MDX gas mileage, what are you getting?
I bought a MDX and sold my Tahoe for better mileage. So far I have gotten at best 15.6mpg. Edmunds.com says it should get at least 17mpg. Do I need a tune up or something or is this normal for the MDX?
Fuel Economy Q & A
Tech Line fields many questions on fuel economy, including why some vehicles dont get the fuel mileage
estimates shown on the fuel economy label (part of the Monroney label thats on every new car and truck).
Question: Why cant I get the City and Highway
mpg estimates shown on the label?
Answer: The mileage estimates on the label
reflect the average mpg attained by similar
vehicles in a model line under controlled
laboratory conditions and are not the result of an
actual road test. And remember, as stated on the
fuel economy label: Actual mileage will vary with
options, driving conditions, driving habits, and
vehicles condition.
Question: Just how are the EPA mileage
estimates made anyway?
Answer: Test vehicles are run by professional
drivers on a treadmill-like device that measures
exhaust emissions and fuel usage. During the test,
the vehicles headlights, A/C, heater, audio unit,
and all accessories are turned off. Upshifts on M/T
vehicles are typically made at 15 mph (1st to 2nd
gear), 28 mph (2nd to 3rd gear), 41 mph (3rd to
4th gear), and 52 mph (4th to 5th gear).
The City portion of the test simulates a 7.5 mile
stop-and-go trip with an average speed of 20
mph. The trip takes 23 minutes, has 18 stops, and
keeps the engine idling about 18 percent of the
time to simulate rush hour traffic delays.
The Highway portion of the test simulates a
10-mile drive with speeds averaging 48 mph. Its
run from a hot start in a mix of rural and interstate
driving conditions. There are no stops, and theres
not much idling time.
When both test results are known, the City mpg is
lowered by 10 percent, and the Highway mpg is
lowered by 22 percent; this makes the results
closer to real world fuel consumption.
Question: How do I calculate mpg?
Answer: You divide the miles driven by the
number of gallons of fuel that you used.
Question: How can I increase my vehicles mpg?
Answer: To increase your vehicles mpg, do this:
As often as possible, accelerate slowly and
smoothly, keep your engine speed below
3,000 rpm, and lower your road speed.
Keep your tires inflated to the specs listed on
the doorjamb sticker.
Keep your vehicle in top condition by
following the maintainance schedule listed in
your owners manual and by using the
recommended engine oil.
Question: Where can I get more info on fuel
economy?
Answer: You can get a free copy of the Model
Year 2001 Fuel Economy Guide by any of these
means:
Mail: National Alternative Fuels Hotline
9300 Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22031-1207
Phone: 800-423-1363
Internet: http://www.fueleconomy.gov
Tech Line fields many questions on fuel economy, including why some vehicles dont get the fuel mileage
estimates shown on the fuel economy label (part of the Monroney label thats on every new car and truck).
Question: Why cant I get the City and Highway
mpg estimates shown on the label?
Answer: The mileage estimates on the label
reflect the average mpg attained by similar
vehicles in a model line under controlled
laboratory conditions and are not the result of an
actual road test. And remember, as stated on the
fuel economy label: Actual mileage will vary with
options, driving conditions, driving habits, and
vehicles condition.
Question: Just how are the EPA mileage
estimates made anyway?
Answer: Test vehicles are run by professional
drivers on a treadmill-like device that measures
exhaust emissions and fuel usage. During the test,
the vehicles headlights, A/C, heater, audio unit,
and all accessories are turned off. Upshifts on M/T
vehicles are typically made at 15 mph (1st to 2nd
gear), 28 mph (2nd to 3rd gear), 41 mph (3rd to
4th gear), and 52 mph (4th to 5th gear).
The City portion of the test simulates a 7.5 mile
stop-and-go trip with an average speed of 20
mph. The trip takes 23 minutes, has 18 stops, and
keeps the engine idling about 18 percent of the
time to simulate rush hour traffic delays.
The Highway portion of the test simulates a
10-mile drive with speeds averaging 48 mph. Its
run from a hot start in a mix of rural and interstate
driving conditions. There are no stops, and theres
not much idling time.
When both test results are known, the City mpg is
lowered by 10 percent, and the Highway mpg is
lowered by 22 percent; this makes the results
closer to real world fuel consumption.
Question: How do I calculate mpg?
Answer: You divide the miles driven by the
number of gallons of fuel that you used.
Question: How can I increase my vehicles mpg?
Answer: To increase your vehicles mpg, do this:
As often as possible, accelerate slowly and
smoothly, keep your engine speed below
3,000 rpm, and lower your road speed.
Keep your tires inflated to the specs listed on
the doorjamb sticker.
Keep your vehicle in top condition by
following the maintainance schedule listed in
your owners manual and by using the
recommended engine oil.
Question: Where can I get more info on fuel
economy?
Answer: You can get a free copy of the Model
Year 2001 Fuel Economy Guide by any of these
means:
Mail: National Alternative Fuels Hotline
9300 Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22031-1207
Phone: 800-423-1363
Internet: http://www.fueleconomy.gov
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jwrape »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I bought a MDX and sold my Tahoe for better mileage. So far I have gotten at best 15.6mpg. Edmunds.com says it should get at least 17mpg. Do I need a tune up or something or is this normal for the MDX?</TD></TR></TABLE>
If you are in the break-in period, you will get slightly lower miles per gallon.
You might also have a problem with not using all the HP.
If your J motor is like mine, it comes on the cam at 5000 and the secondaries open at 4000.
Personally, I find you can accelerate rather briskly and still get good mpg as long as you stay below 4000.
I just got back from a trip with my Accord 6-6, and got 32.35 miles per gallon.
If you are in the break-in period, you will get slightly lower miles per gallon.
You might also have a problem with not using all the HP.

If your J motor is like mine, it comes on the cam at 5000 and the secondaries open at 4000.
Personally, I find you can accelerate rather briskly and still get good mpg as long as you stay below 4000.
I just got back from a trip with my Accord 6-6, and got 32.35 miles per gallon.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jwrape »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> So far I have gotten at best 15.6mpg. </TD></TR></TABLE>
thats about what i get in my pilot.
thats about what i get in my pilot.
It's WAY past break in. It has 101k miles on it. I just figured it would get MUCH better mileage being a Honda product. Even on our trip to the beach down the highay I only get 18 mpg at best.
Your first post states you've gotten no better than 15.6 and a few days later it's up to 18. How many tankfuls have you gone through? I assume you've not owned the MDX for its entire 101k mile life.
FWIW, I believe the MDX is rated at 17/22 so if you've got even a bit of a lead foot you're doing well to be within the specified range.
FWIW, I believe the MDX is rated at 17/22 so if you've got even a bit of a lead foot you're doing well to be within the specified range.
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Yes, you are right. We JUST bought it about a month ago and have just come back from the beach a couple weeks ago and that's when we got almost 18 mpg. I think it was 17.8 or so. But if it's rated for 17/22 I would assume it would stay around 18 or 19mpg on average.
My Grand Prix is rated 18/27 and it gets on average about 22-23mpg.
I just wonder why it's so low compared to the EPA Rating.
We have had it since 97,500k miles.
My Grand Prix is rated 18/27 and it gets on average about 22-23mpg.
I just wonder why it's so low compared to the EPA Rating.
We have had it since 97,500k miles.
See there is something wrong with mine. I have noticed since I bought it that the transmission acts funny. I did get a transmission code once but it went away.
The main thing it does that feels funny is that when you are slowing down to a stop it downshift WAY prematurelly and almost throws you towards the windshield and runs the RPMs up to about 2500 when I don't have my foot on the gas at all. It seems that there is not enough line pressure in the tranny to keep it in gear long enough.
Anyone else have tranny issues? They might be affecting my mileage by not shifting at the correct RPM.
The main thing it does that feels funny is that when you are slowing down to a stop it downshift WAY prematurelly and almost throws you towards the windshield and runs the RPMs up to about 2500 when I don't have my foot on the gas at all. It seems that there is not enough line pressure in the tranny to keep it in gear long enough.
Anyone else have tranny issues? They might be affecting my mileage by not shifting at the correct RPM.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jwrape »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> I have noticed since I bought it that the transmission acts funny.</TD></TR></TABLE>
01-02 MDX trans. is junk. We see quite a few problems with them, almost as bad as the 00-03 TL.
01-02 MDX trans. is junk. We see quite a few problems with them, almost as bad as the 00-03 TL.
What does that mean? Am I going to have to replace it soon or does that mean it just acts up and I have to deal with it?
What can i do to fix the shifting fixed?
What can i do to fix the shifting fixed?
I did a major tune up and seems to get the exact same mileage, even though the air filter was BLACK and pretty well blocked and the spark plugs looked to be the original.
Someone on another CRV thread suggested to remove the rear driveshaft to improve the mileage. I am gonna look and see if this is feasable.
Anyone esle got anymore bright ideas? The Crv's are getting 28mpg hwy. I should be able to get at least 17, I would think
Someone on another CRV thread suggested to remove the rear driveshaft to improve the mileage. I am gonna look and see if this is feasable.
Anyone esle got anymore bright ideas? The Crv's are getting 28mpg hwy. I should be able to get at least 17, I would think
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by krishant »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">they had a transmission recall on 01- 02 MDXs</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yea, I heard but I found out, what I thought was a abnormal shifting was in fact a new design where the transmission actually downshifts early to help slow the car easier. The pilots and odessey's have the same thing and I found someone else complaining about the same symptoms. I think my MDX is running fine, it's just my wife has a heavy foot.
Yea, I heard but I found out, what I thought was a abnormal shifting was in fact a new design where the transmission actually downshifts early to help slow the car easier. The pilots and odessey's have the same thing and I found someone else complaining about the same symptoms. I think my MDX is running fine, it's just my wife has a heavy foot.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jwrape »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Yea, I heard but I found out, what I thought was a abnormal shifting was in fact a new design where the transmission actually downshifts early to help slow the car easier. The pilots and odessey's have the same thing and I found someone else complaining about the same symptoms. I think my MDX is running fine, it's just my wife has a heavy foot.</TD></TR></TABLE>
My 06 Pilot downshifts allot as well. It's take some time to get comfortable with.....
Yea, I heard but I found out, what I thought was a abnormal shifting was in fact a new design where the transmission actually downshifts early to help slow the car easier. The pilots and odessey's have the same thing and I found someone else complaining about the same symptoms. I think my MDX is running fine, it's just my wife has a heavy foot.</TD></TR></TABLE>
My 06 Pilot downshifts allot as well. It's take some time to get comfortable with.....
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Finally got an MDX. And so far, I've been averaging 13.5mpg. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Welcome to my delima. I sold my Tahoe that got 11-13mpg to get the Acura thinking it was smaller and it IS a ACURA, it SHOULD get great mileage. Even EPA says it should get 17-22mpg. I have gotten 16.5 on a trip to the beach once but that was solid driving at the same speed.
IT SUCK!
I am not happy with the truck. It hasn't been the vehicle I thought it would be. It also doesn't ride like a Acura should in my opinion.
My Tahoe road better.
I am gonna sell it soon. Porbably as soon as I complete my house.
Welcome to my delima. I sold my Tahoe that got 11-13mpg to get the Acura thinking it was smaller and it IS a ACURA, it SHOULD get great mileage. Even EPA says it should get 17-22mpg. I have gotten 16.5 on a trip to the beach once but that was solid driving at the same speed.
IT SUCK!
I am not happy with the truck. It hasn't been the vehicle I thought it would be. It also doesn't ride like a Acura should in my opinion.
My Tahoe road better.
I am gonna sell it soon. Porbably as soon as I complete my house.
Right? If I did not care about such low fuel efficiency, I would have picked up a V8-powered truck, seeing as how the estimate-fuel consumption numbers are very similar. And the MDX is merely a 6... 
Everyone tells me that break-in is the toughest on mileage, so I will wait and see...

Everyone tells me that break-in is the toughest on mileage, so I will wait and see...
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jwrape »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Exactly, I sold my Tahoe to get better mileage and am getting about the same.</TD></TR></TABLE>
My tahoe gets worse milaeage than my pilot easily.
My tahoe gets worse milaeage than my pilot easily.
If your only get 13.5mpg then your truck is broke or you redline every gear.
My pilot gets between 370-380 miles on a 20 gal tank on reg driving and visiting vtec realm frequently. Highway tanks I've seen 420-430 crusing at 70-80 mph. It is an 05 witch runs on 87 oct has an intake and I run synthetic in the engine,tranny, and VTM 4 rear.
Dunno.....sounds weird.
My pilot gets between 370-380 miles on a 20 gal tank on reg driving and visiting vtec realm frequently. Highway tanks I've seen 420-430 crusing at 70-80 mph. It is an 05 witch runs on 87 oct has an intake and I run synthetic in the engine,tranny, and VTM 4 rear.
Dunno.....sounds weird.


