Time to check back in now that I've completed some 6k odd miles by first driving down to both coasts of Florida then all the way up to Caribou Maine, back to NY then up to Maine again in the past five weeks.

This AM I'm seeing 16,284miles on the ODO and oil life is at 50%. First oil change was at 9,300miles w/ 30% left, also rotated the tires.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Here's what I've observed/experienced regarding fuel economy and my 2010 MT FIT, 34psi all around, regular fuel from high volume stations when ever possible:

First thing is that over 1300 miles driving from NY to FL I've seen better turnpike mpg's on the northern half than on the southern half. I followed I-95 and drove at 70mph w/ cruise and was seeing 37-38mpg on the northern leg and 35-36mpg on the southern leg. I'll use Chesapeake, VA as the half way point 'cause that's where I tied up w/ Perrenoud Fit for a great BBQ lunch on the way south.

Once in Florida I stayed 10 days on the west coast in the Coco Beach area and saw the mpg's shrink to 34-35 under local driving conditions. This was w/ three in the car and stop and go urban sprawl driving. I could get similar results driving in Manhattan, and in Florida I am driving on a pool table w/ stop lights every 1/4mile.

I then headed across Florida to the west coast and saw the mpg's climb a bit to 36. I was in Bradenton, 25miles south of Tampa. Another week and a half or so there saw the mpg's at 36-37.

I saw similar numbers on the 1300 mile return leg as I saw driving south, though I did by-pass Mike heading north, sorry buddie - but I did the return drive w/ only one night on the road, had to get home for my annual.

So back in upstate NY I'm seeing 38-40mpg again and I start my trip to northern Maine. The Mass Pike gives me those 38-40mpg numbers 70mph w/ cruise on and driving local and coastal roads I see 40+. I did two trips up to Maine and saw similar numbers both times.

All tolled, if you're following, I've driven up to Maine at least five times since I've had my FIT and short of my first trip - FIT was brand new - I've seen those 38-40mpg numbers.

So, I conclude my FIT gives better mpg in the northen half of the east coast than the southern. Now, not wanting to open another can of worms, I believe it's got something to do with the topography of my driving. Those up and down hills tend to give a better return than straight flatland driving.

I run regular fuel, however, for kicks I have tried to see in premium gives better performance, and to be truthful I can not see any difference at all. I does, however, do my heart good to pull into a Shell station and fill-er-up w/ their high test every once in a while. On the open highway it's not uncommon to get fuel where ever you can when you need it and regular fuel in the Honda Fit works great.

As far as comfort - I've raised the front of the seat rails a bit and after 6k miles I've experienced no physical discomforts.

This car ranks high in my book, happy to own it - love to drive it.

K_C_

 

sounds like an exciting trip. thought you bought a minivan... or a new battery.

 

I wonder if there could be any regional differences in the fuel formulations, % ethanol, etc?

 

could be. i know we get winterized gas (oxygenated) between oct - apr.

 

I experience similar MPG differences due to topography. When on the Highway in FL & southern GA (very flat) I was getting around 35mpg. When i was in the Mountains of NC, GA & SC i saw more like 36-38MPG..

 

Hey Krimson,

regarding your mileage differences. One of the big factors I have found in mileage stats....is humidity. Generally when driving in very humid States....the mileage is low.

I now live in New Mexico......with very low humidity. Here low test gasoline is actually 86 octane, not 87. Our 2008 Fit runs like a dream on this, and also over a 2.5 yr period we are averaging very close to 41 mpg. That includes all kinds of driving...including winter driving. This is hand calculated, not on a trip computer.

Not many people talk about humidity, but I find it to be a very large factor in mpg stats.

 

humidity is considered one of the many parameters the ECU tries to learn, so it dont point out 'humidity' by itself but it does make a big difference.

worst is hot and humid. these 4bangers are so damn weak in that. or elevation above 3000ft.

 

You know, Perrenoud Mike pointed the humidity factor out as well, something I never considered. Hopefully my next 'jaunt' will take me into a few 'dry-air' states so FIT and I can feel the difference.

I'm wondering though if the ECU knows 'humidity' or simply tries to trim things to work best with the effects of humidity being one of the many performance variables. Smart bugger it is.

I'm still inclined to think the ups and downs make a bigger difference. Down grade, in gear w/ foot off the accelerator cuts off the fuel injectors as I understand it. Also the stop and go stuff kills mpg as well. I wouldn't have thought so till my flat I-95 driving experiences.

Again, so many variables that effect mpg, it's really hard to tell. What I like is my FIT does quite well sorting it all out and gives me a really good return no matter where I seem to take it.

We'll see how it fairs with it's first winter. Already I'm wishing it had headed side view mirrors like our Canadian friends get...

 

I would be happy to trade my "canadian" heated side mirrors with your TPMS, paddle shifters and VS Vehicle stability system

 

Looks like you had a lot of mileage racked up and good to know the long trips made you appreciate the fit even more.

btw, I thought I was going to see something like this...

 

Man, you guys really got cut short on the tire end, you don't even get a spare. I would trade the TPMS in a heart beat. No paddles or VS, however. Mines a standard and as I understand all 2011's get stability control, at least in the US. That frosts me arse as well.

Ohhh I like that Evil - really like that...

 

Nice story on your Fit trip. Any pictures to post?

Nothing like long trips in a car that's cheap to drive and easy to live with.