shifting). Granted the avg dash MPG isn't indicative of actual MPG per tank fill up, so take that with a grain of salt, as last tank AVG MPG said 23-ish MPG, actual was little over 25 MPG.
I think the issue here is (as with most Hondas) the power is up in the higher rev band; the thinking is that lower RPM = less power = engine struggling to get the car moving. (Why they insist on putting HP in higher RPM in an SUV/truck eludes me, but whatever...) While that thinking may be true, it is only true for a fraction of the RMP range & how you are actually driving. Also, we need to keep in mind, the 07 CRV engine is the largest (2.4li / 2354 CC) CRV enigine so far.
My experience in driving everything from high revvers to low end torquers, is to shift the car (in normal city driving) around the RPM that it is at while driving highest gear @ 60MPH (+/- 500RPM). For the 07 CRV, that's around 2400 RPM. That top gear RMP is where (normally) the engine operates best in normal driving (+/- 500RPM). Also, vehicle weight & rolling coefficient also need to be considered. New vehicles (usually) have different weights & rolling coefficients.

We also need to consider gearing. The more speeds a tranny has, the more efficient it will use the engines power. The more speeds in the tranny, to more shifting the tranny needs to do. This means the tranny is designed to shift more times, to get you to a cruising speed faster with lower RPMs needed. Basically, with a higher speed tranny, there is no need to accelerate harder. Let the tranny do what;s it's designed to do, which is shift, based upon your needs & driving style.

That said, there is a happy medium that must be had between shifting lower
(1½K & 2K RPM) & higher (4K-5KRPM). So for me, I have been sticking to around 3K RPM (give or take) when possible. So far, that has been giving me about 22-23 MPG in 80-85% city driving, which is far better than the 19-ish for shifting at 4½K.

[Black Pearl]

Thanks for the info on shifting. I have never had car with a tach or fuel monitoring before, so I have never paid attention to it. When you say that you are shifting at a certain RPM, I assume that you are putting it in drive and using throttle position to determine the shifting, and not playing fake stick shift. I will see what happens by trying a heavier right foot.

On the high rev power, I am getting mixed results. Pennsylvania believes that the interchanges for two major highways should do one of two things:

A: Have 2 to 5 miles of two lane highway between the roads allowing economic growth in the form of gas stations, motels, and fast food resturants. Be sure to place plenty of traffic lights in these sections to slow the traffic down and give the motorists plenty of time to develop some need to stop at the said establishments.

B: Have a clover leaf interchange stuffed into an acre of ground where it is impossible to go faster than 20 mph on the extreme curves of the clover leaf. Twenty feet is adequate for an accelleration ramp, and it is wise to have the traffic exiting to use the same lane as the traffic entering. Real estate and paving costs are kept to a minimum.

We even have stop signs on some of entries to the Penn Lincoln Parkway going through Pittsburgh (the most livable city in the US--obviously judged by those who don't live here). It should be illegal to operate a vehicle in Pennsylvania with less than 400 horsepower.

In any event, entering a limited access highway in Pennsylvania is a psychological study of need verses fear.

I have had two incidents entering the Pennsylvania Turnpike back when I first had the car and Interstate 80 last weekend where I was vastly disappointed with the performance of the vehicle. On I-80 I got on at an interchange that I haven't been on in several years. I went around the tight bend at hair raising 25 mph and two wheels and voila there is the 20 foot accelleration ramp getting on at curve and the traffic is going like hell. I floored it. Not bad to 50, then what happended to the engine? It was making lots of noise but we were not out running that Kenworth that was bearing down on us. It was a tad frightening. I should have bailed out onto the berm.

Yet 2 weeks ago I had another entry on to a road going up a steep hill and a couple of wise guys decided to play chicken and started to accellerate toward me. I punched the Pearl down, she growed like hell (very impressive) and took off.

I was pleasantly surprised with the vehicle's performance on route 66/28 going through Armstrong and Clarion Counties. 66 is a dangerous road with many steep hills and lots of curves. All of my previous vehicles struggled with the hills both going up and coming down, and also with the curves. The Pearl handled the hills and curves with no problems. It was actually fun to drive, where in the past I was always glad to get off the road. So I was quite impressed with the Pearl then I had the I-80 incident.

Obviously, I haven't had the vehicle long enough to have a good feel for what is safe, but my experience is that it performs very well in the middle 20 to 50 mph, but is disappointing at the top end. Right now I am somewhat apprehensive about entering limited access highways in the lovely Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

[Rotarctica]

Alright, alright...I tried...and I just can't. I simply cannot read this thread any more without chiming in!

I don't mean to brag...

...But I took a trip from Georgia to Florida just the other day and used two tanks of gas in the process, and I returned 28.01 MPG going down, and 28.3 MPG on the way back.

This is a 2005 CR-V LX 2WD 5AT with my FAT ass driving (260lbs), my mother (125lbs), my friend (160lbs), and my little brother (100lbs). Plus a Chihuahua (6lbs), doggy car seat (5lbs), cooler full of ice and drinks (I don't know) and some odds and ends.

We use regular Shell or BP usually, but it's whatever is cheapest at the time. I did around 75 to 80mph the entire way. Passing at W.O.T. (Wide Open Throttle) wasn't a regular occurrence, but I did count...and I passed three times on the first tank, two times on the second tank and made a 0-75mph run once on the second tank.

Let me tell you a little something. Any time I've driven like a complete grandmother in ANY car, I return less MPG than if I drive with a little spring in my step, so to speak. In the CR-V, I accelerate rather sharply...letting it shift around 3.3k revs seems to be the sweet spot. The efficiency peak of most any engine is around half of what the motor will redline at. Surprise surprise, that's where the motor sits at 80mph.

To return great mileage, do these things...

Accelerate like a normal person, as I said. Fool with it for a few tanks and see what you think works. I've just given you the base line.

When you're cruising...never, ever, ever, EVER use your cruise control. Cruise control is about as economical as stabbing the throttle every other second. It's overzealous in prodding the throttle to keep your speed, especially uphill...and it's unnecessary. Why keep a perfectly consistent speed uphill when everyone else will lose a few miles per hour anyway?

I cannot stress enough the need to keep your foot absolutely steady on the throttle when you're cruising! GA interstates are hilly. Get to your speed and reduce the pressure on the throttle until you find that sweet spot where it will maintain your speed just fine. Coming up on a hill? Do nothing...not yet...Keep your foot steady on the gas, even though you will lose a little bit of speed (As will most everyone), but if that speed is reduced to about 10mph, you can give it a little more gas. Falling below your target speed by 10mph is just silly.

Going down a really steep hill? Let your foot off the gas entirely to coast, IN GEAR, at the same speed if not a little bit more. You'll get that bit of your trip for free. However, if another hill immediately follows the one you're going down, keep your foot on that gas so you can build your speed and momentum to help you up the next hill without losing as much speed, equaling less fuel spent to regain your target cruise.

Think about it. Keep your distance within reason...but if it's a tractor trailer, stay about 80 feet or so back... You'll get to recognize the feeling of being surrounded in the trucks slipstream bubble so you know how far you can (SAFELY) be back and still benefit from the low pressure zone. On average, once you know where to sit behind the trailer while still leaving plenty of room and being safe, expect a 10 to 20% reduction in drag on your own car.

Keep your A/C on and your windows and sunroof firmly shut. Period. In the CR-V with the 2.4 litre engine...always...use...your A/C... End of story.

Keep your tires properly inflated...maybe put in a few more PSI for better grip.

Planning. When your driving, really think about your situation. You have to think about things you may not normally be consciously debating. Keep your watch out for cops. Remember that they have to have a 500 foot clear as day sight distance for them to legally be able to issue you a ticket for speeding.
You have to have an escape plan. You have to keep track of what others are doing so you know when to switch lanes to avoid having to hit your brakes, or lift off the throttle at all. Is that person going to slow down? Are they appearing to be looking for an exit? Is there a car coming up behind you that will benefit from your bubble, but costing you? Can you move over to let that person by before they get too close? Is there a person in that lane that you'd rather not side swipe?

If everyone thought this much about driving, no one would ever crash. Ever. Driving economically eventually becomes something of a habit and a mindstate...Nowadays, when I'm not driving my RX-7 (Because you never buy a sports car to save fuel, you buy it to enjoy it), I'm already driving like this. It's safe, if can be kind of fun to see just how much you can squeeze out of a car, and it's kind to pass these tips and such to other people with the same make and model to help them get the best out of their mileage without being miserable, without being one of those people on the highway that drives so slowly (They think they're saving fuel, but they're probably not).

And last, but certainly not least...keep your car in tune. Use the right gas for your motor, keep the oil changed, your air filter clean, fuel filter changed as recommended, tires properly inflated, spark plugs changed as needed, etc.

Drive safe, y'all. :)

[Black Pearl]

You think your gas mileage is because of your driving skills? Ha! It the dog. If you had a regular sized dog, your gas mileage would be as crappy as the rest of us. I am going out and getting Chihauhau today to improve my mileage!

Thanks for the interesting dissertation.

Incidentally, I frequently go on business trips to Augusta. You'all trully drive like maniacs down there, stopping at red lights is optional, driving in heavy rain--floor it, cruising speed on I-20 between Augusta and Atlanta is 95 MPH bumper to bumper, but if you feel like going slow use the left lane. I have never seen as many bizarre accidents as I have around Augusta. My wife has noticed that I drive differently when returning from Augusta. I don't pull out at green lights immediately, and look both ways before doing so. It takes about 2 weeks to de-Augustafy myself.

One trip a couple of years ago I took a ride down to St Simon & Jekel Islands which I believe is in your area. Other than the insanity on I-95 it was a beautiful area.

[Rotarctica]

You think your gas mileage is because of your driving skills? Ha! It the dog. If you had a regular sized dog, your gas mileage would be as crappy as the rest of us. I am going out and getting Chihauhau today to improve my mileage!

Thanks for the interesting dissertation.

Incidentally, I frequently go on business trips to Augusta. You'all trully drive like maniacs down there, stopping at red lights is optional, driving in heavy rain--floor it, cruising speed on I-20 between Augusta and Atlanta is 95 MPH bumper to bumper, but if you feel like going slow use the left lane. I have never seen as many bizarre accidents as I have around Augusta. My wife has noticed that I drive differently when returning from Augusta. I don't pull out at green lights immediately, and look both ways before doing so. It takes about 2 weeks to de-Augustafy myself.

One trip a couple of years ago I took a ride down to St Simon & Jekel Islands which I believe is in your area. Other than the insanity on I-95 it was a beautiful area.

I dunno whether to take that as a compliment or an insult. Haha Thanks..

[Black Pearl]

Well part 1 is kidding. Part 2 is fact.

No need to regard it as a compliment or insult.

[Black Pearl]

Well as I suspected the Pearl does Ok with interstate driving. We took a Waymarking trip to Erie PA. Filled up before we left and filled up on the way back home. On the fillup before the trip 21.58 mpg. On the fillup after the Erie trip 29.898 mpg. My ave fuel indicator showed 29.0. So my actual was better than the indicated. Most of the trip was Interstate 65 to 70 mph, with a/c on during the day. (The return trip was after dark, no a/c). We had about 50 miles of non-interstate country roads. Very little city or suburban. I am impressed!

[connermt]

Wow - some of the MPG's listed prior are impressive!
So far, I have only gotten about 27 MPG, but still have <3000 miles so hopefuly it will improve.

The Cruise comments are also interesting. When people hear "cruise control gives better MPG", they often don't think about the roads they drive on. Common sense needs to be used in both cases. If you have a car that likes to downshift (which, at least, 07 CRVs do), you might be better off controlling the speed yourself on extreme hills. That said, people also need to understand that some hills require downshifting, rather you do it yourself of the CPU does it.
As always, we all need to use common sense while driving.

[2RedV's]

Rotarctica:

Nice dissertation.

:)

[sprig]

My '06 is getting in the high 20s usually, into a strong wind, it will go down to 23-24.

Best was in a gale of a tail wind, traveled 150 miles and squeezed in 3.1 gallons.

[2RedV's]

I made a 280 mile round trip (99% highway) yesterday up to the Chicago 'burbs in the 04 and only managed 23.5 for the tank. I can attribute it to my speeds which were 75-80, 5 people in the V and I had a bad crosswind coming and going.

[Black Pearl]

I made a 280 mile round trip (99% highway) yesterday up to the Chicago 'burbs in the 04 and only managed 23.5 for the tank. I can attribute it to my speeds which were 75-80, 5 people in the V and I had a bad crosswind coming and going.

No, I am not going there. I have stirred up the hornets nest too much on this Amsoil issue.

[2RedV's]

No, I am not going there. I have stirred up the hornets nest too much on this Amsoil issue.Haha!
We usually get 25+ highway on the 04. The 99 will better it easily, in any situation. I have been getting 25-27.5, tank after tank ever since winter gas went away this spring and I let it see redline multiple times per tank.

Running down to Springfield and back later today in the 04. Nice, calm day. I'll see what this tank does.

[2RedV's]

Haha!
We usually get 25+ highway on the 04. The 99 will better it easily, in any situation. I have been getting 25-27.5, tank after tank ever since winter gas went away this spring and I let it see redline multiple times per tank.

Running down to Springfield and back later today in the 04. Nice, calm day. I'll see what this tank does.Well, I didn't take the 04. Wife wanted to run some errands (spend money).

I took the 99. Again, a 97%+ all highway trip. 220 miles, 9.1 gallons for a 24.15 mpg avg. However, this is all my fault for such a low number.

I ran 75+ mph all the way there and seconds after getting on the interstate on the way back, a VW turbo Beetle and a closely following Mercedes CL500 V12 blasted past me. I had to follow. I am sucker for high speed runs.

Those with a 1st gen will realize that 3600 to 4200 rpm's in top gear (auto tranny) makes for rather high speeds - 80 to 100 mph. ( I know, top speed on a 1st gen is 105) I don't rely too much on the speedo since Honda's tend to overstate. This was via the Garmin GPS.

I turned off the AC almost immediately and cracked a couple of windows for extra air so I could have all of the available power possible. There were times I needed much more power.

Still, I was really surprised at the mpg I ended up with considering the Garmin recorded a 110 mile return trip at a 86.2 mph average.

[cltkids]

When you're cruising...never, ever, ever, EVER use your cruise control.

Ya know, I have always been a cruise control addict...but reading Rotarctica's post got me thinking...

I own a gas motorhome and we took a 425 mile round trip to the mountains (although most was reasonably level). I decided to ditch Cruise control (which can REALLY gun a 10 cylinder engine!) and drive normally, while trying to keep a minimal amount of downshifting and keeping the speed near 60. I came back with the best mileage I have ever gotten in my motorhome in the 18 months I have owned it. 7.9mpg! Remember, its 22,000 lbs and as aerodynamic as a billboard.

Anyway, I did the same thing on a 200 mile trip in my CR-V this weekend with no cruise on the way to, and using cruise (same approx speed) on the way back. After about half way back, I stopped using the cruise since I already could see the results on the dash display. I got 34 heading out, but was getting 31 heading back. Once I stopped the cruise control, it inched back to 33.

I am trying this on my 06 civic and, although I do not have a MPG display, I can see that I will get further on this tank full. (I drive mostly highway to work). Next fillup will tell the truth. There may be something to this....

My 2 cents.

[IceWind]

Nothing worth bragging here, used my A/C on a full tank for in town driving during this damn heatwave in Montana cause I was sick of being hot. When I last filled up, I came a little over 18mpg, owell.....:(

[mikey]

Haven't checked highway yet, but with about 1000 miles on it, ours is getting 18 around town. Supposed to get better mileage after it's well broken in. Hope so.

[Jenny_Dallas]

I traded in a Mercury Mariner 2006 that never got beter than 19 mpg even on hwy(according to the trip computer).I got a certified 2007 w/19000 miles. After a week of driving,city and hwy, the avg has been around 25 mpg! I am very pleased to say the least.

[Jenny_Dallas]

To ad to my reply, I live in Dallas, very hot, I don't drive like a grandma but do try to take it easy, don't see how anyone gets under 20 mpg????????

[rrbhokies]

I'm at 5,500 miles and I'm averaging 22.6 overall. I just came back from a trip with mostly highway driving and averaged 29.1 Have not broken the 30mpg yet on any one tank of gas, but still hoping to someday!!

[mikey]

To ad to my reply, I live in Dallas, very hot, I don't drive like a grandma but do try to take it easy, don't see how anyone gets under 20 mpg????????

Don't see how you can compare your streets, roads, traffic, and driving habits to someone else's.

[Davecr-v]

why are peple complaining about mid 20's real world MPG in an SUV My car now gets 12 to 15 MPG I do drive in a fair amount of traffic and at high speeds the funny thng is I get 12 or 14 normally but I did a test where I consistently did 80+ and got 15+ and I did do some rough acceleration during that period but Jeez 20+ real world is great the audi I was looking at got 17 premium and thats a sedan.I cant wait to pick up my new 04 though a the deler Thurs then I can finally get good gas mileage plus I would prolly driv ofter being its a good car my van is old and crappy but it is a great car.

[gb42]

I have 98 AWD (and yes, it makes a huge differnce wether its 2wd or awd. I get the sam MGP, ~19 city, 23 expressway. I have a freind with a 2wd, he gets about 5 mpg more on average.

[Davecr-v]

Alright roughly and mean very roughly I am getting about 20 mpg but thats because I have been driving pretty fast, been in a lot of intown driving looking for spots, been stuck in stop & Go traffic, and been in and out of my car a lot. I have a new test going and I am doing pretty well hopefully I will fill up if I find some good gas prices. My favorite thing is the tank last almost a week so I can hold off buying gas until it's price goes down or if I go to NJ.

[2RedV's]

Filled up today in the 99 - 368 miles and 12.96 gallons of fuel for a nice 28.4 mpg! OK, so it helped that I went 250 miles of that on 2 lane rural highway at 55-60 mph over the weekend with virtually no wind and on flat ground. :)

[snickerd3]

My CRV is a 2006. I drive about 126 miles a day, 98% highway driving in central Illinois (realtively Flat terrain). Depending on the brand of gas, during the summer I am getting 27 to 28 mpg, winter about 25 mpg. If I make more in town trips, it only drops a mile or 2 per gal. I am very happy with the gas mileage as I was driving a Chevy blazer and was getting only like 16-18 mpg, worse in winter months. The money I save in gas will pay for the car in about 6 years.

[Greg Fasig]

Drove mine for 207,000 miles and averaged 22 mpg city and highway. I hardly ever varied.

Greg

[sleeksilver]

I have 98 AWD (and yes, it makes a huge differnce wether its 2wd or awd. I get the sam MGP, ~19 city, 23 expressway. I have a freind with a 2wd, he gets about 5 mpg more on average.

Could be driving style too, keep that in mind... :rolleyes:

[Davecr-v]

OK I went snowboarding friday and monday about a 146 mile drive on the NYS thuway I pretty much locked in at 80 mph (cruise control) on the way up until I got to rural Rt 28 which is hill, curvy and has a varied amount of speed limits plus made some one lane passes but in general I wasn't extra fuel efficient. On the way back I did the same route but since there was traffic my speed and acceleration varied but still I wasn't too al gore on the throttle nevertheless I filled up in Jersey right before the GWB and averaged just over 26 mpg. I guess the thruway was pretty flat but it really shows how much braking and stop and go kills your gas mileage as well as other components of the vehicle.

[Jesswhy]

I guess the thruway was pretty flat but it really shows how much braking and stop and go kills your gas mileage as well as other components of the vehicle.

I noticed my MPG got shot when I was staying at a friends house. She lives about 5 miles closer to my work and suddenly my mileage went from about 21-22 mpg to about 20 or less...I was shocked. I was closer to work, but my gas was gone so much faster!

[2RedV's]

I noticed my MPG got shot when I was staying at a friends house. She lives about 5 miles closer to my work and suddenly my mileage went from about 21-22 mpg to about 20 or less...I was shocked. I was closer to work, but my gas was gone so much faster!Remember that in most areas of North America it is now winter which means that the winter fuel blend is being used. Winter blend gas will drop your mileage 10-15% according to the EPA.

[Zipalot]

30mpg is great. So far, my CRV is up to 600 miles or so. However, the two tanks that I calculated by hand came up almost 1mpg less than what the onboard computer showed. I was wondering if others are finding the onboard trip computer to be accurate, better, or worse?

Also, seems like most gas stations in Virginia use 10% ethanol. I usually get my gas either at Wawa or Costco (best prices). What major gas stations still use 100% gasoline?

My 07 CRV-AWD gets about 1mpg less than the computer calculation

[2RedV's]

My 07 CRV-AWD gets about 1mpg less than the computer calculationWelcome to the forum! :)

That seems to be a fairly common amount for it to be off. Glad to see that you know how to check mileage the old-fashioned way.

hint: If you fill out your profile with your location, it help others to know how to help you. You could be anywhere in the world.

[spotpup]

We ran our 08 EX-L up to Cleveland from Columbus this past weekend. Temps in the 20's and 30's, variable crosswinds. Topped off with Flying J on the way up and Sam's Club on the way back. The Honda onboard computer claimed an average of 26.4 for both city and highway. I did not do the manual calculation, however, after reading this thread, I will definitely do some brain math and watch it a bit closer.

I did note last night as I filled up that the miles to empty was way off. The computer showed 8 miles to empty, however I was 1.5 gallons from a full fill, and using their numbers, (26.4*1.5=39.6) I had almost two days of driving before running dry. Total miles to date: 1895 so I am still breaking in the engine. I have yet to adjust the tire pressure up from 30 PSI. Maybe this weekend when it gets out of the teens.