7-Speed Transmission Problems?

[caz681]

Hello, EX35ers. I am contemplating the purchase of a 2011 EX35, and I am looking for some information on the performance of the 7-speed transmission. On FX35 forums, you don't have to look too far to find people who aren't happy with how the 7-speed works in that vehicle. They generally complain that it upshifts much too quickly, and sometimes downshifts abruptly. However, I haven't found the same kind of complaints from EX35 owners. And, my test drives have not elicited this behavior

For those of you who own a 2011 EX35, what has your experience been with the 7-speed? Does this kind of behavior sound familiar? What is your level of satisfaction with the 7-speed?

Thanks!

[Tasman]

I have been very happy with the 7-speed transmission. Based on my experience, it is very smooth and feels smoother than the 5-speed in my old G35. I am still in break-in mode so I have not put it through its full acceleration test but in everyday driving, I have no complaints.

[Reefrf]

I purchased my 2011 EX in January & I previously owned a 2010 EX35. I couldn't be happier with the 7 speed. Far better than the 5 speed. Smoother shifting & slightly better mileage.

[ihad1]

I have 3000 miles on mine. It shifts around 3000 rpm which looks low compared to the redline. It shifts smoothly. My only complaint is how early it forces a downshift when you are in manual mode. It does not let you run the engine below 2000 rpm or so depending on the gear. But even with that, I am still averaging 24.5 mpg.

[Tasman]

That is great mpgs ihad1. That is better than my old G35 and I hope to get anywhere near that. I am only at 500 miles so you know what that means...18 mpg.

One thing that I have noticed with the 7-speed is that it is more friendly in commute traffic. I do not know if it is the lower shift points or the gearing ratio but I definitely notice that my foot is not on the break pedal as much as it adjusts very well to the flow of traffic. If that is what two extra gears provide, I love it.

[williammoses]

In an earlier post about 2011 EX35 fuel consumption I wrote this:
"According to the on-board instrumentation, fuel consumption in my 2011 EX35 with All-Wheel Drive is 18.8 MPG. I can't complain since the vehicle is used strictly for short trips in Washington, D. C. and the congested suburbs. Generally speaking, the seven speed transmission seems to have been calibrated for efficiency at the expense of some smoothness, at least undercertain driving conditions. For the sake of comparison, fuel consumption in my previous vehicle, a 2009 All-Wheel Drive CRV, never exceeded 20.5 MPH. The Honda, equipped with a 5 speed automatic transmission and a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine, was hundreds of pounds lighter."

[phlar2468]

I had a 2008 EX 35 that I wish I would have kept. I was getting 19.8 mpg around town and the 5 speed transmission was far superior to the 2011 7 speed which get 18.8 mpg. The ride in the 2008 was also better.

[phlar2468]

Was the 24.5 highway MPG? The only way you could get that around town was going downhill with a strong wind behind you.

[ihad1]

phlar2468
I drive about 90% of the time between 45 and 75 and on 87octane. I have a 55 mile one way communte to work so my car is always warmed up. Most of the time I try hard to accelerate slowly from stops, but it is hard to control myself sometimes

My last three tanks I am averaging slightly above 25mpg.

[phlar2468]

I just checked my mpg today. It is 18.5. That is using smooth starts and easy braking.