Is it best to use D or OD when driving around town?
I'm finding out D works best in the Bonneville.
In my '92 GMC Jimmy, using OD dogs performance and SUCKS GAS.
D works better all around.

Any problems with using D for most of my driving in either of my '92'*?

Overdrive is best for any driving over 80 kmh (uh...I suppose its about 50 mph)

Freeway driving in OD, drops the RPM to about 1800-2200 at 80 to 120 kmh, it revs lower on the highway. For regular city driving, leave the transmission in D (drive). That will give you the best fuel economy.

Of course, thats what I find in my car. With a supercharged engine, it may be different.

My rule of thumb, over 80 kmh, put it in overdrive....

I leave it in OD for normal driving. I put it in D when I wanna drive fast.

i can't fathom how overdrive could 'suck gas' as you say. it'* just not even possible. :?: :?: :?:


btw on the bonneville i always used OD and 'D4' on my civic.

Hey, it'* only ga$ money!

If the gas gauge goes to empty quicker when I drive it always in OD, it'* possible.
If the gas gauge doesn't go to empty sooner when I drive it in D, it'* possible.
ANYTHING is possible. It'* a car.

That goes from experience with my GMC Jimmy, as well as my buddy'* wife'* '97 SSE.
I've got to check out my '92 to confirm it in this car, though.

OD seems to be boggy and doggy, lugging the motor so I've got to feed it more pedal, thus, more fuel, thus burning more gas sooner.

The majority of my driving is in town, to and from work, about 7 miles each way.
I may take a round trip of 120 miles, once a month or so, on the freeway.
I'll have to try out both modes to see how this '92 decides to burn the gas.

When I first started driving my car when I got my license, I always kept it in OD. I thought it was better. Then when I first put it in D, the car flew like a mad man.

OK, I am really new to this great forum and I would like to state what I know to be true in regards to this topic.
It seems that I have actually talked about this 3 times today!
My experience-
In all my vehicles, 90 Buick LeSabre, 3800, 91 2500 Suburban 4X4, 350 w/tbi, 97 Bonn SSE, 3800 series 2, on extended drives on interstate 5, 50+ miles one way, I have actually fueled up and tracked mileage in full use of overdrive, only on freeway,no OD in town, and then on the next fill up the same in 3 or D and honest to God, all of these vehicles chewed up the gas in comparison when OD was used.
And might I add that the same is true of using the cruise control, and therefore I never ever use either. These are all stock vehicles with exeption of the 'Burb that has 4" lift and 34" size tires, but then mileage is mileage, even if it is low to begin with.
If anyone would like, I can redo the tests, scan and send the receipts with the mileages etc. to you in email (or if I can post them here I will find out), if I would be trusted by you.
BusMaster007 would vouch for me (wouldn'tcha?).
So there is my experience with this matter.
I'll get back with you all soon... let me know.
Gary

Weird. I burn alot less gas with OD and cruise. You may have some slipping? I'm not a tranny guy. Just asking. I-5? Where do you live?

Northwest Washington, Skagit Valley, near Mt. Vernon.
My wife used to use the 97 Bonn SSE to commute to Monroe daily, about an even 100 miles round trip and we tried this out, so we don't use the OD.
Nothing is wrong with the vehicles mechanically and we use a premiun fuel, which does make a difference in the performance and mileage.
Gary

If you read the Bonneville Manual ... It says Leave in OD when cruising cause its best for fuel economy.. But when want "power" swtich to D