Is maximizing your own MPG really a good thing?

[JamesAstro]

I had an interesting thought today: I can drive my CR-Z in econ mode most of the time, and attempt to squeeze every last MPG out of it. Doing so will probably give me about 40 MPG. However, it will contribute to the "fuddy duddy" image that hybrids have, and it will ultimately cause fewer people to buy hybrids. Driving slow will cause nearby drivers to get frustrated, and to zip around me, using more gas as they do so.

On the other hand, I can keep my CR-Z in sport mode most of the time, and I can zip around the freeway in a spirited and exciting fashion. This will lower my MPG to about 35, but it will make me smile constantly, it will help destroy the "fuddy duddy" hybrid image, and it may even encourage a few people to trade in their low-MPG vehicles for a CR-Z.

In other words, maximizing my own MPG may actually increase the gasoline use in this country. I think perhaps it would be better to show the world what a fun car the CR-Z is, and sacrifice some of my own MPG to get the point across.

[TCroly]

I am not sure that I fully agree with your premise and conclusion. but I do agree that yo can drive the CRZ with some zest and zippy enjoyment and still get 35 to 38 mpg. But getting more than 40mpg zaps the driving fun factor and turns it into a video game challenge of achieving fuel economy above all. Which still can be fun in a way, but certainly not driving thrills.

I will also point out that the difference between 38 mpg and 43 mpg amounts to only 46 gallons of gas over the course of 15,000 miles. So a years worth fuel economy efforts are worth maybe $200. For me, I will skip the savings and enjoy the driving.

Gaining better fuel economy in the CRZ is a lesson in understaning how this car works, and applying those lessons to driving style.

[varoom]

I drive exclusively in sport and although I'm not a speed demon by any means, manage to have great fun in the car with mileage as below. For me the fun in driving this car is the smooth stick shift and its cornering ability. Speed is not its strong suit. Its been repeatedly emphasized on this forum that if you have the 6mt, driving mode has no impact on fuel economy anyway and so no need to feel guilty about having a little fun. Hard to believe but I've found it to be true. Another matter, however if yours is cvt.

[Lankysean]

Since I've gotten my CR-Z I've been driving in Eco mode around town, since the speed limit is 25 I figure driving like a fuddy duddy isn't going to anger anyone. When I go out to the highway I generally switch it up to normal and leave people in the dust when I pull away from stoplights or merging... still averaging 37-41mpg, with a minimum fuddy duddyness.

[dfried]

>> Is maximizing your own MPG really a good thing?

I suppose it depends on why you bought the car. For me, yes - I want to maximize my mileage all week long. On weekends I autocross and enjoy the other aspects of the car.

[kmanatt]

Great Post, Yes we can see that there are two sides to owning a car with a schizophrenic
temperament. Well I guess it just suites some of it's owners.

I do sometimes wonder about the overall effect of pushing for the highest mileage at 63 MPH as people pass me in all lanes on the freeway. K

[CRaZee]

I say just drive the car the way you want to.. and don't worry about what others will think! When they find out we get can get good MPG and still have fun... that will start the revolution! (not to mention the awesome reliability of the Honda's)!

[franck2725]

Originally Posted by CRaZee

I say just drive the car the way you want to.. and don't worry about what others will think! When they find out we get can get good MPG and still have fun... that will start the revolution! (not to mention the awesome reliability of the Honda's)!

exacly,look at it this way,i drive my CR-Z the same way i always drove any of my cars and yet i get the best MPG ever.so WTF is the problem???just enjoy it

[Scotty001]

Yep, drive the way you want to. Personally, I'm in Sport most the time.. Not too many cars out there that you can have fun and still get 35-38. But then again, some members here look at getting the best gas mileage they can as fun..

Either way.. Have "Fun"

[gomarlins3]

Sorry, I am happy to try to beat my best of 47.1 and will continue to do so.