Mazda5 real-world Mileage numbers

[perfecto]

Please post your real-world mileage numbers for your Mazda5, as well as your transmission type, in this thread. Thanks!

[perfecto]

351.79 miles
12.099 gallons
---
29.07 mpg

5-speed manual transmission.

[ZoomZoomH]

29mpg! (wow)

take that honda odyssey!! lol

[mz5]

23.9 MPG
Auto Trans
50% empty freeway 50% stop-n-go

[Bala]

I just cruised from LA to Phoenix on one tank of gas! 6.5 hours and 417 miles later, I would say highway milage was just over 30 mpg. I still had fumes to spare. (2003.5 Pro5 - Auto trans, K&N CAI, Racing Beat cat-back, RR Racing UDP, Magnacor Wires.)

[RODSCALIP5]

I just cruised from LA to Phoenix on one tank of gas! 6.5 hours and 417 miles later, I would say highway milage was just over 30 mpg. I still had fumes to spare. (2003.5 Pro5 - Auto trans, K&N CAI, Racing Beat cat-back, RR Racing UDP, Magnacor Wires.)

This thread is only for Mazda 5's, but that's good MPG on a P5 :D

[Bala]

This thread is only for Mazda 5's, but that's good MPG on a P5 :D
Doh! (hand)

[mz5]

23.9 MPG
Auto Trans
50% empty freeway 50% stop-n-go

Well...I just filled out my 2nd tank. I had about 25% left so I filled the tank.

Same traffic condition.

I got 260 miles, filled up 9.7 gall.......26.7 MPG

[fam]

24.5 mpg on 1st tank driving like a moron. 50 City\50 Hwy AC blaring the whole time. I am amazed. my winter hwydrives will hit 30mpg I can feel it once the motor is broken in.

[smaria]

I just filled up my Mazda5, auto trans, for the first time. 338 miles driven since the dealer filled it up, and I just put 13.35 gallons in to fill it up again: 25.3 MPG!

About 80% of the miles were highway. Most of the miles were with only 2 people in the car (driver + passenger) but some of the miles were with 4 people. We actually drove it up a small mountain when we had 4 people in it, so I thought that our MPG would suffer...it doesn't seem like it did.

Considering that we had the AC on 100% of the time during these 338 miles, I'm very satisfied with the MPG that I got!

By the way, my gas light went on 18 miles before I filled up my tank, and when I filled it up I only put 13.35 gallons into the 15.9-gallon tank. Based on these numbers, I think that I had a little more than 3 gallons left in the tank when the gas light went on...that's kinda early for it to come on, but better early than too late! My Civic is the same way: it has a 13-gallon tank, but I've never put more than 11 gallons into it because the gas light goes on when there are about 3-4 gallons left in the tank.

[the_saint]

First fill up: 210(ish) miles, 8.5 gallons--24.7 MPG
Second fill up: 235 miles, 10.6 gallons--22 MPG
Thrid fill up: 243 miles, 8.8 gallons--27.6 MPG (I'm lovin' this!!)

First tank had about 60 highway miles on it, rest were city miles...A/C on the whole time.
Second tank is all city, all A/C.
Third tank, all city, 75% A/C.
Automatic trans.

[ABear]

6 Speed diesel is availible in europe....

Its gets
38/49

With todays prices that kind of pisses me off its not availible here.....

http://www.mazda.co.uk/

[mazdafive]

6 Speed diesel is availible in europe....

Its gets
38/49

With todays prices that kind of pisses me off its not availible here.....

http://www.mazda.co.uk/

Wow, those are some impressive MPG numbers. Even with diesel prices cost more than Premium unleaded, it's still cost less overall at the gas pump with that kind of MPG numbers.

[miatafied]

Didn't want to post until I had a few tanks worth of info:
5spd Touring

1st tank - 22mpg
2nd tank - 24mpg
3rd tank - 25mpg
4th tank - 29mpg

Mixed 50-50 city hwy - A/C on all the time lately. Can't wait until the fall w/o A/C to see what kind of mileage I can get.

[limwsv]

Activematic Transmission
- 1st tank.... not sure, no accurate means of measurement
- 2nd tank (40 l) = 10 km/l
- 3rd tabk (40 l) = 9.875 km/l

Sorry, but I metric-based ;^)

[Tim H.]

5-speed, mixed driving and I got about 23 MPG on the 2nd or 3rd tank of gas. A bit disappointing actually. Maybe it will get better after the engine breaks in?

[smaria]

I just calculated 27.4 MPG on my third tank! At least 20% city driving, and the AC on almost the entire time.

On 3 tanks, I've gotten 25.3 MPG, 22.0 MPG, and 27.4 MPG. That's a total of 1151 miles driven, and a 3-tank average of 25.0 MPG.

[CRISPY5]

I just cruised from LA to Phoenix on one tank of gas! 6.5 hours and 417 miles later, I would say highway milage was just over 30 mpg. I still had fumes to spare. (2003.5 Pro5 - Auto trans, K&N CAI, Racing Beat cat-back, RR Racing UDP, Magnacor Wires.)

I know, I know.... but I get 34mpg in my P5 in mixed driving all the time... I have a 4-1 coated header and CAI... and I always have my AC on and run hard thru the gears from every stop...

With the extra 600 lbs, I would expect a 5 to get 30mpg easy with the same intake/exhaust mods... That extra weight is really not much for a 2.3L engine... My 2.0 pulls a 150lb trailer loaded with a 400lb tractor without breaking a sweat.... that's almost 600lbs...

[Johaan]

Fully loaded on a road trip within the first 500 miles of getting it.

Got 32 mpg Hwy.

Was shocked (boom01)

-Johaan

[airman_slacker]

First tank of gas (the only one I've used so far)....18 MPG. Not driving it hard, but it's all city driving. Could be the Louisiana heat and humidity.

[rarefc3s]

Automatic. Mostly city driving seeing anywhere from 19-22 mpg. I am in Louisville, KY and I think our reformulated gas sucks. Also this is with the AC on 100% of the time.

[5thAve]

I'm sure no-one here cares, but since I don't have a 5 to drive yet, I've had to settle for tracking the mileage of our fully-laden (twins, stroller, groceries, etc) 1992 Chrysler New Yorker 5th Avenue (or what's left of it as ravenous rust is rapidly ravishing our ride). We're consistently getting maybe 16.5mpg with 80% city driving and a feather-footed technique.

Sure am looking forward to that Mazda5...
(yes)

[unhappyM5owner]

5-speed, mixed driving and I got about 23 MPG on the 2nd or 3rd tank of gas. A bit disappointing actually. Maybe it will get better after the engine breaks in?

Yeah I thought with that 5 speed mpg would be better getting close to 25 mpg through 4-5 tankfuls 20% city 80% highway. EPA Sticker in CA states 22-27 sounds about right. I believe that the my 5 gets better mpg with AC on. Also in the morning the engine sounds real cold and rough goes away once warmed up. I've been pleased with performance and handling zoom zoom..... :)

[perfecto]

First tank since the recall return ... 24.8mpg in probably 3/4 city driving. I have a Touring (GT) 5-speed.

[Mr.Smith]

24 mpg out of the first two tanks with at least 75% city driving and lots of sitting in traffic. Mazda5 Touring/ manual. Much better than the 17 I was seeing from the A8. (2thumbs)

[Rich A.]

I can't believe what I got for my first tank... 27.98mpg. I took delivery of the car when it had 21mi on it and was with the dealer when he filled it up for me. I reset the trip odometer at the same time. 1 week later, I filled up when it had 333mi on the trip odometer and it took 11.9 gal... topped off for sure. Even if I screwed up my calculation and forgot to reset the trip meter, the mileage would come out to be 26.2mpg, which still is great. My driving has been 80-90% suburban commuting on semi-rural type roads with a bit of highway driving for the remainder. This mileage really amazes me, so I'm very curious to see if my second tank substantiates these figures!

I drive a 5speed5 and have been relatively conservative driving it so far. I love this car!

[mazdaFIVEmike]

M5 GT 5speed manual
Pre-Recall
Tank #1 443km, 11.2L/100km or 275mi, 21mpg - 75%city
Tank #2 457km, 10.7L/100km or 284mi, 21.8mpg - 75%city
Tank #3 283km, 9.0L/100km or 175mi, 26.1mpg - 90%highway
Tank #4 453km, 11.1L/100km or 281mi, 21.3mpg - 75%city
Post-Recall
Tank #5 400km, 11.7L/100km or 248mi, 20.1mpg - 75%city
Tank #6 355km, 15.1L/100km or 220mi, 15.6mpg - 85%city

I'm not impressed to say the least. See my posting on the Hesitation. Anyone think these are connected? Add in the recall "fix" and my gas mileage takes a dive. Makes me think I'm driving around with an anchor hanging off my bumper. I'd like to know how you folks are getting 25+mpg consistently.

[Antonio DiMarco]

M5 GT 5speed manual
Pre-Recall
Tank #1 443km, 11.2L/100km or 275mi, 21mpg - 75%city
Tank #2 457km, 10.7L/100km or 284mi, 21.8mpg - 75%city
Tank #3 283km, 9.0L/100km or 175mi, 26.1mpg - 90%highway
Tank #4 453km, 11.1L/100km or 281mi, 21.3mpg - 75%city
Post-Recall
Tank #5 400km, 11.7L/100km or 248mi, 20.1mpg - 75%city
Tank #6 355km, 15.1L/100km or 220mi, 15.6mpg - 85%city

I'm not impressed to say the least. See my posting on the Hesitation. Anyone think these are connected? Add in the recall "fix" and my gas mileage takes a dive. Makes me think I'm driving around with an anchor hanging off my bumper. I'd like to know how you folks are getting 25+mpg consistently.

I have a 5 and don't have any hesitation. In fact it feels more responsive after the recall. It definitely doesn't feel like there is an anchor hanging off the bumper :-).

The recall fix did not change the 5 speed's PCM. When does it hesitate?

FYI, I'm getting similar mileage numbers in the low 20's (though I have not seen 15mpg). My 3S gets 22 to 28mpg. Remember the 5 is larger and not as aerodynamic as the 3.

Climate has a lot to do with fuel economy as well. MA has been pretty mild lately (40 to 60). How is it up in BC?

[mazdaFIVEmike]

I have a 5 and don't have any hesitation. In fact it feels more responsive after the recall. It definitely doesn't feel like there is an anchor hanging off the bumper :-).

The recall fix did not change the 5 speed's PCM. When does it hesitate?

FYI, I'm getting similar mileage numbers in the low 20's (though I have not seen 15mpg). My 3S gets 22 to 28mpg. Remember the 5 is larger and not as aerodynamic as the 3.

Climate has a lot to do with fuel economy as well. MA has been pretty mild lately (40 to 60). How is it up in BC?

Its been chilly - may have something to do with it but I wouldn't expect a drop like that. I have an "out on a limb" thought as well. I recall being told something about the gas tank being some sort of bladder system(???) and perhaps the gas cap was not on real tight allowing some air in - I'm guessing here. But since filling I made sure the cap was on good and tight and so far the fuel gauge has just dipped below the full line and I've gone 80km (50mi) with the same type of driving in the same weather. We'll just have to see on this crazy thought.... (braindead

The hesitation is during start off until about 3000rpm when you feel like you get an extra kick or boost - the zoom zoom - I assume!!

If you acclerate hard its not there, its only when you go slow - like on a residential street.

[Rich A.]

O.k., I'm coming back down to earth on my gas mileage figures.

Here are my two tanks so far:
1) 333mi, 11.9gal = 28mpg
2) 330mi, 14.28gal = 23.1 mpg ?? what the !??

There's two things going on that I think are going on (boom07)
1) I'm beginning to think that my first fill-up didn't quite fill it up. If that's the case, then perhaps the car should have taken another 1.5gal or so which would have given me 24.8mpg. I recall on this last tank that I was surprised to see how quickly the gauge dropped to 3/4 tank after only 70mi. I just filled up with the 14.28gal and the gauge is farther above F than it was on the 11.9gal fill-up... evidence that it wasn't quite full, even though I thought I topped it off. So if the last tank was say 1.5gal low when I started driving on it, my latest calc would be 26mpg. Having seen the above post about a bladder tank, perhaps this is related.
2) I did more city driving with more people in the car over the holidays which would naturally decrease the gas mileage anyway.

So maybe I'm really getting about 25mpg on my "semi-rural/city" driving and not 28? Hmmmm. We'll see how the next few tanks go. 25mpg seems more realistic though.

[Wuster]

Just filled up our automatic Touring for the first time.

273 mi, 10.9 gallons ~ 25mpg

even split between city and highway driving.

[Antonio DiMarco]

O.k., I'm coming back down to earth on my gas mileage figures.

Here are my two tanks so far:
1) 333mi, 11.9gal = 28mpg
2) 330mi, 14.28gal = 23.1 mpg ?? what the !??

There's two things going on that I think are going on (boom07)
1) I'm beginning to think that my first fill-up didn't quite fill it up. If that's the case, then perhaps the car should have taken another 1.5gal or so which would have given me 24.8mpg. I recall on this last tank that I was surprised to see how quickly the gauge dropped to 3/4 tank after only 70mi. I just filled up with the 14.28gal and the gauge is farther above F than it was on the 11.9gal fill-up... evidence that it wasn't quite full, even though I thought I topped it off. So if the last tank was say 1.5gal low when I started driving on it, my latest calc would be 26mpg. Having seen the above post about a bladder tank, perhaps this is related.
2) I did more city driving with more people in the car over the holidays which would naturally decrease the gas mileage anyway.

So maybe I'm really getting about 25mpg on my "semi-rural/city" driving and not 28? Hmmmm. We'll see how the next few tanks go. 25mpg seems more realistic though.

Anyone care to explain what a Bladder tank is? Does it fill up and deflate like a balloon?

I do believe you maybe onto something in terms of how "full" the gas tank gets at fill-up. I've found that some gas stations pumps are overly sensative to topping off while others allow it. I'm more inclined to believe it's the fault of a gas pump than a huge drop in the 5's gas mileage. I've also seen the same phenomena where the first 1/4 goes quickly.

Hmmm

[Rich A.]

Do a google on "fuel tank bladder" or similar and find a bunch of stuff.

Here's one... see the Toyota Prius description...
http://www.autosite.com/content/research/index.cfm?id=10714;ASITE&action=showArticle&aid=138442

[airman_slacker]

I get about 20 in the city and 26 on the highway. About the same as advertised, maybe a little better.

[mazdaFIVEmike]

M5 GT 5speed manual
Pre-Recall
Tank #1 443km, 11.2L/100km or 275mi, 21mpg - 75%city
Tank #2 457km, 10.7L/100km or 284mi, 21.8mpg - 75%city
Tank #3 283km, 9.0L/100km or 175mi, 26.1mpg - 90%highway
Tank #4 453km, 11.1L/100km or 281mi, 21.3mpg - 75%city
Post-Recall
Tank #5 400km, 11.7L/100km or 248mi, 20.1mpg - 75%city
Tank #6 355km, 15.1L/100km or 220mi, 15.6mpg - 85%city

I'm not impressed to say the least. See my posting on the Hesitation. Anyone think these are connected? Add in the recall "fix" and my gas mileage takes a dive. Makes me think I'm driving around with an anchor hanging off my bumper. I'd like to know how you folks are getting 25+mpg consistently.

Update:
Tank #7 404km, 13.9L/100km or 251mi, 16.9mpg - 85% city
Tank #8 431km, 12.1L/100km or 268mi, 19.5mpg - 85% city

Does anyone else think these numbers suck? Needless to say - I'm going in for a service check this week - Its definitely first on my complaint list. (rant)

[the_saint]

Update:
Tank #7 404km, 13.9L/100km or 251mi, 16.9mpg - 85% city
Tank #8 431km, 12.1L/100km or 268mi, 19.5mpg - 85% city

Does anyone else think these numbers suck? Needless to say - I'm going in for a service check this week - Its definitely first on my complaint list. (rant)
Have you been running the defrost the whole time?
When you run the defrost it cycles the A/C compressor which will make your economy drop. Also, the fuel map has more than likely changed for the cold weather. It's probably running richer until the engine reaches operating temps (much like the choke on a carb'd engine). Also, are you letting the car run for a few minutes before you get in so it will be warmer for you? If so, that's where some of your gas is going too.

I had my mileage #s drop this winter too...I was getting into the mid to high teens (MPG). But by off the defrost and not letting it idle for ten minutes before driving I've managed to get back into the low 20s.

[Rich A.]

I can't believe the terrible numbers you guys are getting. I'll post my figures later when I have my list, but I've been getting much better fuel economy than that. My latest tank was 27.9mpg (2/3 hwy, 1/3 commuting). On average around town, I've been getting about 25mpg.

[mazdaFIVEmike]

Have you been running the defrost the whole time?
When you run the defrost it cycles the A/C compressor which will make your economy drop. Also, the fuel map has more than likely changed for the cold weather. It's probably running richer until the engine reaches operating temps (much like the choke on a carb'd engine). Also, are you letting the car run for a few minutes before you get in so it will be warmer for you? If so, that's where some of your gas is going too.

I had my mileage #s drop this winter too...I was getting into the mid to high teens (MPG). But by off the defrost and not letting it idle for ten minutes before driving I've managed to get back into the low 20s.

Thanks the_saint.

I don't let the car warm up in the mornings (usually because getting the 2 kids ready to get out the door doesn't leave any time to warm anything up! lol) but I'm not sure about the defrost - I know we've been using it - I'll try to keep it to a minimum this time round to see if that makes a difference - good to know! I always expect the mileage to drop in the winter months but that 15mpg kinda scared me a little. Things have picked up as of late - 20.3mpg (90% city) and 23.6mpg (100%highway with 2 mountain climbs in the snow) so that is more what I would expect for winter. Perhaps it will improve as the engine breaks in. The numbers others are getting just surprises me if I can't get anywhere near that.

[Magnum]

I have had my 5 for two weeks and have put 1800 mi. on it. Currently I commute 100 mi. per day about 90% highway.

1st tank was 23.48
2nd tank was 25.66
3rd tank was 27.89
4th tank was 23.98
5th tank was 28.84

These are at least the ones I have records for. I almost forgot I have the Touring addition/ Automatic

[CARDURA9]

With our Touring Automatic having almost 3k miles, we have been able to achieve a 25 mpg average overall.

The lowest so far has been 22 mpg(90% city), and the highest 27 mpg(90% freeway). Needless to say, we are very happy.

[nexs666]

308.5 mi./13.037 gal.=23.66 mpg. All city, but no gridlock. It's the first fill-up since delivery, so I'm hoping mileage improves post break-in.

[pbv]

420 km only city M5 GT eats 45 liters. So it's 9.3 km/l
Automatic Transmission

[Wuster]

I'm finding that driving around the city, we're averaging about 23 mpg and I'm getting around 28 mpg on the hwy. (Touring, auto)

In my past experience with the Mazda3, I found that if you try to keep the hwy speed either at 70 mph or just slightly below 70 mph, the mileage goes way up to around 29 to 30 mpg.

So in my book, getting 28 mpg on hwy isn't bad at all.

[065]

In the summer I was getting 25-27. Now that it's cold, it's pathetic- around 17-19. My Mz6 goes from about 30 summer to 27 in the winter so I'm kinda dissappointed, but we'll see when (if) it warms up again. (My old Taurus wagon got 32 on the freeway so Mazda needs to work on this a little.)

[bulwnkl]

About the defroster, someone on another board told me his 3 runs the A/C compressor even when the HVAC is set to heater and he asked me whether the 5 was the same way. We have the ACC, but always run it on manual so I've been fooling with it and guess what? It does the same thing. So, at least during colder weather, the A/C is also on all the time even when you have it set to strictly heat. Switching to bi-level shuts the A/C off. I really wish it didn't work that way, but I don't know how to stop it conveniently. Anyone?

Oh, as to mileage: since break-in was completed, we've seen ~22.5 (I don't recall the decimals exactly) in pure city driving, and ~28.5 on a pure freeway trip. This is a 5-speed Touring.

[the_saint]

About the defroster, someone on another board told me his 3 runs the A/C compressor even when the HVAC is set to heater and he asked me whether the 5 was the same way. We have the ACC, but always run it on manual so I've been fooling with it and guess what? It does the same thing. So, at least during colder weather, the A/C is also on all the time even when you have it set to strictly heat. Switching to bi-level shuts the A/C off. I really wish it didn't work that way, but I don't know how to stop it conveniently. Anyone?

Oh, as to mileage: since break-in was completed, we've seen ~22.5 (I don't recall the decimals exactly) in pure city driving, and ~28.5 on a pure freeway trip. This is a 5-speed Touring.
http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2171815&postcount=36

The reason the compressor cycles when you have the vent set to defrost (even though the heat is cranked) is so the compressor does not lock up due to exposure to salt, sand, slush, etc.
Don't want the compressor to cycle? Keep it off defrost as much as possible.

[soulnette]

The A/C cycle only when the outside temp is over 0°C/32°F, under this temperature, the compressor don't get engage. This is to help dehumidified the cabin. It is automatic when the defrost is on.

[bulwnkl]

Yes, I am aware that the compressor will cycle during cold weather when in the defrost position. This is to assist with 'fog' control on the windshield by dehumidifying the air in the cabin.

I think I didn't explain properly. I don't mean the temperature control, I mean the air-direction control. The compressor is on when the vent is set to floor (what I often call the "heater" position). So, if I just want the heater on my feet (not on defrost at all), I get the A/C compressor cycling all the time.

This is different from every other car I've ever operated before in my life, regardless of brand or continent of origin. I'm not forgetting to turn off the ACC first, the A/C button is not being left on, I've played with it some in the garage (which was 45-50 degrees F) to see what happens. When the airflow is directed to FLOOR ONLY, the A/C compressor cycles just as it would if it were on defrost. Is there a convenient way to disable this so that the A/C compressor cycles ONLY when I push the button OR when it's on defrost in cold weather?

[goldwing2000]

Mazda considers this a "feature". It's the same way on the 3. There's no easy way to disable it but it is possible.

If you have manual HVAC, there's a 3-way switch behind the mode selector knob that controls the A/C compressor function, as well as the fresh/recirc function (defrost also forces fresh air). If you remove/disable this switch, you should regain control of your a/c compressor.

Of course... this is assuming that the 5 works the same as the 3. (eyeballs)

If you have ACC, the only thing I can think of is to put a switch in the wire for the compressor clutch.

Oh, and my mileage always drops 3-5 mpg in the winter. I think it's a combination of taking longer to warm up and the more volatile winter fuel mix.

[bulwnkl]

Mazda considers this a "feature"...

If you have ACC, the only thing I can think of is to put a switch in the wire for the compressor clutch.


Crap; I figured as much. I really hate ACC but we really like the Touring model's other features/price. Well, I guess it's bi-level for me when I'm in a fuel economy mood (when am I not?).

OT:
Goldwing, is that avatar really how a Goldwing's engine works? I thought it would be like a Subaru where the opposing pistons move in opposite directions rather than the same direction (i.e. they both reach TDC at the same time). Must not use a split-pin crank, huh?

[goldwing2000]

OT:
Goldwing, is that avatar really how a Goldwing's engine works? I thought it would be like a Subaru where the opposing pistons move in opposite directions rather than the same direction (i.e. they both reach TDC at the same time). Must not use a split-pin crank, huh?

Nope. That's a Bourke engine. There's a link in my sig.

A Goldwing's engine is basically the same as a Subies, it just has more pistons. :D
More like a Porsche. (thumb)

back on topic: the 3 has a notch between floor and bi-level that I use 99% of the time. I just close the dash vents and most of it goes to the floor, anyway.

[Magnum]

O.K. a revision after 5 weeks of ownership. Through 12 tanks of Gas my 5 (Automatic Touring) averages 27.4 MPG on the Highway keeping the speed right at or just under 70 MPH.

[Wuster]

O.K. a revision after 5 weeks of ownership. Through 12 tanks of Gas my 5 (Automatic Touring) averages 27.4 MPG on the Highway keeping the speed right at or just under 70 MPH.

Yup, 70 mph seems to be the magic number.

I used to be able to get 30 mpg on my automatic Mazda3 hatchback when I stay just under or at 70 mph. It would drop down to around 25 mpg when I ventured up towards 75 to 80 mph.

We're getting around 25 mpg on the Mazda5 with 60% city, 40% highway.

[065]

Yup, 70 mph seems to be the magic number.

I used to be able to get 30 mpg on my automatic Mazda3 hatchback when I stay just under or at 70 mph. It would drop down to around 25 mpg when I ventured up towards 75 to 80 mph.

We're getting around 25 mpg on the Mazda5 with 60% city, 40% highway.
Just like my 6i. Over 70 (3000rpm) and it drops like a rock. Kinda makes me wonder if a deeper overdrive gear would help mpg.

[goldwing2000]

Just like my 6i. Over 70 (3000rpm) and it drops like a rock. Kinda makes me wonder if a deeper overdrive gear would help mpg.

Probably not. The engine would be working harder, so any drop in RPM would be offset by an increase in engine load.

[bulwnkl]

I'd like taller gearing just the same. The higher load (larger throttle opening) will reduce pumping losses and should still result in an mpg gain. I can handle shifting down once going up the steepest part of the pass if I have to. We saw a little over 25mpg on our 80mph freeway tank; a couple points lower than when we've gone ~10mph slower.

[Charles J P]

Well, I REALLY hesitate to post this because I almost don't believe it myself. But, I have no reason to believe (at this point) that the pump shut off early or anything like that. Any way, with still less than 500 miles on the engine, I got 28.8 mpg (95% hwy) on my FIRST tank of gas. I will keep this thread updated with future tanks to see if it was a fluke.

[the_saint]

Well, I REALLY hesitate to post this because I almost don't believe it myself. But, I have no reason to believe (at this point) that the pump shut off early or anything like that. Any way, with still less than 500 miles on the engine, I got 28.8 mpg (95% hwy) on my FIRST tank of gas. I will keep this thread updated with future tanks to see if it was a fluke.
Must be beginners luck http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/mlsaint78/SMILEYS/blum.gif

How are you liking your 5 this first week?

[Charles J P]

Yeah, I have no idea how I achieved that mileage. I filled it up when the gauge was at a little lower than half. I'll try to let it get lower on the next fill-ups because errors due to pump/filling variations will be minimized as the overall amount of fuel being added increases. Coming from a much more powerful vehicle, I feel no real need to "play" with the new car because it wouldn't be as fun as what I was driving any way and fuel economy was such a huge reason for trading. We'll see how it goes going forward. I'm also happy not having to fill up my tank every other day.

[Wuster]

Well, I REALLY hesitate to post this because I almost don't believe it myself. But, I have no reason to believe (at this point) that the pump shut off early or anything like that. Any way, with still less than 500 miles on the engine, I got 28.8 mpg (95% hwy) on my FIRST tank of gas. I will keep this thread updated with future tanks to see if it was a fluke.

Dang...how fast were you driving on the highway? I'd slow down a few mph and move over to the right lane for an extra 3 mpg. :)

[Charles J P]

I already drive the speed limit or slightly under. My commute is almost all highway with very little stops. For Saint, who knows Omaha, I live out by 192nd and Q and commute to Lincoln, so I drive down 204th street, through Gretna and then hop on the interstate, take it all the way to the 9th street exit in Lincoln and only drive a couple blocks in town.

For everyone else, the first part is a suburban highway that is 55mph, which runs through a small town where it drops to 45, then 35 but there are only a 2 stop lights and often times I don't have to stop at all. The interstate is 65mph near the limits of Omaha and Lincoln and 75mph in between. I usually drive 65 in the 65 and 72.5 in the 75. Doing this means I almost never have to pass anyone and I can totally zone out (not in a dangerous way, I mean just relax). There is really no way to cut any appreciable time off the drive so I don't bother speeding. If I get over 27 consistently I'll be happy, but if over 28 is not a fluke, whoa!

[goldwing2000]

I routinely get 28-30mpg. It's no fluke.
And while I don't drive like a granny, about 75% of my miles are 75-80 mph on the freeway. (drive)

[Wuster]

Yeah, I could usually get around 28-30 on my Mazda3 hatachback automatic, but can't produce the same numbers with the Mazada5.

I'm trying figure out how to squeeze more mpg outta of the Mazda5.

[goldwing2000]

D'oh! (hand)

Forgot this was in the Mazda5 forum. (crazy)

[mazdaFIVEmike]

Anyone thought about adding pure acetone to their gas? I've been struggling to get mileage over 23mpg and I am considering giving the acetone a try for a few tanks to see if there is any improvement. Any thoughts out there?

http://peswiki.com/index.php/Directory:Acetone_Additive:FAQ

(scratch)

[bulwnkl]

Please don't fall victim to that bogus load of garbage. Placebo effect is very powerful on some (just like Jedi mind tricks, only evil).

[gino]

Averaging 495-515 miles per tank, around 34-34.6 mpg and I drive the car moderately hard.

My wife gets around 27-28 with her ES. Only differences--I have an OBTB, UDP and 4/2/1 header with no cats. She's running same Injen CAI and Magnaflow CB, otherwise no mods.

Also, 80-90% of my driving is 65-75 on freeways; she does more local stuff, probably around 75%.

[Blitzd]

Anyone thought about adding pure acetone to their gas? I've been struggling to get mileage over 23mpg and I am considering giving the acetone a try for a few tanks to see if there is any improvement. Any thoughts out there?

http://peswiki.com/index.php/Directory:Acetone_Additive:FAQ

(scratch)

There is a REALLY long thread about this. I added it in my Mazdaspeed for a month and was seeing 20 more miles per tank. I didn't change my driving habits and the weather was about the same the whole time. Car seemed to run smoother to. Didn't hurt anything.

[Blitzd]

Yeah, I could usually get around 28-30 on my Mazda3 hatachback automatic, but can't produce the same numbers with the Mazada5.

I'm trying figure out how to squeeze more mpg outta of the Mazda5.

Won't help much but, CAI, CB exhaust, index spark plugs, better spark plugs, driving 45mph with the windows down and no heat or ac lol

[Wuster]

Won't help much but, CAI, CB exhaust, index spark plugs, better spark plugs, driving 45mph with the windows down and no heat or ac lol

Man, if I drove around the DC beltway at only 45mph, I'm gonna get shot! (boom07)

[Blitzd]

Man, if I drove around the DC beltway at only 45mph, I'm gonna get shot! (boom07)

Ha me too. The cops use the speedlimits around here as guide lines.

On my way home at night

Lane1: 75-90
Lane2: 65-70
Lane3: 55-60

[Charles J P]

Well, there was obviously an "amount of fuel in tank" error or something because my second tank was in the low 20s (with a dramatic drop in temp but no change in driving habits). Based on the difference, I'd say both measurements are invalid, or at least, they should be averaged which puts me in the 25.5 range. I'll see what tank #3 does but I've had more in town driving and long warm ups due to the cold temps so...

[the_saint]

Averaging 495-515 miles per tank, around 34-34.6 mpg and I drive the car moderately hard.

My wife gets around 27-28 with her ES. Only differences--I have an OBTB, UDP and 4/2/1 header with no cats. She's running same Injen CAI and Magnaflow CB, otherwise no mods.

Also, 80-90% of my driving is 65-75 on freeways; she does more local stuff, probably around 75%.
We're talking Mazda5
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/6235/premacy3yx.jpg

[mazdaFIVEmike]

Please don't fall victim to that bogus load of garbage. Placebo effect is very powerful on some (just like Jedi mind tricks, only evil).

As far as I know the placebo effect is on something that is subjective - I agree that when people say the car runs smoother or has more power - those results may be a bit skewed because its a subjective analysis. As for getting more miles per gallon - its a measurable item that can be quantified by keeping a mileage log. However, having said all that it may still be bogus and that's why I was wanting to get some real feedback from someone that may have tried it.

[mazdaFIVEmike]

There is a REALLY long thread about this. I added it in my Mazdaspeed for a month and was seeing 20 more miles per tank. I didn't change my driving habits and the weather was about the same the whole time. Car seemed to run smoother to. Didn't hurt anything.

OK sorry to bring it up without checking the other forums... I see the discussions got quite heated and that certainly was not my intent here.

No sense in..... (deadhorse

[Blitzd]

OK sorry to bring it up without checking the other forums... I see the discussions got quite heated and that certainly was not my intent here.

No sense in..... (deadhorse

Yeah no harm no foul, just warning you. Most controversial things get heated around here lol. No way around it I guess. I used it and was ok but I always had a thought in the back of my mind saying what if.

[FrostyCarbon]

Mazda 5 GT auto, worst tank yet........18.3 US mpg, or 12.82L/100km.
Was cold(+-)-20degC out for the past week, as well as 130km/h on the highway, and using manumatic alot.
Never THAT low before.

[Charles J P]

Filled up again, so now I have:
28.8 MPG
23.5 MPG - I think this one was a filling error as when I got out there was gas running down the side of the car so I'm considering this an anomaly at this point.
27.2 MPG

[mazdaFIVEmike]

Yeah no harm no foul, just warning you. Most controversial things get heated around here lol. No way around it I guess. I used it and was ok but I always had a thought in the back of my mind saying what if.

Thanks Blitzd!

[msutton]

Regarding MPG, Just wanted to share this with ya'll :o)

Just drove back from Austria this morning, through Germany on the Autobahn to Copenhagen where I live.. 11-1/2 hour trip.

First off, there IS a speed limit on the Autobahn now (bummer) it's 130km/h. Secondly does anyone truely obey it... well sort of ;o) People are still real respectful on the road. You can get killed REAL quick if you get stupid. (btw.. yes, the top end is 205km/hr.) You still get flashed by the big Benzes and Audi's. Those cars are made to handle that speed. This car is NOT. (no flames please (blowjob) ..)

That being said, two weeks ago I bought the 145hp turbo desiel sport model here in DK. My trip computer read from Munich to Rostock 7 ltrs/100 km. Based on the translation from that to miles/gal I was looking at 33.6mpg. When I was driving a little ..ahem... slower I was getting 36.19 or 6.5ltrs/100km.

I did the calculations here: http://www.sciencemadesimple.net/fuel_economy.php

This is really a great car (first) . The TD has TONs of power. Real pulling power too. Getting over the steep grades at high altitudes in the alps was no worries! Never had to take it out of 6th gear.

[Charles J P]

Wish we had a TD option here.

[geezerz99]

I get about 19 city, and 25 freeway.

[tokstad]

2 tanks so far, 21mpg consistantly on a manual transmission.

This is 90% city driving with 87 octane oregon winter gas (10% ethanol).

I expect it to go up in the summer 2mpg or so. Meet's EPA rating :( I was hoping to significantly exceed it?

[X10James]

I'm still on my first tank, but I got more than 240 miles on the first half a tank. Does it go faster in the second half? :) this is the automatic version and I haven't really been driving so as to conserve gas, indeed I've been enjoying the zoom-zoom :) but I wont really be able to figure anything till I use a couple of tanks and keep track. But I'm looking forward to doing that.

I was really upset that there wasn't a hybrid in a model that I wanted, but I consider all these "mild" hybrids to be the wrong philosophy anyway with big gas engines and little electric ones. I want 4 HUGE electric motors at the wheels for totally adjustable 4 wheel drive and a little gas motor to charge the batts. But oh well, by the time I'm ready to trade this one in there should be a lot more choices available. But in any case I think I'm going to be very happy with this car!

[Charles J P]

OK, here's my current log.

28.8
23.x (I think this was a fluke)
27.7
27.2
29.9

[Kid Red]

Here are my absolute first 4 tanks on my automatic-
19.95 mpg with 80% highway
20.49 mpg with 50% highway
19.76 mpg with all city
19.6 mpg with all city

So for those getting 26 mpg how are you driving? I mean I drive this car like it wants to be driven, fast off the line, frequent passing, etc tho not aggressive driving. We also have AC at 72º auto all the time. So ac cranked, city driving with a little zoom-zoom nets me about 20 mpg. I was expecting a tad better.

[Charles J P]

EPA numbers are always with uber conservative driving. If you drive aggressively, you're expectation should be lower.

[cboe's_mp5]

i resntly got about 290 ish on one tank of gas i monitour it all the time and nothing but perimum gose in it

[drewpy_dawg]

Your damaging your engine, getting worse milage and wasting money by using Premium. Your car is designed to run on 87, so thats what it should get. If there was a mazdaspeed5 (we can hope..heh) with the FSI turbo, then yes, run premium because that is what the engine is designed to run...

[Charles J P]

Wasting money yes. You will not damage your engine running a higher grade unless you go to something silly like race grade fuel. The highest grade "pump grade" fuel will not damage an engine designed to run on a lower grade.

[tokstad]

I was getting 21 or so but the third tank earned us 28mpg! That was about 75% hwy. Anxious to see what the next tank gets.

[antlind]

Ok guys....I need your help to convert these figures.
I put 431km on a tank of gas and took 46litres to fill up (all city driving).
I estimate this to be 22mpg, but my math may be screwed up......
Anyone know the correct results?
Anthony

[theweev]

26.4 mpg UK/CDN
22.04 mpg US
10.7 L/100km

if it's a 5spd your numbers match Mazda Canada's claims.

[FSDET]

23mpg 06 325i 6spd

[soulnette]

After two months here my numbers...

Date l/100km m/gal.
5 février 12.7 22.7
16 février 11.0 26.1
20 février 11.7 24.6
27 février 11.4 25.4
9 mars 10.3 27.9
21 mars 11.2 25.7
30 mars 10.9 26.4
16 avril 10.5 27.4
17 avril 7.2 40.0 this one is a 250km trip at about 100km/h

(rtfm)

[prulex]

I have thus far been less than impressed with the efficiency of this small engine as I had been unable to exceed 26 mpg (even on all highway). But, yesterday I had a 400 mile trip back and forth to West Palm. I had a full tank when I left, and then I filled up after travelling 275 miles...it only took 9.3 gallons, even topped off!! I got 29.5 mpg. For this trip, I hit very little traffic and was on the Turnpike with cruise set at 70. I usually cruise at 75 or 80, but I thought I would slow it down a bit to see if I could maximize mpg...this obviously helped.

[Kid Red]

The best I've been able to get is 20 mpg all city (suburbs actually) Which is about 260 miles per fill up. So, either I too like the engine and drivability too much or something is wrong. I can't imagine how those getting 25+ mpg are driving.

[ntron1]

The best I've been able to get is 20 mpg all city (suburbs actually) Which is about 260 miles per fill up. So, either I too like the engine and drivability too much or something is wrong. I can't imagine how those getting 25+ mpg are driving.

If I Drive like my grandparents are in the back, I get 28+. If I drive it like I stole it it drops to 21 or so.

[Wuster]

For me, 70 mph seems to be the threshold. If I stay around 70 mph or below, I can get up to 29 mpg, but if I drive over 70 for an extended amount of time. I get around 25 mpg.

[hogansvt]

I just got back from a 1600 mile highway trip. My 5 has 9k miles on it and I got 32 mpg doing about 68 mph on average. That's packed with vacation stuff and 4 passengers. I was quite pleased! :)

[theweev]

7.3kL/100 km. pretty respectable. that's the same milage as my 92 jetta w/ a 1.8L. there's the value of modern engines for ya.

[ntron1]

Mileage = 29.31

Fun Factor = 0

Price of Gas = Out of Control

[Kid Red]

If I Drive like my grandparents are in the back, I get 28+. If I drive it like I stole it it drops to 21 or so.

That's what I thought. I just can't do it. The 5 just calls, I think it stole the 'my speed' from those VW Golfs or something as a voice in my head continues to say floor it.

[065]

My mileage is back up to 25-27 now that it finally warmed up here. Happy again. Almost all "city" type driving, though no real stop and go.

[Stargazer]

If I Drive like my grandparents are in the back, I get 28+. If I drive it like I stole it it drops to 21 or so.

I found it impossible to drive the Mazda5 at 70 mph. I had terrible gas mileage on my trip to Florida because this car seems to demand to be driven at 85+ mph. Terrible mileage, but a fun trip!!!

[Kid Red]

Well, the best I've been able to get was 20mpg up until my last tank. I got 21mpg on it driving about the same aggressiveness and 100% city. So it seems to still be breaking in and improving milage wise. Very encouraging.

[theweev]

mixed loop. 107k hwy 300city 46L of fuel = 8.8l/100km
26.73mpg ( US gallon)
32.1 mpg (UK/Cdn gallon )

I have 2600k on the odo

[Fly on the Wall]

I just finished a week long road trip from Salt Lake City, Utah to the Mexican border (Tijuana).
1683 total miles
56.8 total gallons
29.6 MPG (US) average for the trip.
5 spd. 2 adults, 2 kids, lugage for the week.
On the highway cruise was usually set at 80 (+/- 3) mph. AC on about 70%. Some S. California stop and go traffic balanced by some lower speed cruise control driving.
Individual tanks ranged from 25.7 to 33.7 mpg
Tires were upped to 42 psi.

My 5 has about 7000 miles on it and I have averaged 27 mpg combined city and highway. I drive easy on the pedals, but I'm not so slow as to hold up traffic or put myself to sleep. Mine is the 5, 5spd reported on the EPA web page http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm

[Charles J P]

I'm continuously getting 26-28+ mpg. My lowest tank has been 24.x and my highest has been 29.7. If I run some errands in town during the week I'll be in the 26ish range if I just drive to work I'll be in the high 28s. This is over the course of 5200 miles, checking every tank.

[Kid Red]

Charles- wow, great numbers. How would you describe your driving habits? Aggressive, non-aggressive, rarely speed off from lights, never passing anyone, etc? I just can't fathom those numbers even when I drive more conservative (for me) without A/C I can get 22 mpg.

[MD5]

Tank before last: 28.8 mpg
Last tank: 26.5

I've only got 1076 miles on it so far.

Matt

[Kid Red]

Ok, so, I went from 19 mpg on 3 tanks, then my last one was 21 then 22 mpg and I just got 23 on my last tank and I will probably better that on my current tank. SO, every tank my numbers are improving and I'm driving the same. I guess the car just needs to really break in before the numbers start to get up there?

My tank history is like-

1st- 19mpg
2nd- 19mpg
3rd 20mpg
4th 20mpg
5th 21mpg
6th 23mpg

and currently I'm on pace to get better then 23mpg. Go figure. I have 3500K or so on the car.

[mazdaFIVEmike]

mixed loop. 107k hwy 300city 46L of fuel = 8.8l/100km
26.73mpg ( US gallon)
32.1 mpg (UK/Cdn gallon )

I have 2600k on the odo


Sorry TheWeev but I think you have figured out Km per L and not L/100km. Maybe it's just me having a brain fart but....

If you travelled 407Km and used 46L its 11.3L/100Km
or
253miles using 12.15 USgal. its 20.8mpg

For L/100Km you have to divide total Km travelled by 100 which equals 'x', then divide total Litres used by 'x' which will equal L/100Km

And please... someone correct me if I'm wrong, because otherwise I've been figuring this out wrong for years.

[jmcglynn]

I know EPA numbers are always a little off, but after only a couple weeks of ownership I'm a little disappointed:
1st tank = 22.3 MPG
2nd tank = 20.7 MPG
5 speed manual.
This was probably 60% city/40% hwy driving. Of course, I could afford to lay off the "zoom-zoom" a bit. I'll continue to track this, but I'm interested to see what other folks are getting.

[theweev]

Sorry TheWeev but I think you have figured out Km per L and not L/100km. Maybe it's just me having a brain fart but....

If you travelled 407Km and used 46L its 11.3L/100Km
or
253miles using 12.15 USgal. its 20.8mpg

For L/100Km you have to divide total Km travelled by 100 which equals 'x', then divide total Litres used by 'x' which will equal L/100Km

And please... someone correct me if I'm wrong, because otherwise I've been figuring this out wrong for years.

fear not you are correct. math an I have never gotten along.up to and including my days @ UVIC. your calculations are correct which dismays the hell out of me. Those are some seriously shitty numbers. I generally don't hammer on the pedal and I drive a stick so I would think that my numbers should be much better. most dismaying, seeing I'm substantially above the fuel economy #'s posted by Transport Canada.

[mazdaFIVEmike]

fear not you are correct. math an I have never gotten along.up to and including my days @ UVIC. your calculations are correct which dismays the hell out of me. Those are some seriously shitty numbers. I generally don't hammer on the pedal and I drive a stick so I would think that my numbers should be much better. most dismaying, seeing I'm substantially above the fuel economy #'s posted by Transport Canada.


I'm equally dismayed. You and I have the same vehicle and seem to drive the same - ie mostly city with some highway.

My mileage has improved of late but not to anywhere near others are reporting. Perhaps its the climate - I dunno, but I have been using Chevron 87 gas for the last few months and this is where I have noticed a meagher 2mpg improvement. I'm not complaining but it only means I get 21-23mpg regularly. Not anywhere near the 25mpg combined that Mazda says you can get. I don't know how the others are doing it - but good for them... I guess.

[Fly on the Wall]

I don't know how the others are doing it - but good for them... I guess.

I've averaged around 27 mpg (US - see above post)... I'm curious, is your vehicle loaded much of the time? (Most of the time I have me and one of my kids = ~170lbs total)
Have you checked your tire pressure? I was running mine about 38 psi. After the oil change the dealer had it up to 42 psi and I left it (though I should let some air out...)

[theweev]

I've averaged around 27 mpg (US - see above post)... I'm curious, is your vehicle loaded much of the time? (Most of the time I have me and one of my kids = ~170lbs total)
Have you checked your tire pressure? I was running mine about 38 psi. After the oil change the dealer had it up to 42 psi and I left it (though I should let some air out...)

usually it's the wife, myself and the pooch. combined weight of 400lbs. I haven't touched a thing on it since I drove it off the lot. I'm due for the 1st oil change next week so I'll ask the dealer if there's anything to the #'s I've been getting.

[mazdaFIVEmike]

I've averaged around 27 mpg (US - see above post)... I'm curious, is your vehicle loaded much of the time? (Most of the time I have me and one of my kids = ~170lbs total)
Have you checked your tire pressure? I was running mine about 38 psi. After the oil change the dealer had it up to 42 psi and I left it (though I should let some air out...)

Usually just 1 adult and 2 little ones and on occasion all of us but the combined weight is just over 400lbs at most. I've got the tire pressure set at 40 - the dealer keeps lowering it to 34 everytime I go in but the tire max is 44 so I figure 40 is fine. My dealer has no explanation except that what Mazda suggests is only a guide and can be achieved in perfect conditions. I call BS on that... but they have checked everything for me twice and assure me the car is running on spec. I'm not an aggressive driver and my wife is even more cautious then me so... I can only blame it on the gas and the climate.

[Kid Red]

Is it city or highway driving? In the city, I get 21 mpg tops, on the highway it shoots up to 25 mpg +.

Tire pressure on the stock Toyos is 34psi, not 40psi and the dealer keeps them at 32 psi which is what mine are currently.

[mazdaFIVEmike]

Is it city or highway driving? In the city, I get 21 mpg tops, on the highway it shoots up to 25 mpg +.

Tire pressure on the stock Toyos is 34psi, not 40psi and the dealer keeps them at 32 psi which is what mine are currently.


I'm sure my stock tires have Max Pressure 44 written right on the tire.

Attached is my mileage log for 2006 so far - average is at the bottom.

[canadianexpress]

Usually just 1 adult and 2 little ones and on occasion all of us but the combined weight is just over 400lbs at most. I've got the tire pressure set at 40 - the dealer keeps lowering it to 34 everytime I go in but the tire max is 44 so I figure 40 is fine. My dealer has no explanation except that what Mazda suggests is only a guide and can be achieved in perfect conditions. I call BS on that... but they have checked everything for me twice and assure me the car is running on spec. I'm not an aggressive driver and my wife is even more cautious then me so... I can only blame it on the gas and the climate.

40psi might be a bit much. The ride will be harsher and keep an eye on the treads, having to much or too little might cause premature wear.

[Kid Red]

I'm sure my stock tires have Max Pressure 44 written right on the tire.

Attached is my mileage log for 2006 so far - average is at the bottom.


Check that to be sure. I've never had a tire hold more then 34psi. THese are low profiles, not even sure a low profile could hold that much air.

[mazdaFIVEmike]

Thanks for the warnings guys but the tires say Max Pressure 44 PSI - same as the tires I had on my Jetta and the tire shop I bought them from said to keep it at 40. But just to play it safe I'll lower it to 38. I'd rather have a slightly bumpier ride then to have to put gas in the beast at every corner just for the sake of a soft cushy ride.

[Kid Red]

Hmm, Canada must have different tires and PSI ratings. Maybe it's the conversion-every other number is converter to a higher sum in Canada. Because here in the states, it's usually 32 psi. But, if your side-wall of the tire says 40psi, then 38psi is where'd I be. I think people drop 2psi off the max for a nice round number.

[Fly on the Wall]

Anyone want to guess how much the weight of passengers + cargo effects mileage?

The 5-door Mazda 3 has a curb weight of 2808 lbs and EPA est. of 26/32 mpg.

The Mazda 5 has a curb weight of 3333 lbs and EPA est. of 22/27 mpg.

Both are listed as having the same gearing (5spd stick) and tire size. The 3 is shorter and thus more aerodynamic. How much of the 4/5 mpg difference is aerodynamics vs. the 525 lb weight difference? Could a ~230 lb load difference between me and mine and you and yours account for 2/3mpg? Any thoughts? (Yeah I’m almost freakishly skinny, think marathon runner, and my kids are young and skinny.)

Another question, does EPA give the 5 more weight during testing because it has one more seat? Could that enhance the EPA mileage difference between the 3 and 5?

Also, the max tire pressure on the sidewall is not the same as recommended pressure for a given car. I believe the max on the tires is 44psi but the recommended on the 5 is 32psi (or 34?). I think the heaver the vehicle, the higher the recommended pressure up to the tire's max. Higher pressure means less rolling resistance and better mileage, but rougher ride and possible other adverse handling impacts. Also, too high or low of pressure can result in un-even tire wear.

[theweev]

230lbs?!!! hell I weigh 230lbs. (omg) ;)

[ColoradoXtreme]

284mi / 13.52gal = 21mpg

All city driving. Haven't had a chance to take it on any road trips yet. It is mostly the wife's grocery getter and weekend vehicle to haul the family around together in one car.

[dug06824]

29mpg! (wow)

take that honda odyssey!! lol
are you saying you can get 29mpg in your rx8??????????????????????????????????????????????? ??

[hayala]

between 25 to 27 mpg commuting daily from Chicago to burbs. RT about 65 miles.

[mazdaFIVEmike]

Can someone please help me to understand.

For our last fill up, my wife mistakenly put 94 octane (its a long story) gas in the car. She proceeded to do mostly highway driving for 400km (250miles). She filled up again but not because of an empty tank and the mileage we got was nearly 29mpg.

Holy crap!

Not because 29mpg is high - its just high for us who are averaging about 21-22mpg with a previous high of 26mpg.

Now here is where I am confused - the car does not need 94 octane nor do I care to pay for 94 octane but in other posts people talk that putting a higher octane gas in a vehicle that does not require it - is simply a waste of money. Now why would I get such an increase with just a single tank? If 94 octane would give me on average consistent 24-26mpg I might consider it, however, what is the downside to using such a high octane rating on an engine that should run perfectly on 87.

Any thoughts? (dunno)

[Charles J P]

Higher octane gas WILL yield higher fuel economy in many instances (not all) ESPECIALLY if its 94 regular vs. 89 ethanol. Ethanol is less efficient at creating power for some reason. My father in law is a mechanic and has explained it to me but I don't really understand it. I've gotten 29 on 89 ethanol so if I ever wanted to cross 30 just for the sake of saying I did, I bet I could by putting premium in.

[Fly on the Wall]

So is the regular you were using an ethanol blend? If not, I don't understand how the higher octane would boost mpg?

[jandree22]

So long as you're giving your money away for no reason, send some my way... I'll give you my address.

Not only does higher than recommended octane fuel do nothing for fuel economy or performance, it also can shorten the life of your catalytic converter. Even if there's a miniscule benefit to gas mileage, what's the point when you're dishin out at least $.20 more a gallon? That's like throwing $3 bucks away everytime you fill up. A 9.7:1 compression ratio on a N/A engine has absolutely no need for anything above 87.

Also, not sure if you're talking about E85 ethanol, but that gets slightly worse fuel mileage than gasoline.

[mazdaFIVEmike]

I was curious as to the long term effects of using too high of an octane rating.

It just seemed odd that it was a significant jump in mileage for us. We've struggled to get 24mpg on 100% highway driving and for it to jump to 29mpg with 1 tank of 94 octane - on a car not needing 94 octane - seemed significant.

The 87 gas we use does not have ethanol in it.

And for the record - I'm not independently wealthy so I like to hold on to my cash. Hell - we used to put 89 octane in and I was happy to learn that the car only needed 87!! Whaaahooo - an extra $1.50 in my pocket!!!

[boytoys]

What would be the difference in gas mileage b/t the 5 Speed Manual and the 4 Speed Auto. Does anyone have any guesstimates or even real world numbers ?

I sold my Element and I am now shopping for a V.

[antlind]

I recently completed a camping trip with the '5-er'.
Fully loaded, 4 bikes strung off the rear bike rack, overhead storage box, wife, 3 kids and lots of crap stuffed in the back.
Total distance = 498km (all highway, some of it uphill)
Avg Speed = 120km (lots of downshifts to keep up with my buddy in his P5)
Total fuel to fill up afterwards= 41liters
I estimate this to be about 28mpg or thereabouts. Not bad considering the load and type of driving.
What do you guys think?
Anthony

[mazdaFIVEmike]

I recently completed a camping trip with the '5-er'.
Fully loaded, 4 bikes strung off the rear bike rack, overhead storage box, wife, 3 kids and lots of crap stuffed in the back.
Total distance = 498km (all highway, some of it uphill)
Avg Speed = 120km (lots of downshifts to keep up with my buddy in his P5)
Total fuel to fill up afterwards= 41liters
I estimate this to be about 28mpg or thereabouts. Not bad considering the load and type of driving.
What do you guys think?
Anthony


That's damn good mileage with all the 'crap' you had (sounds like our family camping trips - everything including the kitchen sink!!)

We just managed to get 28mpg on a trip that did not have the car loaded up.

I take it your camping took you west?

[antlind]

Actually the wife wanted to take the kitchen sink but I had to put my foot down :)

We went north of Calgary to Sylvan Lake in Red Deer....Mid-way between Calgary and Edmonton. Great place, not too far from home.

Anthony

[mazdaFIVEmike]

Actually the wife wanted to take the kitchen sink but I had to put my foot down :)

We went north of Calgary to Sylvan Lake in Red Deer....Mid-way between Calgary and Edmonton. Great place, not too far from home.

Anthony

Nice - we stayed there once... I think... it was 15 years ago so its a bit foggy in my old brain!!(braindead

[pasadena_commut]

Given the topic of this thread some of you may find parts of this relevant:

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123636065

[Medicman]

Here are my numbers - 2006 Mazda5 Auto - Imperial gallon ( Canada )
31 MPG
31 MPG
29 MPG
32 MPG
Going to try getting the K+N filter and see if it changes.

[mazdaFIVEmike]

Here are my numbers - 2006 Mazda5 Auto - Imperial gallon ( Canada )
31 MPG
31 MPG
29 MPG
32 MPG
Going to try getting the K+N filter and see if it changes.


Is that mostly Hwy 401 driving?

[meackerman]

mixed driving (60 city/40 highway) we're getting about 23mpg, dunno about my other half, but I tend to launch pretty quickly off the line at stoplights and such, its a fun car to drive.

I tested highway mpg yesterday -- 68 mile round trip, 64 of which were on the highway at 70mph and I got 30.8 mpg with the air running most the way back. with 4 speed auto.

[mazdaFIVEmike]

mixed driving (60 city/40 highway) we're getting about 23mpg, dunno about my other half, but I tend to launch pretty quickly off the line at stoplights and such, its a fun car to drive.

I tested highway mpg yesterday -- 68 mile round trip, 64 of which were on the highway at 70mph and I got 30.8 mpg with the air running most the way back. with 4 speed auto.

A 68 mile road trip is not nearly enough to get a good reading on what your mileage was. Too many other factors in play to give you an accurate number.

Make it a 1000 mile trip of all highway and maybe then you'll have a better idea of what you're really getting.

[meackerman]

Yep thats true. But I was interested in what the freeway mileage was, and it was easy to find out with this trip. Since I don't usually drive the car, and its usually driven around town, shuttle service for the kids, it's hard to find out what the freeway mileage is.

We'll be taking a trip up through Oregon later in the summer, which will be mostly freeway miles, so I'll have a better idea then.

[bbchili]

Here are my numbers - 2006 Mazda5 Auto - Imperial gallon ( Canada )
31 MPG
31 MPG
29 MPG
32 MPG
Going to try getting the K+N filter and see if it changes.
Is this a K&N replacement filter or a new cold air intake? I looked on the K&N website, and they did not list a stock replacement filter available.

[mazdaFIVEmike]

Ok - all you folks out there getting 300+ miles out of a single tank - something I cannot seem to do - am I having a problem here? Should I be pressuring my service department to look a little deeper?

I can't seem to shake the 19-20mpg range. Every now and then I get a glimpse of the good mileage but then right back down.

My wife and I are not aggressive drivers but we also don't drive like grandparents either. We do mostly city driving with some highway mixed in - generally I'd say 70/30 split between city/highway

I'm on tank #30 and the average is 21.7mpg.

My best tank was all highway at 28.5mpg and my lowest was a SUVish 16.4mpg

I'm at a loss... any thoughts?

[Wuster]

We just came back from a trip from Pittsburgh. The 5 (auto) was loaded with two adults, two kids, a stroller, suitcases (who knew a 3 yr old and 3 month old would need to bring so much clothes), and a pack n play.

We filled up the tank 3 times and got:

tank#1 26mpg - mostly highway driving on the PA turnpike trying to keep it at 70-75 mph

tank#2 27.8mpg - driving in and around pittsburgh. Still mostly highways

tank#3 22mpg - coming back to DC on I-68 climbing mountains and running around 80 mph

[Wuster]

Ok - all you folks out there getting 300+ miles out of a single tank - something I cannot seem to do - am I having a problem here? Should I be pressuring my service department to look a little deeper?

I can't seem to shake the 19-20mpg range. Every now and then I get a glimpse of the good mileage but then right back down.

My wife and I are not aggressive drivers but we also don't drive like grandparents either. We do mostly city driving with some highway mixed in - generally I'd say 70/30 split between city/highway

I'm on tank #30 and the average is 21.7mpg.

My best tank was all highway at 28.5mpg and my lowest was a SUVish 16.4mpg

I'm at a loss... any thoughts?

How fast are you driving on the highways? I've found that right around 70mph seems to be the magic number for me. When I go above that, the mileage per gallon drops a lot. But if I stay right at 70mph or a little below it, I can squeeze almost 28mpg.

My wife who does a lot of stop and go driving around town is getting around 21mpg on each fill up.

The other possibility is the type of gas you use. We buy gas from Costco, and recently they started adding ethanol to the gas (~10%). I'm starting to see a slight drop in mpg.

My 2 cents...

[prulex]

I average between 320-340 miles per tank before the light comes on in mostly mixed city/hwy driving. More often than not when I calculate mpg it is right around 26. If I had to come up with an overall average, it would be 26. I've done better (29) on all highway and worse (22) on mostly city/hwy traffic.

[mazdaFIVEmike]

How fast are you driving on the highways? I've found that right around 70mph seems to be the magic number for me. When I go above that, the mileage per gallon drops a lot. But if I stay right at 70mph or a little below it, I can squeeze almost 28mpg.


Maybe its just the nature of the beast in the city I live in. Our "highway" driving is not really "freeway" driving. In Victoria, British Columbia - a city on the southern tip of Vancouver Island - the highway has a max speed of 90kph or 56mph - setting the cruise at 70mph is not really possible. There are too many traffic signals and heavy traffic to really get going for a sustained period of time.

Having said all that - I'm still not getting the mileage Mazda says for city driving.

[exman]

Please post your real-world mileage numbers for your Mazda5, as well as your transmission type, in this thread. Thanks!


well my first tank now 500 mi on the ticker on a sport AT 301 miles filled up 12.98 gal of course I got the sportshift bumped and ran up against a rev limiter. I was shocked it didn't automatically upshift. 23mpg :(

[allday31]

2006 mazda5 - 5 speed. I Avg. around 350 miles on a tank of Premium Gas. I found I get better M.P.G. with the high grade fuel. The 350 miles is 20% Highway/ 80% City. zoom zoom

[Medicman]

Is that mostly Hwy 401 driving?

Yes actually, back and forth to work everday....speeds appx 120 km/h.

[Medicman]

Is this a K&N replacement filter or a new cold air intake? I looked on the K&N website, and they did not list a stock replacement filter available.

I was thinking it may be the same size as a M3.

[was98strat]

Maybe its just the nature of the beast in the city I live in. Our "highway" driving is not really "freeway" driving. In Victoria, British Columbia - a city on the southern tip of Vancouver Island - the highway has a max speed of 90kph or 56mph - setting the cruise at 70mph is not really possible. There are too many traffic signals and heavy traffic to really get going for a sustained period of time.

Having said all that - I'm still not getting the mileage Mazda says for city driving.


I'm getting slightly better than spec. Just filled up with 47.24 litres for 485kms for an avg of 9.75 l per 100km. about 75% city (Toronto city!! never get about 70 with all the traffic!)

[Kid Red]

Ok - all you folks out there getting 300+ miles out of a single tank - something I cannot seem to do - am I having a problem here? Should I be pressuring my service department to look a little deeper?

I can't seem to shake the 19-20mpg range. Every now and then I get a glimpse of the good mileage but then right back down.

My wife and I are not aggressive drivers but we also don't drive like grandparents either. We do mostly city driving with some highway mixed in - generally I'd say 70/30 split between city/highway

I'm on tank #30 and the average is 21.7mpg.

My best tank was all highway at 28.5mpg and my lowest was a SUVish 16.4mpg

I'm at a loss... any thoughts?

You are like me and we are like the ratings, 21 city, 28 HWY. I can't get more then 270 miles a tank in the city, no matter how slow I try to go. However, I popped on the HWY for a 2 hour drive and got 27 mpg! So, everything is how it should be.

[Phantom_5]

about 27MPG around town.
almost never get on the highway.
Manual.

[mazdaFIVEmike]

about 27MPG around town.
almost never get on the highway.
Manual.

So you are getting about 340miles out of a tank driving competely around town?

Count yourself as one of the lucky ones then.

[ntron1]

Here is a picture from my way to work yesterday. 396 miles now and I'll refill today. FYI it's an Auto....

[smaria]

Just came back from a road trip from New Jersey to Ohio in my Sport Automatic. Completely highway the whole time, filled up in NJ before we left and filled up again in Ohio when we got there:

369 miles
12.699 gallons
29.1 MPG!

My absolute lowest tank after 10,000 miles is 21.6 MPG. My average is about 25 MPG.

[ntron1]

Here is a picture from my way to work yesterday. 396 miles now and I'll refill today. FYI it's an Auto....


31.1 MPG

405 Miles
13.01 Gallons

My previous tank was 29.1

I do drive like there is an egg under the gas pedal so the fun factor is -1 but with the price of gas I've chosen my wallet over my racing pulse.

[Medicman]

Well the last tank I got 579 km's/360 miles and fueled for 47.188 litres/10.3 gallons.
My math I have it figured to 36 MPG ( Imperial )

[MP5Alive]

first fill up on brand new Mazda5
traveled 425km from full tank to 1/4 tank. Filled tank again with 40 litres of gas.

(40litres/425km) = 9.4 litres / 100km = 25MPG
95%/5% city/hwy with A/C on 90% of the time.

[was98strat]

first fill up on brand new Mazda5
traveled 425km from full tank to 1/4 tank. Filled tank again with 40 litres of gas.

(40litres/425km) = 9.4 litres / 100km = 25MPG
95%/5% city/hwy with A/C on 90% of the time.


That's close to what I'm getting, 9.6l / 100km With a 65/35 split. and I have a "spirited" driving style. I did the math, based on Mazda's city/highway ratings, I should be using 9.7 so I'm slightly ahead of the curve, even with my driving style (Hint: I have a french canadian right foot!)

[mazdaFIVEmike]

Well, call me a slow learner, but after a just about a year of ownership I have figured out that this car is a highway car. We just did a weekend trip that saw us get 8.29L/100km (28.4mpg) out of the first tank which included over 1 hour of waiting in line at the US/Canada border. The second tank saw us get 7.73L/100km (30.4mpg) and that included the up and back to all the lookouts at Mt St Helen's plus varying highway speeds of 100km/h - 135km/h (65-85mph) with the A/C on the whole time.

Sure beats the 18-20mpg I get around town.

I guess I just have to do more road trips!!!(cool)

[Kojack]

I will clock up some good numbers on this forum as soon as I get my 5. on my ford truck, last month alone I put 11,000 kms on. needless to say, I live in my vehicles........

my truck just turned 1 year old, and its up to 50k.......

[paging_drburgos]

wow, driving on packed so cal freeways isnt doing my MPG's any justice. With the AC and a heavy lead for for passing, im only getting 21MPG. Seeing as this kind of mix isnt suggested (AC and LEAD FOOT) i think all in all its doing pretty good. Much better than my old Montero Sport anyways. Im gonna try to slow down and use the AC a bit less and see what numbers i come up with.
WOW has anyone else noticed that this car loves doing 80MPH?!?!?!

[HomeExchanger]

6 Speed diesel is availible in europe....

Its gets
38/49

With todays prices that kind of pisses me off its not availible here.....

http://www.mazda.co.uk/

UK gallons are US 5 quarts, not 4 quarts as they are here, so actual milage figure for above using US gallons is 32/40 -- still pretty good.

Why are US gallons smaller? Because the British ripped us off when shipping liquid goods to the colonies in the 1700's.

For proof of this info, see here: http://www.gwydir.demon.co.uk/jo/units/volume.htm

[HomeExchanger]

I've had my Mazda5 w/automatic transmission since Feb 06. I love it. The automatic climate control works so well. It's great to be able to tote 6 people but still fit into a tight parking spot. Can't live without the sliding doors. Great visibility, looks great, huge cargo capacity. I love it!

Milage: I always zero out my trip meter when I fill up. Old habit from owning a motorcycle. Makes it easy to accurately calculate milage.

Driving with two or three people in the car, mostly highways, 65mph, no a/c or low a/c I routinely get 35 mpg. I am not an aggressive driver, however.

Lowest tank ever was 22 mpg, mostly stop and go city traffic, 6 people in the car. In mixed driving it's always 25-30 mpg. The car seems to use a lot of gas when sitting in traffic. The milage just plummets. It's more pronounced than when using the a/c. I think the automatic climate control really helps.

[WhiteStar III]

1) 210 mi on 6.7 gal = 31.34mi/gal
2) 438.3 mi on 13.841 gal = 31.667mi/gal
3) 239.9 mi on 8.761 gal = 28.187mi/gal *
4) 442.6 mi on 15.198 gal = 29.122mi/gal **

Normal travel is commute to work 152mi/day with 100% highway & rural roads

* Got flat (sidewall gash) from a pothole and was restricted to a more "city" driving pattern.
** 1hr worth of stop & go traffic on interstate

[PolarBear]

This tank was 100% city driving with a lot of short trips
18.3 mpg or 12.8 L/100 km
And I'm happy about mileage. The reason is that my Protege 2.0L with auto in exact the same driving pattern returns me on average 19.8 mpg or 11.9 L/100

[tokenboy]

I've got 3 tanks under my belt now, all city driving, AC typically on as follows:

2006 5 GT MTX

Tank 1: 437km 46.7 litres = 10.7l/100km
Tank 2: 469km 47.1 litres = 10.0l/100km
Tank 3: 471km 49.8 litres = 10.6l/100km

[Magnum]

O.k. After 10 months of ownership and over 25K miles I can honestly say that my 5 gets 27-28 MPG on the hwy w/o the AC on and 25-26 with. These numbers are with reformulated gas. Back in August my girlfriend and I went on a roadtrip through Tennessee, Arkansas and this included high altitude stuff in the Smokies we drove 2400 miles and the car averaged 30.14 MPG!!!!!! Absolutely thrilled. Kept the cruise at about 65-67 MPH to keep the Revs under 3K. I was getting 370-375 miles per tank in most cases.

[paging_drburgos]

i need to move away from all of this traffic. i am averaging 20 - 21MPG. I got 25 MPG with a packed car with the AC on a few months ago during a road trip up north. Not bad but could be better. Now that i know that MPG sucks in the city (20 isnt great...and it certainly isnt even good) i wish i had a few extra horses under the hood.

[jlk_250]

We just did a 1400 mile road trip with our 5sp '06 Mz5. Freeway speed was fairly high (75 mph) and there always seemed to be a strong wind. Average MPG for the trip was about 25.5. Around town (mom's taxi service) it has gotten about 24 mpg average. (This is with 10% ethanol fuel. ) Not bad, but I was hoping for better highway mileage. I'm sure it will be better at lower highway speeds and it might improve as the car breaks in.

Jon

[2cam16]

Just got back from the 5's second roadtrip and the MPG was a big improvement over the roadtrip when it was only a month old.
Took it up to Lake Tahoe (8000 ft) and it performed flawlessly.With a lot of climbing the 5 averaged 26mpg going. On the return trip with a/c on the second half (and some spirited driving much to my wife's chagrin), it got 29 mpg.
Very happy with the mileage. My Odyssey never got that high on a similar roadtrip.

[danix]

First two tanks on our new 06 (manual)... 25 and 25.3mpg. I imagine it will get better with breakin.

[raspykart]

Anybody have before/after results on one with a KN filter, preferrably on one with 10,000 miles or more. I've always gained big with them. My wife's Saturn V6 sedan gained 3 mpg across the board, my Tundra gained 2 mpg. I suspect the MZ5 would see 2-3mpg at least.

[jandree22]

Just got my first accurate reading since my overflowing gas tank is at least behaving with the temporary fix the dealership put on.

26.5 w/mostly city driving :D

[irloyal]

Milage has improved around 20 % since I first purchased the car. I was getting around 22 for the first 1000 miles, I now get 26 mpg regularly with a mix of city/hwy with 3600 on the ticker.

[markii]

First tank, 380/13.8 = 27.5. 5spd, mix of highway/stop and go driving.

[mazdadude]

I just compiled the overall MPG for our Mazda5 Touring Automatic.

After 12 months and 17k miles of peppy driving, 75%city / 25%freeway, the overall MPG to this date is 23.98, with a high of 30.3 mpg, and a low of 20.4 mpg.

Enjoy!

[WhiteStar III]

Well, have 7,566mi logged (mostly hwy/rural), used 263.627 U.S. gal for an average of 28.69774 mi/gal.

Best: 290.8mi - 9.096 gal - 31.97mi/gal
Worst: 130.7mi - 6.078 gal - 21.5mi/gal

FYI: Fuel tank capacity is less than the 16 gal noted on specs. It's about 15.3 gal after 1st fuel pump shut off; 15.8 gal if your determined, and a max of 16.525 gal if your willing to risk some fuel spillage (got lucky - none spilled).

[jandree22]

Well, have 7,566mi logged (mostly hwy/rural), used 263.627 U.S. gal for an average of 28.69774 mi/gal.

Best: 290.8mi - 9.096 gal - 31.97mi/gal
Worst: 130.7mi - 6.078 gal - 21.5mi/gal

FYI: Fuel tank capacity is less than the 16 gal noted on specs. It's about 15.3 gal after 1st fuel pump shut off; 15.8 gal if your determined, and a max of 16.525 gal if your willing to risk some fuel spillage (got lucky - none spilled).
You're saying the tank was bone dry when you filled up? If not, then there's usually 1-3 gallons left on a normal basis when the light comes on.

[WhiteStar III]

You're saying the tank was bone dry when you filled up? If not, then there's usually 1-3 gallons left on a normal basis when the light comes on.
451mi and ran out of gas about 2mi from my regular gas station. Luckily I keep a 1.25 U.S. gal tank in the trunk (it was filled with ~1.4gal).

I would estimate that on average I was only getting ~15.5 gal in the tank as I was expecting a ~470mi range based on a 16 gal tank as per Mazda specs.

P.S. Low fuel warning light went on at around 380 mi mark.

[mazdaFIVEmike]

I continue to be less than impressed with my gas mileage in my 5. (Canadian GT with MT)

2006 numbers are as follows:

19777 km (12289 miles)
Average of 45 tankfulls of fuel - 10.81 L/100km (22.16 mpg)
Best guess - 80% city 20% highway
Best tank - 7.73 L/100km (30.44mpg) - all highway in July
Worst tank - 14.18 L/100km (16.58mpg) - all city in January

I'm not sure how all of you folks are averaging 25-27mpg. My dealership continues to say there is nothing wrong with my car - everything is within spec.

I use Chevron 87 octane whenever possible - 38 of 45 tanks. I keep the tires at 38psi all around. And we don't drive it hard. Not easy like grandma but certainly not aggressive (like I'd like to drive it!! lol)

Just my 2 bits....

[ladygrey]

Mike, I haven't kept records quite as extensively as you, but I also continue to be disappointed with the gas mileage in my 5. I average probably 21mpg (I do the math every fill up, I just don't write it down. It is always between 19 and 22 usually 20 or 21). That is mostly city driving, but it isn't stop and go traffic city driving. It's 45-60 mph back roads with maybe 2 stop lights. Even on road trips with total highway driving I guess we drive too fast to get great mileage. We average probably 25/26 mpg on road trips.

[PolarBear]

2006 Mazda 5 GT MTX

100% city driving a lot of short trips stop and go traffic.
Rarely can shift to 4th

On average 12.3 L/100 (19.1 mpg).
In January 13.6 L/100 (17.3 mpg)

I'm Ok with the mileage. My Protege 2.0L auto is giving me very similar results but being not so heavy and less powerful.

[doctorz]

We really do get 25-30 mpg easy. Highest tank 34 mpg, lowest around 21. The 5 isn't my daily driver, but we do zero out the trip odometer every time we fill up, so I get a good idea of the mileage. My wife is most definitely not a leadfoot, which probably helps, and I admit that I'm always interested in getting the most mileage. But I tend to drive 70-75 mph on highways and I hardly consider myself a rolling roadblock. For comparison, we were getting 16-18 mpg city, 23-25 mpg highway with our MPV.

Part of me wonders if having a Sport with no options (except a cassette player), no side skirts or spoiler, etc., helps. I'm sure our 5 is significantly lighter than an automatic Touring, for example, although more often than not our 5 is carrying multiple passengers.

[mazdaFIVEmike]

Mike, I haven't kept records quite as extensively as you, but I also continue to be disappointed with the gas mileage in my 5. I average probably 21mpg (I do the math every fill up, I just don't write it down. It is always between 19 and 22 usually 20 or 21). That is mostly city driving, but it isn't stop and go traffic city driving. It's 45-60 mph back roads with maybe 2 stop lights. Even on road trips with total highway driving I guess we drive too fast to get great mileage. We average probably 25/26 mpg on road trips.

Well its good to know I'm not the only one.... Well - not good - actually. I let you know if I ever find some miracle juice....

[ladygrey]

The worst tank I ever had was when I had to put higher grade fuel in because the station was out of the regular due to the blizzard. I got like 17mpg that tank.

Mine is a MT btw... just in case there was a it's an auto because she's a chick assumption going on.

[mazdaFIVEmike]

Mine is a MT btw... just in case there was a it's an auto because she's a chick assumption going on.

Never even crossed my mind... my wife also prefers a MT... just makes the car more fun to drive!

btw.... my last tank 16.7mpg - this is getting out of hand. The one before was 19.3. I'd just like to be close to the Mazda numbers.... Maybe in my next life.

[PolarBear]

To mazdaFIVEmike & ladyGrey:

I have Consumer Reports magazine that lists real-world mileage for Mazda 5 touring auto

16 mpg - city
23 mpg - mixed 50/50
30 mpg - hwy

So I don't think something wrong with our cars. It's just type of driving we do.
I'm sure if you do 100% hwy with cruise you get over 30 mpg easily.

[mazdaFIVEmike]

To mazdaFIVEmike & ladyGrey:

I have Consumer Reports magazine that lists real-world mileage for Mazda 5 touring auto

16 mpg - city
23 mpg - mixed 50/50
30 mpg - hwy

So I don't think something wrong with our cars. It's just type of driving we do.
I'm sure if you do 100% hwy with cruise you get over 30 mpg easily.


I guess then that the Mazda numbers are in dreamworld. Thanks for giving us the true goods from Consumer Reports - I always forget to check there.

[doctorz]

I remember Car and Driver a couple of years ago tested a Prius, Echo, Civic Hybrid, and Jetta diesel to see what kind of mileage they could wring out. While they managed to get 35-40 mpg on average, all four vehicles got about 16 mpg on the racetrack.

Admittedly extreme driving conditions, but given that even those high-mileage specials will guzzle gas when pushed, I think it's entirely possible to average 20 mpg or below with the 5, as CR pointed out. I've always found CR's city number way low, but it probably represents the lower extreme. I don't know your driving styles, but throw in cold weather to the mix and watch the mileage drop. For us, the 5 still offers 25% better mileage than the MPV, regardless of driving.

[ChadSpeed]

1st tank 23.5 MPG

2nd tank 31.5 MPG, on 93 octane.

[Wuster]

So check this out.

According to Edmunds, the EPA has revised the MPG testing procedures and revised the fuel economy ratings for vehicles. http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=119734

The Mazda5 auto is now rated at 19 city and 24 hwy and the manual is rated at 20 city and 25 hwy. A drop of 2mpg from the previous ratings.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calculatorCompareSideBySide.jsp?column=1&id=22141

[zoomzoom mazda5]

Thats about what i'm getting now.(iagree)

[doctorz]

From what I've read, the EPA hasn't changed its testing procedures. The EPA is just revising the published numbers by taking their test numbers and reducing them to reflect "higher speeds" and "increased A/C use". This isn't the first time they've done this, though: the EPA did the same thing in 1984, and now they're doing it again, probably because the 1984 reductions didn't go far enough, or we're just all a bunch of leadfoots. It's worth noting that CAFE numbers are calculated off the EPA test numbers, not the published numbers.

I still think it's all driving style in given conditions. After all, C/D managed to get 16 mpg out of a Prius.

[irloyal]

Car is now @ 7K miles and I'm getting 27MPG on the highway @ 70 MPH.

Mixed Freeway/stop-n-go daily 70 mile commute gives about 24.5 MPG

Not as good as expected, especially since I have the Five speed manual. This car could really use a 6th gear in the tranny for the highway.

[Fly on the Wall]

Long term milage report: 5 spd
My first tank was on 9/15/2005. I have checked the mileage on 48 tanks since then and didn't record about 9 tanks. At last fill up I had 18,106 miles.

Average for all tanks recorded: 27.3 mpg (usa) with roughly 60% city/ 40% highway.

Hi: 34 mpg, Lo: 20 mpg

I'm in Salt Lake City at ~4,500 feet above sea level. For better and worse I've keept my tire pressure at 35 psi (sometimes I've had it up to 40 psi). I use the cruise quite a bit and drive ez around town(though I'm not crawling). I usually keep my highway speeds between 75 and 80 mph.

[AIMWO4]

I have been getting 24.5 when I drive like a nut, and 27.8 when I take it easy.

I don't get on the highway much, as I work 2.6 miles from home. The speed limit is 45 most of the way to work.

K&N CAI

[powertrip065d]

I get 28 mpg just about all the time with 10.000 on the clock....

[AIMWO4]

I get 28 mpg just about all the time with 10.000 on the clock....
You can log your mileage, etc. at Truedelta.com

[jandree22]

Where some cars will give you a night and day difference between driving styles, I've found that in the 5, whether you drive like a rice boy with the AC on or like grandma with AC off, there's only a few MPG difference... IME anyways.

[AIMWO4]

Where some cars will give you a night and day difference between driving styles, I've found that in the 5, whether you drive like a rice boy with the AC on or like grandma with AC off, there's only a few MPG difference... IME anyways.

I drove like a nutcase on my last tank, and still got 24.3 MPG on 85 octane (It's "altitudes" version of 87). The only real improvement I noticed, was the tank that included a 45 mile highway trip. I think that boosted me to about 27 MPG.

[Skylab™]

30.8 mpg
460.3 miles on 14.9 gallons of gas

Click here (http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123664768)for my thread about getting good mpg's.

[Woochifer]

If anything, our mileage has been very consistent since we picked up the car a few weeks ago.

First tank: 24.9 MPG
Second tank: 24.9 MPG
Third tank: 25.1 MPG

This is all under mixed driving conditions. I recently topped off the tank after predominantly city driving, and the mileage dropped down to around 22 MPG.

[Skylab™]

My 5 has 16,600+ miles. The MPG's have improved in the past 3,000miles. :)

[5phreak]

21 combined, 26 and 27 on two mostly highway tanks. Car has 2,700 miles (2007)

[raspykart]

we get 25mpg consistently since day 1 in town driving... extremely low hwy miles mixed in. On the hwy we've gotten 28 - 42mpg depending on speed... 78mph - 58mph respectively

[PolarBear]

100% city driving a lot of short trips and traffic lights - 11.6L per 100km or 20.3 mpg. OEM tires and Regular gas from Shell

06 Mazda 5 MTX

[coolmazda5]

As per an earlier thread: In our case gas station locations vary, yet I got a decent 24.5MPG, mostly city driving (I just calculated miles driven vs. # of gallons filled at the pump). It is hilly around here so I was expecting a worse number. I can't complain (silly)

[PolarBear]

100% city driving a lot of short trips and traffic lights - 11.6L per 100km or 20.3 mpg. OEM tires and Regular gas from Shell

06 Mazda 5 MTX

Another update

2 adults and 2 kids + 2 child bikes + AC

100% hwy 100km/h - 110 km/h 7L/100km or 33.6 mpg

95% hwy 110km/h -120km/h 8L/100km or 29.4 mpg

[antlind]

Another update

2 adults and 2 kids + 2 child bikes + AC

100% hwy 100km/h - 110 km/h 7L/100km or 33.6 mpg

95% hwy 110km/h -120km/h 8L/100km or 29.4 mpg

That's quite impressive....I guess the key is keeping it between 100-110.
I did a 120km/hr run all hwy and only got 24mpg or thereabouts.
BTW, it must be nice now in Northern Ontario if you need the AC at this time of the year. I live in Calgary and we had snow flurries yesterday....(uhm)

[PolarBear]

BTW, it must be nice now in Northern Ontario if you need the AC at this time of the year. I live in Calgary and we had snow flurries yesterday....(uhm)

It was a long trip to Toronto :-) But it's nice here as well for the last few days.

[vw mofo]

Just made my first road trip in our 5. It's an 07 Touring 5 Speed with 2700 miles now. A/C on with about 2-300 or so pounds of cargo not including me, my wife, daughter, and dog.

Average speed 74MPH and acheived 1st tank got me 34.5 MPG, and the 2nd got me 32.8MPG. Both tanks were the cheapest regular unleaded I could find. I was shocked.

Also, can someone tell me how large the tank is in this car? and how it measures it on the gauge? As an example, the tank in my VW is 14 gallon's but the gauge only measures 12 so you have 2 "reserve" gallons when you hit "E".

[Scott Y]

1500 miles on the clock, '07 touring 5sp
Last tank went 375miles on 12.5 gallons. This was 100% commuting to work via freeways, no A/C, mix of stop and go plus 65mph if traffic managed to flow. Gas was Shell 85.

[NY5GT]

In heavy NYC driving with constant stop and go I average 18MPG with a 4 speed auto.
Highway cruising at 75mph on cruise control I get 24MPG with a 4 speed auto.

[raspykart]

Just made my first road trip in our 5. It's an 07 Touring 5 Speed with 2700 miles now. A/C on with about 2-300 or so pounds of cargo not including me, my wife, daughter, and dog.

Average speed 74MPH and acheived 1st tank got me 34.5 MPG, and the 2nd got me 32.8MPG. Both tanks were the cheapest regular unleaded I could find. I was shocked.

Also, can someone tell me how large the tank is in this car? and how it measures it on the gauge? As an example, the tank in my VW is 14 gallon's but the gauge only measures 12 so you have 2 "reserve" gallons when you hit "E".

The light consistently comes on at 12-12.5 gallons consumed in ours. The 1st 1/4 is consistently 4gal, 1/2tank is 8-9gal. So far its been a very consistent measurement.

[Woochifer]

On a mostly highway tank with a lot of AC usage, we just hit 27 MPG. (Otherwise, we average around 25 MPG for mixed driving and 22-23 for mostly city driving) Considering how inflated the MPG ratings are for other cars, I'm amazed at how easily we were able to exceed the EPA estimate.

[5waggin]

I have a 07 with M5 and generally carry about 400-600 pound of samples on board. I currently have 5000 miles on it.

This is the MPG and fuel cost per mile over the last 12 tanks

MPG.........$ mile........$ per gallon
27.27.......0.104..........2.84

points of interest

worst tank 23.38 at 80+ MPH sustained driving
best tank 30.32 70 MPH highway
all but 3 tanks at 26-29 MPG

Driving habits, rather heavy foot until up to speed then cruise control.
40% city 60% highway.

[snax]

First tank covering 336 miles, 80% highway at 55-70mph, netted us 30.1 MPG. Needless to say, we are pleased.

2007 Touring 5-spd, no roof rack (which can knock up to 5-10% off your economy even with nothing attached)

[Frink]

I've been driving the 5 this week to work and managed to average 7.2 l/100km or 32.6 US MPG over a 550km tank. My commute is about 70/30 city & hwy with lots of hills.
Mind you my 5 only has 4000km on it, so I suspect it'll get even better as the km's rack up.
Very happy with the mileage so far.

[AIMWO4]

I just managed 27.7 MPG. I have 3,000+ miles, drive with a lead foot. I usually drive about 2.5 miles to work. I had a 110 mile highway trip mixed in with this tank though.

[HotRodSaint]

So far I'm getting 22mpg city. I don't do much highway driving, my daily commute is surface streets and traffic lights.

[nobb]

How are you guys calculating these numbers? I am using this fuel logbook calculator where I enter in the price paid, litres filled, and odometer reading on calgarygasprices.com
I think I must be doing something wrong, because I get 41.41 mpg. That seems to high compared to you guys, although I am a pretty conservative driver. Is 41.41 mpg a feasible number for a 2002 Mazda Protege sedan automatic?

[Frink]

How are you guys calculating these numbers? I am using this fuel logbook calculator where I enter in the price paid, litres filled, and odometer reading on calgarygasprices.com
I think I must be doing something wrong, because I get 41.41 mpg. That seems to high compared to you guys, although I am a pretty conservative driver. Is 41.41 mpg a feasible number for a 2002 Mazda Protege sedan automatic?

Ok, here's how I do it.
Fill your tank, slow down as you are filling the top part of the tank.
Stop filling when the pump clicks off the first time, don't top it up or round up to the nearest dollar.
Reset your trip odometer.
Try to use at least 3/4 of the tank before the next fill.
At the next fill up, do it the same way as before (preferably at the same staion/pump/time of day) for consistency.
Write the number of Kilometers driven on your trip odometer on the gas receipt.
Divide the number of litres on the receipt by the number of Km's and then multiply the result by 100... & Voila, you'vr got your l/100km number (litres per 100km).
Reset your trip odometer and do it all over again.

41.41 mpg sounds reasonable if it's Imperial MPG.
(41.41 Imperial MPG = 34.48 US MPG = 6.82 l/100km)

[AIMWO4]

What Gallon? US or Imperial?


How are you guys calculating these numbers? I am using this fuel logbook calculator where I enter in the price paid, litres filled, and odometer reading on calgarygasprices.com
I think I must be doing something wrong, because I get 41.41 mpg. That seems to high compared to you guys, although I am a pretty conservative driver. Is 41.41 mpg a feasible number for a 2002 Mazda Protege sedan automatic?

[nobb]

Maybe I am stupid, but I never knew there is such thing as US or Imperial gallon. I live in Canada and we use SI units in school =). Here is a screenshot of my fuel logbook:

http://img266.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gasmileagelf8.jpg

I searched the site, but it did not mention if it was Imperial or US gallon. The site does also give my mileage as 6.793L/100km.

[AIMWO4]

That would be the Imperial gallon. I'm from Victoria, BC, and have lived in the US forever. My frequent visits to home have clued me in. Back in the good ol' days, it took less to fill up the tank in Canada. Not really... just those gallons were bigger by 20%.




Maybe I am stupid, but I never knew there is such thing as US or Imperial gallon. I live in Canada and we use SI units in school =). Here is a screenshot of my fuel logbook:

http://img266.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gasmileagelf8.jpg

I searched the site, but it did not mention if it was Imperial or US gallon. The site does also give my mileage as 6.793L/100km.

[spartman]

On our new 5 with less than 2000km we are averaging 10.7l per 100km mostly in town with a lead foot wife who does not understand shifting down to go up big hills.

[AIMWO4]

I only managed 345 miles on my last tank due to many short trips. I filled up with 14.002 gallons which netted me 24.64 MPG.

I used the GPS to calculate the following numbers for this tank as well:
TOTAL TIME: 10:29 (HH:MM)
MOVING TIME: 8:45
STOPPED TIME: 1:44
OVERALL AVG SPEED: 31.9 MPH
MOVING SPEED: 38.3 MPH

[AIMWO4]

Managed 26.0 mpg driving like a crazy man with AC on. I had one trip of 150 miles at speeds between 65-83 mph. The rest of the tank was used in my daily 2.5 mile commute, w/ a few trips around town on surface streets.

344.8 miles / 13.283 US gallons

[HotRodSaint]

My commute is about 12 miles each way. It's all surface streets and it takes about 25 minutes each way with an average of 10 stop lights.

I've been getting a consistant 22 miles per gallon.

That's with the a/c running, 7/8's throttle accelerations and 5000+/- rpm shift points.

So while I could get better mileage, I would be sweating and having much less fun.

[snax]

I think people are overestimating the impact of acceleration and AC use. What makes more of an impact is peak and cruising rpm. By limiting your rpms as much as possible, you will gain far more of an improvement in economy than running with the AC off.

We usually shift up at well below 3000 rpm and easily net over 27 mpg around town. On the highway we easily see over 30 mpg with the AC on.

So far after just over 1600 miles, we are averaging nearly 28 mpg combined with mostly city driving.

[raspykart]

I think people are overestimating the impact of acceleration and AC use. What makes more of an impact is peak and cruising rpm. By limiting your rpms as much as possible, you will gain far more of an improvement in economy than running with the AC off.

We usually shift up at well below 3000 rpm and easily net over 27 mpg around town. On the highway we easily see over 30 mpg with the AC on.

So far after just over 1600 miles, we are averaging nearly 28 mpg combined with mostly city driving.

sounds about like my results... I don't get full on it too often, usually 50% throttle and the auto tends to shift pretty early. With it being a bigger displacement tqy 4 banger the auto can capitilize on lower rpm efficiency.

[mazdaFIVEmike]

We usually shift up at well below 3000 rpm and easily net over 27 mpg around town. On the highway we easily see over 30 mpg with the AC on.


I guess there is no "ZOOM ZOOM" in your life....

I'll sacrifice the 4-5 mpgs just for a little more fun.

Shifting "well below 3000 rpm" means you're in 4th gear before you get to 35mph.

[slvrsleeper]

My commute is "mileage friendly" all highway speed, little stop and go traffic. 68.5 miles one way. I have gotten 30MPG every fill-up so far, including a trip to Ohio and back this weekend. I love this car!

[5phreak]

I only managed 345 miles on my last tank due to many short trips. I filled up with 14.002 gallons which netted me 24.64 MPG.


this is what i'm getting here in CT with mixed driving and about 7,500 miles on the odo

[cprtrainer]

Hi all,

After many months of searching, I picked up an excellent used 06 Touring AT (20K on the clock) last month & love it!

So far, we are averaging 25.5 in around town driving with many short (less than 2 miles) trips and A/C blasting. Had to christen the new ride and took a trip last weekend from Denver to Vail and back. Maintained 70-90 over the 11000' passes (underpowered? NOT!) with A/C and had 29.8 on that tank. 2 adults and a 6y/o kid on board. I'm very impressed with it's performance, especially at altitude. We'll see how it does this winter with a full load on ski trips!

[AIMWO4]

I finally put some highway mileage on the car... I got 32.7 mpg this last tank. Now back to the puttin' around.

[Skylab™]

Here's my tank average!

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b5/kf6vgz/Mazda/Mazda53.jpg
(hump)

[pivert]

I've stretched my diesel to 38 MPG (6,25L/100km) running on the highway with auto A/C - pretty impressive i think.

[slvrsleeper]

Skylab....How did you get your 5 to get RED X MPG?!! JFWY. I wish Mazda would offer the diesel here in the states, I would buy one with the quickness.

[opus]

Just got back from a trip from SE Michigan to Hilton Head Island SC. Great drive, went through Ohio (boring!!), Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and almost all of South Carolina.

Had a high of 33.2 mpg going through Ohio and Kentucky at about 75-80mph with AC blasting.

Had a low of 29 going through the mountains of Tenn and NC also at about 75-80 mph with AC going the whole time.

Pulled a respectable 25.5mpg driving around the island and surrounding communities with six adults in the car and AC trying to make up for a heat index of 117 degrees!!! Thank God for window tint, not a single complaint about the heat while driving in the 5 even though when we were in Savannah GA they hit their record high on the day we were there.

Overall we averaged about 30 mpg for the whole trip including putting around etc... Given that I do not have a light foot, and we were fully loaded with either gear or people the whole time, and AC was always on, I couldn't be happier with these numbers :).

[jandree22]

opus: Great numbers! It seems like the A/C on the 5 really doen't hurt mileage that bad for some reason.

Skylab: You've got a ScangaugeII! You like it? Do you have it mounted on your steering wheel column? I'd like to see more pics of your install if you happen to have any more shots. I'm planning on getting a scangauge shortly for my 5 as well :)

Anyone: If you guys are mileage nuts, sign up over at GasSavers.org. As you can see with my sig, you can track your mileage online and it does all sort of calculations. Snax, a fellow member here, is also over there. Great site for tips on stretching your mileage.

[AIMWO4]

The A/C compressor cuts out under certain load conditions. Optimal compressor operation is achieved at cruising speeds, thus reducing "drag" on the engine.


opus: Great numbers! It seems like the A/C on the 5 really doen't hurt mileage that bad for some reason.


I think people are overestimating the impact of acceleration and AC use. What makes more of an impact is peak and cruising rpm. By limiting your rpms as much as possible, you will gain far more of an improvement in economy than running with the AC off.

We usually shift up at well below 3000 rpm and easily net over 27 mpg around town. On the highway we easily see over 30 mpg with the AC on.

So far after just over 1600 miles, we are averaging nearly 28 mpg combined with mostly city driving.