i use it above 80.

those who use it under 55mph should consider a Prius

 

The individual shift related to a particular speed is not always reliable. Most experience drivers would label that concept as irreverant. RPMs is usually the over riding factor.

 

Irreverent towards who, the car?

 

Usually not under 50. If I remember to, I'll do it if I'm cruising at 55-60 for more than a couple miles.

I'd probably get better mileage - but then again, I do alot of joy riding on the weekends anyway. I'm up to 9300 miles now..........not concerned too much about mileage as long as its over 17 mpg.

 

By the time I'm at 45-50mph, I'll be in 5th for my lazy commute to work.

 

if u look in the owners manual it says for best gas milage use optimal shift points
1-2 @ 11mph
2-3 @ 19mph
3-4 @ 30mph
4-5 @ 40mph

i do it this way when im not having fun.

 

Exactly! Imagine how fast you'd have to shift CONSTANTLY to be fuel-efficient...

Can anyone go through the gears that fast?

 

It's possible if you don't press down as hard with your right foot.

 

He probably meant irrelevant.

 

This got me thinking so I did a little scientific research in my own car. If I want to drive fairly hard, I don't shift to 5th until 60 MPH. If I want to drive REALLY hard, then I won't shift to 5th until much later. If I go down one road for a short bit then have to turn again soon, I rarely shift to 5th. If I'm in traffic and there is no open holes in sight, I shift to 5th at about 43-45Mph.

I have discovered I have no rules for when I shift, it's all about the intent of my trip with respect to the engine RPM's. If I want to go, then I go after it, if I'm just cruising, I shift to 5th faster than my Grandma.

Sean

 

im in 5th by 35mph if im not in a hurry...then again thats at almost 1500rpm with the gears so its not out of the ballpark at all

 

Doesn't your engine lug at that speed and gear? I would think that would wear on your engine and clutch.

 

Ditto.... I do what just "feels" right for the type of driving I'm doing at the time.

 

No. The New York Jets.

 

I sense sarcasm...

 

Like others it all depends on how I'm driving. If I'm testing bug splatter effect then I probably won't see 5th until 70mph or so. If I'm just cruisin around then maybe 40-45mph and I think I would seriously consider walking before I drove a Prius.

 

usually between 55-60 I will hit 5th for cruising along.

For normal driving / shifting I Tend to keep the engine between 2000 - 3000 rpms and I cruise at 2000

 

I do, but that is b/c of the 4.10 gears.

 

I shift to 5th at 45mph, and ill keep it in 5th until i drop below 40, then its goes straight to 3rd for fun

 

I don't even "Touch" the gear shift to move to 5th at anything below 60 MPH. No reason (except to get better MPG). If I wanted good MPG, I would have bought a Prious.