so who's been driving like a grandma, ever since getting this car?

[allen84]

I mean driving slower than usual, ever since getting this car. Not trying to do it on purpose though, but everyday trying to see if how good of a mpg you can get or how much gas you've use at the end of your trip of your regular driving route (ie, driving to work...) its been an obsession really. trying to see how steady you can get the red line mpg line as steady as you can lol, to try and achieve good numbers at the end.

 

just last week, i was pissin this guy off from my slow speed, which i didnt realize, so he sped up, to pass me, as he passed me, he beeps at me. lol

 

I dont give a sh*t, im trying to save some gas !!

 

 

I'm sure most of you people on here has their driving habits changed ever since getting this car, trying to achieve good numbers on the info display on the dash.

 

sometimes i wish, there was a way to turn off all the info on the dash, and just keep the fuel tank and engine temp. only visible, is there a way??

Edited November 3, 2010 by allen84

[MKZ 2011]

We are!

 

 

[EGFP]

I mean driving slower than usual, ever since getting this car. Not trying to do it on purpose though, but everyday trying to see if how good of a mpg you can get or how much gas you've use at the end of your trip of your regular driving route (ie, driving to work...) its been an obsession really. trying to see how steady you can get the red line mpg line as steady as you can lol, to try and achieve good numbers at the end.

 

just last week, i was pissin this guy off from my slow speed, which i didnt realize, so he sped up, to pass me, as he passed me, he beeps at me. lol

 

I dont give a sh*t, im trying to save some gas !!

 

 

I'm sure most of you people on here has their driving habits changed ever since getting this car, trying to achieve good numbers on the info display on the dash.

 

sometimes i wish, there was a way to turn off all the info on the dash, and just keep the fuel tank and engine temp. only visible, is there a way??

 

Toggle through the SmartGauge modes and set it to "inform." It'll show battery charge and fuel levels only on either side of the speedometer.

 

But I like the extra feedback. All cars should have this. All those heavy footed idiots should learn how to drive more efficiently. They should see when their instantaneous fuel consumption drops to 5 mpg because of their leaden feet, even though you usually meet them at the next light and all they did was waste gas without getting anywhere but the light much faster.

 

Actually, what I like about the FFH is that you have the power to accelerate aggressively and pass up most people, but the gauge makes you more sane. You've got enough power but also an incentive to be restrained. Potential power with restraint. That's real power.

 

[VonoreTn]

You're not alone. I too am obsessed with trying to get the last mpg out of every trip. But I enjoy it, and love all the mpg feedback. If I had all this feedback on my Mustang, I would go nuts, because it would tell me what a hopeless gas guzzler it is. On the Mustang the only feedbacks I notice are rpm, mph, fuel pressure and manifold boost.

[Buster1]

I've been driving much more conservatively too. But sometimes when I don't for a few minutes, I beat myself up. The car begs to help you drive more efficiently and I feel guilty when I don't sometimes.

[Kelly Trusz Urban]

We are!

 

 

^^ that's great! best i've done over a 2 mile trip is about 87. but yeah, definitely go more slowly. every tenth on the long term mileage is a victory!

[Fuze-ion]

Yes, I definately drive this car much more conservitely than I have ever driven any vehicle in my 30+ years of driving. The FFH is also the only Non V-8, vehicle I have ever owned. I used to be that guy that would leave everyone, as the light turned green, in my 315 hp Olds Rocket engine. I have used more than my share of Premium Gasoline. I still have the Olds (1970 Cutlass Supreme), but very seldom drive it. I also own a Expedition and a F-150, so you can see i needed a vehicle that would get some good mileage.

[MrMikeL]

About 5 years ago, when my son started Driver's Ed, my driving style changed. I used to be on the plus side of aggressive driving, but with a back seat driver on board, I was immediately aware of everything I was doing wrong. Wanting to be a positive role model for my impressionable teenager, I modified my driving habits to a more conservative style.

 

Fast forward to now and in comes my 2010 FFH. Since I had stopped the jack-rabbit starts and the hard braking, this car just seemed to make sense. Do I drive like a grandpa? Nope. But I am aware of my surroundings, and if the opportunity arises, I will coast or start slowly or drive below speed.

 

This is the right car for me and my lifestyle at this time. Will I go through another mid-life crisis in a few years? Probably! Think Ford will come out with a Fusion Hybrid SHO version?!?

[mikenmar]

I am definitely driving like a grandma now. This car has completely changed the way I drive. I used to be the guy doing 80-90 in the fast lane, now I plod along in the far right lane with the cruise control set at 59.

 

I am constantly monitoring the mileage; just about everything I do is calculated to stretch it out.

 

But what I really appreciate most is how much less stressful it is to drive slowly. Driving fast all the time is a *really* stressful way to live your life.

 

So slow down, and CHILL.

[allen84]

I am definitely driving like a grandma now. This car has completely changed the way I drive. I used to be the guy doing 80-90 in the fast lane, now I plod along in the far right lane with the cruise control set at 59.

 

I am constantly monitoring the mileage; just about everything I do is calculated to stretch it out.

 

But what I really appreciate most is how much less stressful it is to drive slowly. Driving fast all the time is a *really* stressful way to live your life.

 

So slow down, and CHILL.

 

 

Tell that to other people on the road lol !! Usually, I would only try do it when the situation is right, but i do get a little carried away sometimes, and when you're on a roll, you dont want to stop hahaha.

 

Yeah ive been getting more people passing me more than usual now, but not so much.

 

One day, im gonna cause road rage over this, i know am lol

[Kelly Trusz Urban]

i take corners faster too so i dont have to watch mpg plummet while accelerating. the car is so solid and planted, its easy.

[rpoffen]

I wouldn't say I drive like a grandma, but it is more conservative than my last car (1998 Mustang Cobra), which I still have and love to drive, I just can't afford the gas and maintenance when commuting 100 miles a day!

[Davidoo]

I am definitely obsessed with getting the highest possible mileage. This car makes it so easy. I had to laugh because I find myself also going around corners faster so I don't have to slow down. My long term is up to almost 43 mpg and today I filled up and had 765 miles to empty. I'm sure this isn't a record, but as I learn how to drive it better I have gone from 688 to 725 to 765 miles to empty just over the last 3 tanks.

[DDBCretin]

I'm as guilty as the rest. The car is like a rolling video game with the object to squeeze every nickle out of each gallon of gas.

 

It's funny, I'm bummed that as cooler weather arrives my mileage is dropping. It'll soon drop below 40 mpg! My last vehicle was luck to get 20 mpg and I didn't really care. Now I'm obsessed with keeping over 40. :-)

[rpoffen]

I'm as guilty as the rest. The car is like a rolling video game with the object to squeeze every nickle out of each gallon of gas.

 

It's funny, I'm bummed that as cooler weather arrives my mileage is dropping. It'll soon drop below 40 mpg! My last vehicle was luck to get 20 mpg and I didn't really care. Now I'm obsessed with keeping over 40. :-)

 

My mileage has gone UP with cooler weather, but it is all subject to where you are. In the summer out where I live in the far east San Francisco Bay Area, 100+ degree days mean running the A/C a lot and that kills the mileage. Cooler weather out here means 50's in the morning warming to high 60's and low 70's. Don't need either the heater or A/C!

[fr1j0l3]

I splurged for the nice stereo option, now I don't feel half as bad about driving slow with some nice beats to roll to. ;)

[richardsantink]

Yes, I too am 'guilty' (if you can really allude to 'guilt') of driving a little more like 'grandma'. To more accurate, I've been driving far more conservatively than ever before. Up here in Canada, now that colder weather has set in (we've had nights well below freezing), it's taking its toll on my economy, but I'm still doing whatever I can to stretch the numbers.

 

If nobody is in my rearview, I accelerate slowly, and gradually... try to keep it in EV mode as long as possible! Also, I've been using cruise extensively to 'drive-by-wire' and build my speed on the highway in increments (merge safely, then use the + in three-tap intervals every couple of hundred yards or so).

 

I really wish they would add a feature that would allow you to download performance data to the USB port, so that you could analyze it on a PC!

 

This is my first 'real' post on this forum, really looking forward to picking up some tips, info, or just read some interesting stories everyone may have to share!

 

Cheers,

 

R

[lolder]

Yes, I too am 'guilty' (if you can really allude to 'guilt') of driving a little more like 'grandma'. To more accurate, I've been driving far more conservatively than ever before. Up here in Canada, now that colder weather has set in (we've had nights well below freezing), it's taking its toll on my economy, but I'm still doing whatever I can to stretch the numbers.

 

If nobody is in my rearview, I accelerate slowly, and gradually... try to keep it in EV mode as long as possible! Also, I've been using cruise extensively to 'drive-by-wire' and build my speed on the highway in increments (merge safely, then use the + in three-tap intervals every couple of hundred yards or so).

 

I really wish they would add a feature that would allow you to download performance data to the USB port, so that you could analyze it on a PC!

 

This is my first 'real' post on this forum, really looking forward to picking up some tips, info, or just read some interesting stories everyone may have to share!

 

Cheers,

 

 

 

R

There is some information, including recommendations from Ford, that acceleration should be done moderately with the ICE. You'll notice that the cruise control "resume" uses about 2 1/2 to 3 units of power to accelerate. The ICE is efficient in that range. If your HVB is over 1/2 charged and your accelerating to a speed below about 35 mph, using the EV is probably desirable

Edited November 23, 2010 by lolder

[oldschool1962]

I'm just not sure anymore whether trying to make mpg is worth it or not. I mean..... I get between 38 and 44 consistantly even if I romp on it to show the any number of arses' or local Delbert D.Butts in trucks that are trying to drive over me because I'm trying to be more conservative than most. By the way that's conservative with my money......but by that point it's worth the drop in 2-3 average mpg points just to see the look on their face when you get to the next light.

 

The FFH may not be able to get the hole-shots or grab a gear like I once enjoyed so much but when you get those squirrels and hamsters all wound up.......the car is too much fun to "granny" around all of the time.

Edited December 3, 2010 by oldschool1962

[Noel]

I'm sure most of you people on here has their driving habits changed ever since getting this car, trying to achieve good numbers on the info display on the dash.

 

sometimes i wish, there was a way to turn off all the info on the dash, and just keep the fuel tank and engine temp. only visible, is there a way??

 

Yes, me too on driving generally slower, though I get from A to B at very much the same time as previously when I owned a fun to drive Maxima w/ 220HP. I have to say though, this car has trained me to drive what I like to think of as smarter. It's really obvious now, especially in city traffic, people 'hurry up and wait' all the time, whereas I am have trained myself to keep moving at a pace that prevents needing to brake by timing the lights just right. I do pulse n glide when it makes sense (which is only rarely, since the Fusion lets you 'tease' it into EV easily), and frequently people will pass me and I find them stopped at the next traffic signal.

 

My best sustained long term average is 45.8mpg, however this is in the optimum ambient temp of the summertime here where I live. Once it gets colder, I'm down to 41.x since the HV battery is just not as efficient then.

[Noel]

I splurged for the nice stereo option, now I don't feel half as bad about driving slow with some nice beats to roll to. ;)

 

Ditto here: I REALLY enjoy the Sony audio and use it w/ a USB drive, and satellite radio.

[AptosDriver]

I mean driving slower than usual, ever since getting this car.

I haven't bought an FFH yet, but I've been driving "slower than usual", as in the usual driver suspects, for about five years now, ever since I decided that 60 mph was as fast as I needed to go in local driving on the freeway. I just stick to the right-hand lane as much as I can, although there are places where I have to move over into the fast lane to avoid getting stuck behind merging cars, whose drivers don't know what it means to yield to oncoming traffic. In that case, I go the limit, 65 mph, because I don't want my car to become a "road boulder". (And I just hate it when someone in the fast lane bears down on me and starts tailgating doing 70 or 75 mph when I'm already at the speed limit; I have a rear license plate frame that says, "If you can read this, YOU'RE PROBABLY TOO CLOSE" -- not that it does much good.) On extended trips when an extra 5 mph can translate into a real time difference, of course I'll go the limit. Anyway, I find that life is much more pleasant and generally more relaxed around here at 60 mph than 65 mph. I've also found that playing my favorite music through my stereo system with my iPhone cum iPod keeps me more relaxed on the road.

 

I've become a much smoother driver due to my 6-cylinder '07 RAV4. It's seriously over-powered but very smooth when driven right. All it needs is the lightest touch on the accelerator to get going. I think that as a consequence of this, the one time I took an FFH for a test drive, which included a jaunt on the freeway while pulling a pretty steep grade at the 65 mph limit, plus stop-and-go traffic, the "vine" on the instrument panel was full of leaves by the time we got back to the dealership. (The trip computer reported that I'd averaged 29.1 mpg for that short drive, not bad for a new car with only 12 miles on the odometer.) My wife and I are both scrupulous about coming to full stops at stop signs, and the FFH would save us a lot of gas that way. :headspin:

Edited January 2, 2011 by AptosDriver

[rfruth]

Since I turned 21 or or so my nickname could have been the Right Lane Cruiser, oh I like Rockin' down the highway (Doobie Brothers) but it no longer involves traffic court

[rpoffen]

I've become a much smoother driver due to my 6-cylinder '07 RAV4. It's seriously over-powered but very smooth when driven right. All it needs is the lightest touch on the accelerator to get going. I think that as a consequence of this, the one time I took an FFH for a test drive, which included a jaunt on the freeway while pulling a pretty steep grade at the 65 mph limit, plus stop-and-go traffic, the "vine" on the instrument panel was full of leaves by the time we got back to the dealership. (The trip computer reported that I'd averaged 29.1 mpg for that short drive, not bad for a new car with only 12 miles on the odometer.) My wife and I are both scrupulous about coming to full stops at stop signs, and the FFH would save us a lot of gas that way. :headspin:

 

I keep my '98 Mustang Cobra (engine rebuilt with stroker crank, cold air intake, headers, aluminum flywheel, TKO500 tranny, aluminum driveshaft, other mods. estimate 350+hp) so when I "feel the need for speed" after driving my FFH a while, I can get my fix.