Hi HondaHonda:

___Pressure in your tires? How many minutes between starting her up and when you arrive at work/destination in NYC? NYC is where the Escape HEV or Prius are kings and I have a feeling this is where you are getting killed as IMA based hybrid’s and all non-hybrid’s alike are at an extreme disadvantage in that mess? ECO mode will probably never appear in that kind of traffic because you may not traveling fast enough for it to be evoked?

___The shudder on ICE start up is always there. It doesn’t go away but Honda did try to cover it up as much as possible just as all manufacturers do for any ICE start up (Hybrid or not). ECO mode is covered up with all an array of cute tricks and I am glad to hear you have not noticed that transition. It is there but is very well muted in the NVH area.

___Finally, I cannot think of any AH owners near NYC but take a look at locations of the AH owners listed in the RHMDB. If any are from NY state for example, maybe you could get together with any of them for a comparison and FE driving tips and tricks clinic?

___Good Luck

___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net