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Old 02-29-2008, 06:14 PM   #10 (permalink)
RH77
Depends on the Day
 
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Kansas City Area
Posts: 1,761

Teggy - '98 Acura Integra LS
Sports Cars
90 day: 32.74 mpg (US)

IMA - '10 Honda Insight EX
Team Honda
90 day: 34.76 mpg (US)

Tessie - '06 Acura TSX Base
90 day: 28.2 mpg (US)
Thanks: 31
Thanked 41 Times in 35 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by dremd View Post
Wow, there is something wrong with my Moms vibe.
2005 BASE model, should be lighter, no power windows, locks, no sunroof, basic seats etc.
at 70 she (or me) gets~ 29mpg (scangauge)
This is probably the 4th or 5th time I've rented one of these over the years. I have a feeling that some of the earlier models aren't as aerodynamic as the later ones, since the best FE I could get out of them was in the mid-to-high 20's as well. Perhaps engine management changed too? I couldn't find if it had a throttle-by-wire system, or changed in any way.

Note: For the life of me, I can't figure out something. I searched around and can't determine the difference in front-end treatments. If you'll note on the Red example, the grille is inset, bumper pushed outward, and the fascia below is more pronounced. On the Silver car, there's more of a flush design. The trick is, both the GT and Base had these over the years -- What I did notice was the side skirting was more pronounced on the new one. I think they changed a few things here and there.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dremd View Post
How hard is yours to start? Hers is a pain in the ass (way harder than my diesel), brought it to Pontiac 3 times and they told her that is how they all are.
P.S. that car is an Auto, Correct?
It's an auto -- that's all you can rent these days

But to answer your question, yes it is a bit of a rough start. Cold or Warm, it would take several cranks to get it going. One time it was about 3 seconds, and I began to wonder -- but it started, nevertheless. The same applies for the Corolla (same engine).

Quote:
Originally Posted by MetroMPG View Post
But the manual shifter was the most clunky, cheap feeling piece of junk I think I've ever had the opportunity to row.

And I found the clutch had so little feel it was difficult to modulate for smooth up & down shifts.
Yikes, that stinks. I'll have to check around with a manual Corolla owner to see if it suffers the same fate. I'm guessing they sourced the engine and transaxle from Toyota. Aside from the "Grand Am Radio", it's hard to tell where the GM parts are.

Thanks all for the feedback Honestly, this was one of the most inspiring reviews to have the chance to write, in a long time.

RH77
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