[big_bill_smith]

I have read a few of the discussions about the i4 and what type of RPM’s it has while cruising. So last night on the way home I recorded them for the board. These where obtained on a relatively flat interstate using the cruise control. Automatic transmission, half tank of gas, 2200 on the odometer, one person in the car, no accessories on, @ 45 F outside temp.

40 MPH 1450 RPM
45 MPH 1500 RPM
50 MPH 1700 RPM
55 MPH 1900 RPM
60 MPH 2050 RPM
65 MPH 2200 RPM
70 MPH 2400 RPM
75 MPH 2550 RPM
80 MPH 2750 RPM
85 MPH 2950 RPM
90 MPH 3100 RPM
95 MPH 3250 RPM (updated)
100 MPH 3500 RPM (updated)

Anecdotal notes:
I have had the car up to 110 several times and it runs out perfectly above 100. I didn’t think to record the RPM’s at the time. With the engine warm at full temp after driving home I recorded the following idling conditions: In Park 650 RPM, in Drive with brake applied 600 RPM.

 

[confusion]

Looking at your information I can't understand why the automatics don't get better fuel Mileage than they do, to put it into perspective I just returned home from a vacation in Hilton Head. On I-95 there were stretches that I maintained 80 mph for up to three hours solid and the tachometer steady on 3500rpm with my 5 speed. A full 750 rpm higher than your auto and still returned 31.7 mpg. but what I wouldn't give for a taller 5th gear and a lower rpm. The engine drone at that speed is a little annoying after 8 hours of driving.

 

[big_bill_smith]

It would be interesting to see if someone could post the same info for the V6. I feel kind of foolish because I purchased the i4 thinking that I would get great gas mileage. I commute about 50 miles interstate in the morning @ 75-80 MPH, and 50 miles back in the evening using two-lane route with a few stops in between @ 60 MPH. I have calculated the MPG to be 25.5 - 26 overall (using the fill-up method) not the computer. Once up to speed the engine noise is not noticeable, however, around town it’s annoying and I think that’s where the gas mileage suffers the most with the automatic.

 

[springer03]

I have a 06 Milan Premier I4/Auto. I have to drive 300 miles round trip for work 2 times a week.
I have never gotten under 30 mpg. Best was 36.3 I found on my car that @ 63mph it gets it best mileage.
My drive is 30% small rolling hills the rest pretty much flat.(for Wi.) I don't use the computer for MPG I just put pen to paper.
In almost every case the computer tells me I am getting 2 to 3 mpg better than what is for real.

 

[cos]

Big Bill,

Nice chart. I too drive a lot of 75-80 on the hwy (I accelerate easy) and my 2.3/stick has averaged 28.44 MPG since new (I have 7K on my Fusion). I've had the tires as low as 30 PSI and as high as 36.5 and the difference in MPG is negligible. I did drive it more aggressively during break-in (to seat the rings) and I changed my oil @ 500, 2700 and 5900. 



confusion,

It's all perspective. Have you ever owned an econo-box (e.g. Corolla, Escort)? Most of 'em don't have sound insulation under the hood or on the firewall and they really drone! My Fusion is, hands down, the quiest car/the most drone-free I've ever owned - hell, my Fusion makes me feel like I'm in a Coupe DeVille.