An inkling of what the Matrix is worth

[Daox]

So, I finally had the chance to take the Matrix on a long trip in warmer weather since I've started hypermiling. This weekend I went up to upper Michigan to visit my parents and in laws. The trip is 3/4 65 mph with about 1/4 55 mph. My wife had filled the Matrix up in the morning before work on Friday and had put on almost 100 miles before I jumped in and drove us. On the way up we first hit hit some very impressive stop and go rush hour traffic heading up a highway we normally don't travel to get out of Milwaukee. About an hour later we hit a massive downpour which limited visibility to about 30-50 feet so it was a crawl for about 20 minutes with rain well before and after. Last, but not least was a really dense fog at the end of the trip (roughly 400 miles in total there and back) that probably helped FE as I just had to slow way down. All in all, I had the best tank yet out of the Matrix. 489.3 miles on 11.33 gallons gave me 43.2 mpg. Not too shabby. This was using P&G with ICE on coasting. Next time I hope to drive the entire tank at warmer temps (averaged low 50°F on the entire trip), and in good weather.

[MetroMPG]

Nice results in the face of adversity! I'm curious what was the wife's reaction to P&G?

[Daox]

She has driven with me a lot while I P&G. Most of the time she doesn't care. Every once in a while she is in a bad mood and it gets on her nerves, and I then drive 'normal'. A bit of gas is worth the peace.

[thevisionseeker]

I'm sorry but I'm new to this stuff. Whats P&G?

[Daox]

Pulse and glide. Its a driving technique.

[IndyIan]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Nice results in the face of adversity! I'm curious what was the wife's reaction to P&G?

My wife isn't always thrilled about P&Ging either, but I find the scangauge helps alot. This weekend we came home and I got 5.3L/100km, that is better than an Echo and meant we saved 30% vs driving "normally". She thought that was worth it. I find also projecting the savings over a year helps too.
Ian

[trikkonceptz]

I too love the Vibe/Matrix, last tank for me hit 42mpg and its an auto !!!

Plus I still have room to improve .... So go Matrix/ Vibe .. LOL

[Daox]

I gotta say trikkonceptz, your mileage is really great for an automatic!

[thevisionseeker]

Originally Posted by Daox

Pulse and glide. Its a driving technique.

I take it I can find info on this online?

[Daox]

It is #57 on this list.