Just got the Element EX 4WD and filled the tank for the first time. The needle read on the last line of Empty (before the void around the "E"). I only got about 230 miles and it took 11.6 gallons. I understand the fuel capacity to be 15.9 gallons.

Is anyone else having this issue or should I wait one more tank...?

I know that during the breakin period, the 1st 600 miles or so, the milage is not as good as when the car gets broken in.

I did not let my tank get that low, but I know when I fill it, it goes go all the way to F and beyond the scale on the dial. I would guess that there is room after the scale to E.

Most cars have a gal or so in reserve once the light comes on. I would assume that the Element is the same. That my be why you only put 11.6 back into the tank.

I bought it with 706 miles, but maybe I didn't let the needle drop far enough. Also, maybe the dealer didn't completely fill it. I'll be able to have more accurate results after this tank, I think.

Thanks for the reply...

-Jim

Keep us posted, konzie. We'll all be waiting to hear about your results.

Good luck-

Haven't even put a dent in the gas provided by the dealer...

I have enjoyed reading the reviews - After each review I feel even better about this decision...

...I experienced a similar issue with the gas needle hitting "E" with @ 230 miles on it. Then the light came on at 240+. By calculation I figured I'd be able to drive just over 300 miles on a tank. The MAX miles driven was 275 and I had @ 1.6 gallons left in the tank. THe math comes out to 305 miles per tank at 19.2 MPG. That's probably normal. This was experienced on flat roads in Texas/Oklahoma. I was driving with the "E" light on for like 40 miles and was freaking out. I think Honda purposefully does that so that people aren't left stranded. Having 25% of your tank left when the "E" light comes on is a little too much insurance for me. HOWEVER, The MPG does increase! I recently completed a 3500 mi road trip and Element experienced 19.4 city MPG with < 600 miles (the official break-in point) and steadily increased to 22 MPG on the city/highway, up to 24.3 MPG (my best tank) highway. I had an absolutely full cabin too -floor to cieling with the seats folded up.

OK, back from 1st road trip with the Element. I am getting over 22 miles per gal with mostly highway driving. I am sure that given enough time after breakin, I am sure it will get even better. We had a full load for the trip.

My second tank had slightly better results:

12.6 gallons and 253 miles for 20.07 mpg. I also had 4 people on board. The light came on at about 240 miles. I currently have 1200 on the odometer. I do find it pretty amazing that the light comes on with that much reserve. Is there any place that states how many gallons are left when the light comes on?

I also noticed that the guage shows it is at E well before the light comes on, which is not a bad thing.. i think it is fine, and so people will not be running around on fumes or stranded!

I think it so easy to be driving along and not realize you have reached E, sooo works for me! I was happy to notice i could get to a gas station without any problem when I saw it had reached E. I was in an area a distance from stations, so that kinda worried me initially.

Just passed the 900 mile mark in my AWD EX this morning. Trying to remain patient with the gas mileage but finding little consistentcy. First tank was approx 20 mpg, 3rd tank down to 16 mpg and now back to approx 19 mpg, all under similar driving conditions. Perhaps just pining for my '95 Civic that was getting 33 mpg when we parted company??? So far have tested the AWD on snow, ice, rain and thick, deep mud all with no complaints-windy days however, are definitely an adventure!!!!!

Give it time. Mileage really depends on lots of factors, traffic, city vs highway, speed, etc. I know when I was 1st driving my Element, the mileage was really bad, much less than I had hoped. By the time I passed the breakin, it was getting better. It is still going up.

Wind.....humm, yeah, that can be a bit of an issue. :!: I went over a few big bridges (For those who know the Whitestone among a few other bridges) on really windy days. You don't shift lanes, but you can really feel it. When I 1st got my Isuzu Trooper, I had the same issue, but got used to how to drive it. I am still learning on the Element. :)

Latest tank:

244 miles @ 12.0 gallons for 20.33mpg

I'm going to post a mileage tracker on my site soon. Stay tuned.

-Jim

I first tank! I used 11.7 gals and went 247 miles so that just over 21 MPG. I do hope that goes up.

great gas status checks thank you.. keep em comin'!

Still under 1000 miles on the Element, and we did 249.9 miles on 11.6 gals. That is a combo of highway and city driving for a total of 21.5 miles per gal.

Last tank update:

262 miles and 11.97 gallons for 21.89 mpg

Oh yeah, I finally added a mileage tracker to my website (yeah, I was bored)

http://www.konzie.com/Mileage.cfm

-Jim

Konzie how can you be bored you have your Element, :wink:

:)

Hi, my name is Eric, I'm still waiting to have my 2WD Element ! I'm just wondering about gaz consumption. I'm from Quebec (Canada) and I'm use to work with metric units. When you mention 21 or 22 MPG, I hope you speaking about U.S gallons and not Imperial gallons ! Is it the case ?

Thanks,

Éric

My first tank was a little over 21 MPG and yes that is US.

Second tank, drove 269 miles and filled up 13.1 gallons so that should be just under 21 MPG. I did drive 65 miles of that in snow so perhaps the 4WD kicking in now and then pulled it down a bit.

The tank is 15.9 gallons I believe and I drove about 25 miles with the low fuel light on. The needle was about 2 millimeters past the empty red block. Looks like you can push that empty needle pretty far.

Total mile 620 :)

i just broke 1000 miles, and my gas mileage has been slowly improving, from about 20.x on the first take to 23.1 mpg, now on my fourth tank...

and, yeah, i've also noticed how weird the gas gauge has been in regards to how close it looks to the "empty" but when i put the gas in, it only took 11.x gallons...

i still think it is kinda nice that the gas guage is deceptive like that, alot nicer than running empty! though it is odd how much is left.. rather much eh?

While it is great to find out how far you can do, remember it can do some harm to run your car down so low. Yes, I know no gunk in a new gas tank. Well, yes there is always some left overs when you fill up your take, and lets not even talk about the fuel injectors trying to run on empty.

In most cars, the light comes on when you are at about 2 gals left. I am not sure with the Element, but I am sure someone else has found out.

my first tank of gas, i completely forgot about refilling... I was too in love, or something ;)

anyway, the light came on, and i started to get that anxious feeling about running out of gas on the highway on the way to work. I couldn't pull over right away, drove a few more miles, then found a gas station. Wouldn't you know it, but I filled the tank with only 11.3 gallons.

Looks like the "low gas" light comes on when you have about 4 gallons left....

Gas mileage surely negatively impacted due to Element having aerodynamics similar to a shoe box. :roll:

HansBlix,

You know, if you are just posting to see your name in print, there are better forums. If you want to contribute to this sight, you are most welcome.

You are of course welcome to your feelings on the Element, but why post nothing but garbage? Could you not find anything better to do with your time?

The positive thing is that HansBlix can do less damage here than he can in his real job.

Let's keep him busy..

When I fill mine up (and I never let it get past or too far past the half way mark) the gas filler stopped. When I went to fill it somemore to get it full it took two more gallons to fill it to where one could see gas at the top of the neck. And I am getting less than 20 mpg, but only have 430+ miles on it. Hope mileage gets better.

http://www.konzie.com/Mileage.cfm

The power seems to be growing and growing.. Highway driving at 80-90 is a breeze.

Love it!

For anyone who wants to see the conversion to Miles per Imperial Gallon or litres per 100 kilometres (I hate metric!!), follow this link:

http://www.ex.ac.uk/cimt/dictunit/ccfuel.htm

OK fill up number three. I live in the DC area and we had a boat load of snow (26 inches) like most on the east coast and I did a lot of driving.

Here is some nice snow shots.
http://64.83.37.237/Pics/winter%202003/winter2003.html

Which explains my lower MPG. The first two gave me just under 22 MPG. This one was just over 17 MPG. I am at about 700 miles so I hope there is more break in to go. I would like to be about 26 MPG. I still wish Honda offered a smaller engine for the E.

On the Empty line. I keep pushing my needle well past the big E and I still have not refilled with more then 13.5 gallons. Has anyone else pushed their tank lower?

Thanks
Scott

szacherau,

With all the snow, and driving around NY yesterday, I did not notice the low tank light had gone on. When I finally made it to a gas station, I was getting on the low side.

I only put in 13.208 gals, but I thought I was lower. I might have been able to push a few more drops into the tank, but stopped at a round number for paying.

It would seem that the light comes on early. Say with about 3 to 3.5 gals left in the tank.

my last tank got me 23.76 mpg; the best that I've had yet. I also did a best 268.2 miles on that tank....

At 763 miles I average about 17 mpg. It's been my experience with new cars that mileage will improve as the engine breaks in, so I figure it'll go up some soon. Like I care, though...I love my Element!

I drive a 5 speed - highway driving. Noticed the RPMS are beginning to maintain 500 RPMS per 10mph increase. So if I'm doing 80 it's running at 4K rpm's. When I maintain that kind of consistant ratio, whether 80 or 50 or 40 - then I am getting very close to 25 mpg.

My light also comes on well before hitting the E and at about 240 miles. I filled up last night and got about 22 miles to the gallon. I have 1100 miles (it's only been 8 days since I got it!!!).

I am hoping to milage goes up after a while (my first couple of tanks I was only getting about 20mpg).

Does anyone know if the fuel gauge is adjustable so that the light does not come on? My wife will not ride in the car with me if the gas light is on but I know there is more gas there.

Dano
Nighthawk Black 4WD DX

DSMasters said

"Does anyone know if the fuel gauge is adjustable so that the light does not come on? My wife will not ride in the car with me if the gas light is on but I know there is more gas there.

Dano "


Dano,

You're going down the right path, because we all know wives are not adjustable !

:(

Tank # four. I drove 258 miles and filled up with 12.9 gallons to get 20 MPG. Still no improvement at 980 total miles. Now that gas is selling at $1.75 around DC for octane 87 I really hope this get better.

Later

On my sixth or seventh tank, my low fuel light comes on with about 3-4 gallons left. My wife got out before I got the E.
Averaging about 24.5 MPG on 2wd ex auto. 90% hiway driving

I would really like to maintain about 28 mpg. (duh!) Thirty + would be even better. This baby still is waving past the other trucks and suvs at the gas pump though! :P

I have almost 2000 miles on my E 2wd manual and I have been getting around 23mpg in almost all city driving. :D

What is an Imperial gallon? Must be a Canadian thing, but I thought they used liters? :mrgreen:

An imperial gallon is the gallon used in the UK and the Commonwealth. Yes, in Canada we switched to the metric system years ago, but as a British ex-pat I prefer the Imperial system. Miles per gallon makes sense to me intrinsically. Litres per 100 kilometres just seems wrong!

Iskie

I have 3600 miles on my Element and most of it is Nebraska and Iowa hiways. Only geting around 19mpg. I don't think it will ever really get significantly better. I still enjoy the car!!!

Just drove a brand spanking new E. EX AWD from Oregon to LA and averaged 24.3 the whole way, all freeway driving with 2 mountain ranges in between. Seems good to me.

Cletus

Hey guys just remember, fuel mileage is also a reflection of how we drive. If you use the cruise, you will get better mileage than if you don't. Also as much as I hate to say it, driving 55 does use less fuel than driving as most of us normally do. :wink:

2300 mi. so far and the last tank avg. 25.6 .. 95% freeway.
the Honda insight guys have competitions for the highest mpg's
Since I bought this E for a commute car, and considering the current fuel prices, MPG's are important to me. Any way to improve I am curious to learn about.

Use public bus !!! :wink:

I filled up again last night and got about 23mpg. I drive about 60 hwy at about 75 mph. To me it seams that it is getting better. I think it also may get better after the first oil change. I have 1700 miles right now so we will see in another few weeks if that makes a difference.

Dano
Nighthawk Black 4WD DX

Hi, just wanted to report first fillup was made on my E when the gas light came on. The tank took 12.15 gallons. This confirms other participants observations of a good resevrve in tank. By the way I got aprox. 19.0 mpg on a 50/50 city/highway tank Txs, Barry

I know this will be hard to believe because of what I have been reading on gas mileage here but it is the truth. I have an EX AWD. First tank was all city and a lot of idling and I got a little over 18mpg. Second tank, I didn’t use the whole tank but wanted to see how it would do on highway driving at low speed. I am not through the break-in period so I stayed between 50 and 60 mph mostly staying around 55. A little bit of stop an go on either end but only about 20 miles worth out of a total of 239 miles complete. I went back to the same pump and the car took 8.8 gallons. That averages to a bit over 27mpg. Though the engine is not through the break-in I attribute the unusual gas mileage to flat or just moderate climbs and low overall speed with almost all being Hwy miles. I used Mobile gas, the mid range gas not regular or high-test. Octane was 89 I think. That might have nothing to do with it but if you want to duplicate what I experienced that’s what I used. I came from a gas-guzzler so I would have been very happy with low 20s which is what I expect to get once I cruise at 70+.

We have a automatic 4wd DX, it only has 350 miles on it (it had 150 miles before I we got it), on the first tank I am only getting 12 mpg. Does that sound consistent with anyone else? :?

lillyloopy,

That does sound a bit low, but I would say it would depend on how you drive, where you drive (city, highway), traffic, etc.

I am sure once it is past the breakin mileage, it should go up quite a bit.

I know the full tank my dealer was giving me was not really near a full tank, so you may want to wait for a bit, till after a full tank, and make sure when you fill it up, you fill it. Then check the mileage after you refill.

[quote:0d623dce58="lillyloopy"]We have a automatic 4wd DX, it only has 350 miles on it (it had 150 miles before I we got it), on the first tank I am only getting 12 mpg. Does that sound consistent with anyone else? :?[/quote:0d623dce58]

Is your overdrive set correctly, and your gas cap on tight?

:?: Overdrive set correctly? I'm not driving in low 1 or 2 if thats what you mean. I filled the tank this morning for the afternoon road trip to Alyeska. I called the dealer this morning he told me the break in period was 3000 miles and because we use oxygenated fuel here in Anchorage, AK that my fuel economy would be reduced by 20%. It will take me 6 months to put 3000 miles on this rig. I just read in the manual that the break in period is only 600 miles. I want to like this machine, I really do. Does anyone have a straight answer or some solid advice?

Road trip to NYC & Back. 24.2 MPG. I expect to average 22 mpg.

[quote:39fff20bcd="lillyloopy"]:?: Overdrive set correctly? I'm not driving in low 1 or 2 if thats what you mean. I filled the tank this morning for the afternoon road trip to Alyeska. I called the dealer this morning he told me the break in period was 3000 miles and because we use oxygenated fuel here in Anchorage, AK that my fuel economy would be reduced by 20%. It will take me 6 months to put 3000 miles on this rig. I just read in the manual that the break in period is only 600 miles. I want to like this machine, I really do. Does anyone have a straight answer or some solid advice?[/quote:39fff20bcd]
Just keep driving, enjoy yourself !

lillyloopy
In regards to your mileage. Oxygenated fuel as I know it tends to burn cleaner and leaner as a general rule. Hence, this reduces power. However 20% seems high. I notice your in Alaska. I am in CT. When the weather stays below 20 degrees this has a big influence on gas mileage, even with fuel injected cars. Also as another reader pointed out how are you driving?
Even that the Honda computer shifts very nicly and efficiently we have to ask ourselves( me too!!) should I be in drive for hills and valleys driving and overdrive for flat and highway driving? I am only on my third tank and by no means an expert but have some experience. This forum is great is not that we can share input across the country like we nver could before. Good luck and keep us informed. I love my element and I everything works for you!!!!!!!!! Barry

I went to the web site for the EPA regarding the effects on mileage performance of vehicles running of reformulated (oxygenated) gasoline. According to the EPA report titled "Emission Facts" released in 1999. Results are in a 1 to 3 percent fuel economy loss. But on a good note (for me anyways), I doubt we have had more than 12" of snow all Winter in Anchorage and it has been around 30 to 40 degrees for almost a month now. :D http://www.epa.gov/otaq/f99040.pdf

lillyloopy
Interesting, Ct. has had record cold for my lifetime. 40 years. Keep driving that E and I think things will be ok. Barry

Something else seems to certainly be going on if you only got 12mpg. Either you were standing still a lot of the time or the pump where you filled up didn't give you a correct read on how much gas you got (Happen to me once a while ago). No leaks? Is your overdrive button in the wrong position holding you in 3rd? As far as break-in the book says 600. If something bad happens in the future but you followed the published guidelines you can not be falted. If you follow what someone tells you and they are wrong I doubt they will take responsibility for that advice. I think that by telling you the break-in period is 3000 vice 600 there is a special break-in period for your state and fuel (which should be in writing somewhere) or they are just pushing the problem to the right.

Overdrive is in the correct position, gas cap is tight, D still means forward. I'm driving with a real light foot, almost no idle time except for fast food. Engine does not appear have any obvious air flow obstructions. It does seem to warm up quickly (under 3 minutes to normal operating temp.) with no idle, at around 35 degrees, and no block heater. Oil & water levels seem to be fine. I hope this is all "normal". Think I will wait until I reach 1000 miles to see what the mileage does before I continue with my complaints to the dealership. Do all Elements warm up in about 3 minutes?

lillyloopy,

Well, I would say wait till 1000 miles like you said. If you are doing everything else ok, and it does not go up, there has to be something wrong. I know with each new full tank, I got better and better mileage. That did and does level out, but it did go up each time.

my first fill was at about 250. low gas light was on and and i also only filled it up with about 11.4 gallons

Has anyone filled the tank with the 15.9 gallons of fuel that the specs state? I think it is strange that the gas light comes on after using only about 11.5 gallons.

I am at 1200 miles and this tank I pushed well past the E and still only filled up with 13.5 gallons and drive 270.6 miles. I averaged 20 MPG. I was hoping to have more by this many miles. perhaps I am more of a lead foot then I thought.

In the manual of one of my old cars, it stated how many gallons of gas were left in the tank when the fuel light came on. I read thru the E manual, but didn't see any info on this. Did anyone else?

:D Craziest thing I have ever seen. I double checked my math on the dealer tank of gas I got 12 mpg. By my second fill up (almost the 600 mile mark (598)) I am getting 20 mpg. Pretty crazy. Almost wierd.

ok......light came on after 200 miles on first tank. It took 12 gal. US, to top it off.
16/17 MPG.......
3 Gal remaining in tank when :idea:

Conclusion.......(Lon, help me out with this).

1. Dealer did not fill tank, but close, like in horseshoes and hand-granades.

2. The MPG of this vehicle will drive me to the poorhouse.

3. Further testing will be done to confirm above. That means I get to drive my E some more with no particular destination in mind........Ahhhhhh.

shaka 47AG107

Let's hope the next one is even better.

Took my first heavy usage trip - 7 hours on the road, mixed driving with 3 hours of it stop and go, crummy drizzly foggy weather, and heavly weighed down, I was probably over the 650 weight limit.

Report - the Element ran like a champ and my gas mileage was 23 mpg's!



SOP 5spd EX

It sounds like Fwd 5spd manual is the way to go if you want good gas mileage. I have one and have never gotten below 22mpg and I do mostly city driving 80/20. On my last tank I went 24.5mpg. It may slip a little in the snow but for the amount of snow we get in Illinois the AWD was not a priority for me.

[quote:15e09ad819="Mattaobmoc"]It sounds like Fwd 5spd manual is the way to go if you want good gas mileage. I have one and have never gotten below 22mpg and I do mostly city driving 80/20. On my last tank I went 24.5mpg. [/quote:15e09ad819]

Only if you want to wait a long time to get one. Those 5 speeds are rarer than an obedient cat...

My first gas mileage measurement: 21.57 mpg.

EX auto 4WD. Very mixed driving -- city, highway, 60-mph cruising, stop-and-go, etc.; mostly flat terrain w/ couple of hills.

- Steve

I realize it's still early (i've just broken 600 miles) but so far, I seem to be averaging 17 to 18 mpg. Went 203 miles on 11.21 gallons on first refuel, and am halfway through another tank after 143 miles. I'm wondering if I should talk to the dealer about the issue--I'm in Florida, so we're not talking rough driving here, and I've spent about 1/3 of the miles on the highway. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[quote:834a75cd0e="grimss"]I realize it's still early (i've just broken 600 miles) but so far, I seem to be averaging 17 to 18 mpg. Went 203 miles on 11.21 gallons on first refuel, and am halfway through another tank after 143 miles. I'm wondering if I should talk to the dealer about the issue--I'm in Florida, so we're not talking rough driving here, and I've spent about 1/3 of the miles on the highway. Any thoughts? Thanks.[/quote:834a75cd0e]
I just turned 4000 mi. and am averging about 24.5 with FWD auto.
But I have truly a light foot with price of fuel lately. Probably still early to complain with that amount of mileage. Why don't you take it out for a 200 mi. run on the hiway and make sure you fill it up the same way before and after.

I don't have my element yet (it's on order), but I was curious if anyone had a feel for how much greater the gas mileage is when you use premium unleaded?

[quote:dc5d43efe7="shawns"]I don't have my element yet (it's on order), but I was curious if anyone had a feel for how much greater the gas mileage is when you use premium unleaded?[/quote:dc5d43efe7]

Use the cheapest crap avilable... makes no difference whatsoever

I'm just over 600 miles, so I realize this is still the break-in period for my otherwise great car, but gas mileage has been surprising low. It seems to vary between 17 and 18 mpg; on my first refuel I went 203 miles on 11.21 gallons, and now, about 8 gallons into the second tank, I've gone 143 miles. Should I talk to the dealer--I'm in Florida, with one-third of the miles on the highway, so we're not talking tough mileage here.

Thanks for your input.

Didn't see your post above. Thanks for responding! I'll do as you suggest.

1st tank of gas was about 19mpg. this last time it was just above 18mpg. I keep looking for the number to raise above 20mpg. I would love to see 24mpg. I have an EX automatic. It has just over 700 miles on it. I drive down the interstate at 65 for about 10 miles each way to work and the rest is in town driving. SO, I feel your pain of those who are like myself and still not over the 20mpg as of yet.

I will see if it is true, good things come to those who wait. I waited for a few years to buy a new vehicle and guess what, I have an E so I must believe :wink:

I am appreciating all this input about everyone's mileage. This is an attractive feature for an SUV - that and the low emissions from this baby.

The ELEMENT is not wreaking havoc with the environment like the Ford Navigator (but then it is smaller and has a smaller engine and sorry any Ford folks that my be reading this - I drive a Ford myself right now but am waiting for that day to actually purchase my SOP ELEMENT). Honda is doing some great things when it comes to low emissions vehicles.

I would like to see more postings on everyone's experiences with mileage when hauling anything or "maxing" out on load capacity during extended trips. I would expect to see more of these anyways as it is only March and everyone just started getting their ELEMENTS a couple of months ago.

We intend to use ours for city driving mostly. But since we are huge outdoors people, we will make great use of this vehicle for our regular weekend fishing trips, mountain biking trips (in Saskatchewan we should refer to it as hill or valley biking - hah!) and summer holidays with all the camping gear.

Please keep the mileage postings coming!!

I now have 4500 miles on my E after a business road trip from So Cal to Northern Call. I averaged about 23.5 miles to the gallon with my average speed on the highway being about 75.

I am very happy to see this and hope to get into the 24-25 range. I also think that it will get better after the first oil change at 5000 miles.

Dano
Nighthawk Black Perl 4WD DX Auto

1300 miles so far, 20 MPG. City and highway.

2400 miles - 25 mpg.

22 mpg so far...

2wd auto 24.354845.. mpg at 2k miles.

4WD Auto EX - 2500 Miles - 20MPG City/22+ Highway. I am very happy with the milage considering it is an SUV! 8)

[quote:a387e3dcad="SteveSmith"]My first gas mileage measurement: 21.57 mpg.

EX auto 4WD. Very mixed driving -- city, highway, 60-mph cruising, stop-and-go, etc.; mostly flat terrain w/ couple of hills.

- Steve[/quote:a387e3dcad]

I just tanked up for the second time (car has had three tankfuls now -- 1st was by dealer). Between my 1st and 2nd fill-ups, I tried all the things you're supposed to do to save gas -- use CC when possible, no sudden accelerations, don't go really really fast, etc. Almost exactly same driving conditions/terrain as reported above. This time my mileage was 24.1! Pretty happy about that. I have yet to run a whole tankful on the open highway -- hopefully that will be even better.

One thing I did, and I don't know if it's good or bad for mileage: I coasted down hills (foot off gas). Has anyone ever done experiments to see if this saves gas? Obviously during the coast your foot is off the gas, but at the bottom you have to give it more gas to re-accelerate. Maybe this cancels out the gas saved by coasting? Anyone know?

- Steve

4 WD DX, auto, 1800 mostly highway miles. I'm avg. about 24.2 miles per gallon of reg gas. 1 st tank milage sucked, each successive tank has gotten better.

Huh. I wish spring break was every week, because the traffic in this town (Austin) has lightened up a lot. My usual MPG is about 22.x; last week? 25.33, mostly because MoPac was light enough to drive from one end to the other at 65 mph....

first tank of gas = 280 miles with 12.2 gallons to refill. 23.0mpg on the first tank.

not too shabby. hopefully that will get up to 26 or so after 1000 miles or so.
shawn

Topped off the tank....drove 65 miles (Denver to Colorado Springs) refilled (to do the car wash :) and mileage was 24.6?! wow....Hope this keeps up!

I just finished a spring break road trip from Chicago to Panama City Beach with my 5sp EX. 2400 miles round trip. Going 75mph on the highway I got around 25mpg. On the little 55mph country roads I got around 28mpg. My E was loaded down with lots of camping gear. All I have to say about a trip like this is thank god for cruise control!! :D

2100 Miles here so far and the mileage has been dropping rather than getting better! Last time I filled the tank it was WAY down to 16.5 MPG and that's with an empty load and mostly highway driving with very little A/c use! I asked the dealer about this and they were baffled and said that I should do their recommended test (20 MPH for at least 30 miles and then re-fill. Then repeat @ 55MPH and check again.) Well I tried that and still got lower and lower mileage. The dealer blamed the gas I was using (Citgo) so I changed to Hess. Still no impprovement! Hoping to have them remedy it this week when I bring it in. I'll let you know!

On my first tank of gas, I managed to get 24.7 MPG, with about 80%-85% highway driving.

It beats the hell out of the 21-22 MPG (highway only) I got out of my truck....

I'm definitely a happy camper :D

23.5 miles on the second tank (didn't clock the first) - 90% highway with lots of traffic
21.5 miles on the third tank - less highway and more traffic
looks like the mpg is as advertised. i can't complain about that

I have the awd ex, and it's an automatic. I've been getting about 24 to 25 mpg with about a 50/50 mixture of city and highway driving. Initially I got about 21 to 22 mpg, but I attribute that to the break in period, and the oxygenated fuel that they sell in the northeast during the winter. I also average about 60 to 65 mph when driving.

I, too, am disappointed in the mileage I am getting...17-18 but mostly in the city and stop and go. I am using the regular unleaded though not the higher octane. On our trip on the highway we got 24 mpg. I, too, am hoping this improves.

Does anyone know if the Super unleaded works better? My salesman told me not to use super and to stick with whatever I start with. Don't change. Anyone else told that? Oh, I have about 700 miles so far. And since we live in hot San Antonio TX, we use the A/C most of the time.

4WD EX Automatic-24.87 mpg at 1,300 miles! :D

I get several different MPGs. If I calculate from full to about half a tank I get around 24 to 26. If I calculate from full to the light comes on I get 18 to 19. City driving I average 18 but I full every week and a half for about 32.00 cdn. My dodge was every week at 50.00 a tank

First Tank: 20.5mpg

Sure beats the 12.5 I was getting with our Durango that we traded in.

[quote:8e84dd6ad9="wadenamy"]First Tank: 20.5mpg

Sure beats the 12.5 I was getting with our Durango that we traded in.[/quote:8e84dd6ad9]
BTW isn't Durango the spanish word for GULP .. :lol:

1st Tank: 256.0 miles 12.896 gallons 19.851 mpg
2nd Tank: 195.5 miles 9.895 gallons 19.757 mpg
3rd Tank: 254.9 miles 12.574 gallons 20.272 mpg

1st tank I drove cautious, 2nd and 3rd tanks I started to let the lead-foot in me takeover. :twisted:

These fillups are without any "cap-offs". I've just added the side-steps, hitch, and roof-rack. It will be interesting to see what the mpg do with the new accessories.

GG AWD EX

With 3000 miles on my NBP EX 4WD I seem to be consistently getting just under 23 mpg no matter how (or where) I drive.

Mine seems to be around 22 MPG... roughly 274 miles on about 12.5 gallons. I guess you can't really get an exact number 'cause you never know precisely how much fuel is still in the tank when you fill it, and therefore can't tell exactly how much you used up...

Drew

[quote:d0550d00fc="Drew"]Mine seems to be around 22 MPG... roughly 274 miles on about 12.5 gallons. I guess you can't really get an exact number 'cause you never know precisely how much fuel is still in the tank when you fill it, and therefore can't tell exactly how much you used up...

Drew[/quote:d0550d00fc]

FYI - here's how to (almost precisely) figure out gas mileage in 5 simple steps...

1. Zero the trip odometer when you fill up with gas.
2. Drive until you need to fill up again.
3. Note how many miles you have driven from the trip odometer when you get to the gas station.
4. Fill up again and note how many gallons it took to fill back up.
5. Divide the number from step 3 by the number in step 4 - the answer equals your gas mileage!

Voila - almost precise gas mileage! :D

Yeah, that's what I was doing... but that doesn't help if you don't put the exact same amount in the tank every time, you know? Sometimes it takes 13 gallons to 'fill up' and sometimes only 11, depending on how much was in the tank when I decided to fill it. I suspect that the gas light comes on with around 3.75 gallons remaining...

Drew

It doesn't really matter how much fuel you still have in the tank with each fill up, as long as you know the mileage from the last fill up and each time you note how many gallons it takes until the next complete fill up.

So, if you start with a full tank and drive 274 miles, then find it takes 12.5 gallons to fill to the top again, that gives you 21.92. You then drive 135 miles and it takes 6.1 gallons to fill the tank, that will give you 22.13mpg. Next you drive 302 miles and it takes 12.9 gallons until the tank is full, you'll have done 23.41mpg.

The important thing is having a fized known point (a full gas tank) and knowing how many gallons it then takes to refil to that point after how many miles on the road.

Ok, it's getting clearer... but how can you count the "filled tank" as a fixed point? I mean, "full" and "empty" are relative terms depending on how much you top off at the pump and how long you drove with the warning light on before getting gas, right?

For example, let's say I 'fill' the tank with 10 gallons, reset the trip meter and drive 230 miles. When I go to the gas station again, it takes 12 gallons to 'fill'. How do I know exactly how much gas I used in the last 230 miles? Did I use 12 or 10?

Sadly, math is not at all my strong suit and this sort of thing tends to baffle my feeble left brain. :) Thanks for trying to explain it to me...

Drew

Start by filling the tank until the gas pump clicks off (supposedly full). Reset the trip meter to zero and start driving. Next time you stop for gas, regadless of what the guage reads because that doesn't really matter, fill up again until the pump clicks off, note the mileage on the trip meter and then reset to zero again and repeat... Allowing for vaiations in the sensitivity of the cut-off mechanism of different fuel pumps, you have a known fixed point each time you fill up because you always fill until the pump clicks off, which tells you how much fuel you've used since the last fill up, and the trip meter will tell you how many miles.

[quote:fb2cbda91a="Drew"]Ok, it's getting clearer... but how can you count the "filled tank" as a fixed point? I mean, "full" and "empty" are relative terms depending on how much you top off at the pump and how long you drove with the warning light on before getting gas, right?

For example, let's say I 'fill' the tank with 10 gallons, reset the trip meter and drive 230 miles. When I go to the gas station again, it takes 12 gallons to 'fill'. How do I know exactly how much gas I used in the last 230 miles? Did I use 12 or 10?

Sadly, math is not at all my strong suit and this sort of thing tends to baffle my feeble left brain. :) Thanks for trying to explain it to me...

Drew[/quote:fb2cbda91a]

Drew, if since the last time you filled your car up you drove 230 miles and it took 12 gallons to fill your car back up then YOU USED 12 GALLONS TO DRIVE 230 MILES. Forget what it took to fill up the car the last time.

Just fill the tank the same way every time and do not top it off - it will never be off by more than 1/4 of a gallon (at most!) if you do it this way.

I don't know how to better explain this. :D

As I have said in other threads, I fill my tank when I get half full/empty because being in CA one never knows if an earthquake or some natural or unnatural phenomenon will occur, causing electrical outages to occur and maybe to a point where I might have to drive a bit farther to find an operating station. Any. at the auto shutoff, I can keep filling to the top and it will take3 more gallons. It does, however, take a while and lots of clicking of the fuel dispenser to complete this procedure. And I can go about 90 miles out of the car before the needle drops off the peg.

Shaka

Ger

Now I got it. Thanks for the patience. :)

So are there any advantages in fuel economy to filling the tank when it's empty or to keeping it full all the time?

Drew

I myself will fill up the gas tank until the pump clicks off. When the gas light comes on, i divide the miles into 12 gallons < usually there is 4 gallons left in your tank > and you get your MPG!


1st tank..23.10 65% road/ 35% highway
2nd .......26.08 35%/ 65%
3rd.........22.41 60%/ 40%
4th.........27.83 25%/ 75%

I AVG......24.85 46%/ 54%

EX 2WD BNP

< usually there is 4 gallons left in your tank > and you get your MPG!
What ???? "Usually"??? Are you SURE??? That is the most rediculas way to measure gas mileage I've ever heard!! You measure what you have USED, by filling to an exact point (in my case, the top of the filler neck!)and seeing how much was put IN the vehicle. Check mileage, divide gas by miles,(or is that miles by gas?) and there ya go.

Ger,

I stated 4 gallons left because on numerous threads, other Element owners have stated that the gas light comes on when their is 4 gallons left in the tank. I used the 4 gallon rule and i came up with the theory that i use. Whatever works best for you.

I got pretty good milage for the 1st tank full of gas. 297 miles on 12.18 gallons. that is about 24.3 MPG's. Mainly country or suburbs type driving and about 15 miles on the highway.

TW

I had posted my concerns about low mileage(16-19MPG) after the "600 mile" break-in period. Then I changed gas stations at the dealer's suggestion (to Hess) and the mileage went to 21 MPG ( regular unleaded). The first station I was using was Citgo. Maybe it was coincidental?? Maybe Citgo waters down their gas?? Anyway, it's gotten better and I am about to take my first real road trip so I will have a better idea about highway mileage as opposed to mixed driving. Someone in this category took offense to the E being compared to a "shoe box" (aerodynamically-speaking).....which it is! More like a bread box really....LOL. It is also a heavy vehicle compared to other Hondas with the same power plant. Maybe we should expect less than stealth-like mileage? :lol:

Hi, my mileage was 21 with my first several tankfuls. Since then it has risen to 24.6 driving around town with the AC on. I have 5950 miles on it. I'm really happy with my Satin Silver E. this weekend I am going to install the side steps and mud flaps. Haven't had a hint of a problem yet.

okay...so first of all, i calculate mileage the same way as eMass and za9ra22...I have always done this to see how much I am really spending....

after only having my E a few days now, i filled it for the first time tonight. I have been driving a lot more city then highway since i have been showing (off) my E to friends, etc.

I had been a little worried due to posts i had read, but after getting fueled up, my average was 24.28 mpg.

not bad, i thought...i just gave my uncle back his '88 Ford Bronco which got me an avg of 15-17 mpg. especially for an "SUV"

then again, i was driving a civic that got me ATLEAST 30 mpgs!

I know a lot are cynical about my post but it does happen to be true. I regularly get between 28 - 31 mpg at 65 - 70. I have the EX 4 wd with roof racks. Additionally once you fill your tank to test it, after the pump stops you can always get in another 2.7 - 3.0 gallons until you can see the gas settled at the top of the tank. You end up with around 18 gallons in the tank. I make 430 before the fuel light comes on. If you want to contact me try oggieinc@msn.com. I am using aquatunes injection system and it is working beautifully. One note though, it has done nothing for my city miles, they stay right around 20. But 90% of my driving is highway. I just passed the 10,000 mark and my car is 3 months old.

Gary

EX 2wd, 5sp. 10th tank, lowest MPG 23 , highest 26.5, mostly city driving. Gas light comeing on around the 300 mile mark.

I do drive 70-75mph on the 7 mile streach of HW before entering in the last 10miles to work.

At first my EX auto wasn't doing wonderful, but the last 2 tanks have gotten me much farther. I'm able to get about 300 miles per tank now, only about 240 or so at first. I'm at about 1500 miles, there's gotta be some kind of break in period cause it just shot up with the same style driving.

I've just run a full tank down to 'refill' status for the first time on my Element. I've been doing a mix of freeway driving and city driving; more city than freeway. I clocked 24.69 MPG on a 2WD automatic transmission vehicle. Not too bad.

8)

I'm avg. 24 mpg on my DX 4WD. I do about 75% hwy driving and 25% city type driving. I have 8500 miles on my E. I'm skeptical of folks claims who say they drasticly exceed(30 mpg) the established avg. benchmark per Honda.

[quote:2977175b2f="oggieinc"]I know a lot are cynical about my post but it does happen to be true. I regularly get between 28 - 31 mpg at 65 - 70. I have the EX 4 wd with roof racks. Additionally once you fill your tank to test it, after the pump stops you can always get in another 2.7 - 3.0 gallons until you can see the gas settled at the top of the tank. You end up with around 18 gallons in the tank. I make 430 before the fuel light comes on. If you want to contact me try oggieinc@msn.com. I am using aquatunes injection system and it is working beautifully. One note though, it has done nothing for my city miles, they stay right around 20. But 90% of my driving is highway. I just passed the 10,000 mark and my car is 3 months old.

Gary[/quote:2977175b2f]

Yep. I'm skeptical. But I'm also not about to void the manufacturer's warranty on my engine and using any product of this type will do just that. It could turn a warranty repair into an out-of-pocket repair (a very expensive out-of-pocket repair). Not worth it for an extra 2 to 3 mpg even if it is for real.

I don't believe about this gadget to save fuel...

It's funny to think about car manufacturer as Toyota and Honda to put a lot of $$$$$$ for research and development to develop hybrid engine, electric car and new technology to save energy, fuel and the planet... Now, somebody come from nowwhere with this miracle solution :roll: :roll: :roll:

EX 2wd auto
After 7000 miles (mostly highway) driving 65ish (great cruise control!)averaging about 24mpg (21 to 28 range)

I have 6600 miles on my Satin Silver EX and have been averaging 22. I did try a tank of 93 octane and got 24MPG on it. Then went back to 87 octane. I live in Florida and every day is an A.C. day down here. I'm pleased with that. I love my Element. 8)

I got 21.5 mpg on my first tank. About 50/50 city/highway with air conditioning on all the time. My average highway speed is probably about 70 and I normally accelerate from traffic lights briskly.

Have had my EX 4wd for a week, and just filled up for the first time @ 287 miles, mostly city driving, some freeway. 24.8 mpg.

Like my element. Leary about attacking the wiring to get the accessory plugs to stay on. Gonna order the electrical system manual for $50.

EX 2WD with the AC always on (it's a Texas Thing).

With less than 1000 miles on our E, we are getting right around 20 mpg city, and 24 on the highway.

I drive pretty gently, and use the cruise control as much as possible. Since I am very allergic to tickets, the cruise control is set to the speed limit.

[quote:73e602378c="ericb"]I don't believe about this gadget to save fuel...

It's funny to think about car manufacturer as Toyota and Honda to put a lot of $$$$$$ for research and development to develop hybrid engine, electric car and new technology to save energy, fuel and the planet... Now, somebody come from nowwhere with this miracle solution :roll: :roll: :roll:[/quote:73e602378c]

I have an open but cynical mind, but I don't rely on an Auto manufacturer's lack of anything to prove a point. Have you seen the film, "Tucker"?

but I saw "catch me if you can" :shock: