After riding in my Fit, a friend is interested in buying one. He is interested in a A/T model, and asked what the minimum speed that the transmission will shift to 5th gear, with the converter locked?

Also, at what minimum speed can you cruise along in 5th/locked conv. and not have the trans shift, or converter unlock, with the slightest increase of throttle?

My Tacoma V-6 A/T, won't shift into 4th gear with converter locked (4 sp. auto) until 45 mph. I hate driving it where I can't cruise along at over 45 mph.

Thanks for the info.

 

Never really paid attention. Your owner's manual should mention the shift points. If you want 1st hand info then you can observe for yourself when driving your own Fit unless you have a M/T.

 

I forgot to say my Fit is M/T. Wouldn't have had to ask if it was A/T!

You should check rpm drop as you increase speed. When in 5th and the converter locks up, the rpm will decrease, and mpg will go up.
With my A/T Tacoma, I always wish I could manually control the lock up, as well as upshifts.

 

I'm seen the TC lock consistently at 50 MPH in 5th gear with the shifter in S with Manual shift("M" - mode in the gear selector) active. Mind you, mine is an older GD3 Sport. The GE8 Sport will be similar... not sure about the Base since you cannot use the paddles to override the shifting.

 

I'm not sure about the locking/unlocking of the converter but I know in sport mode I can shift into 5th at around 30mph

I like to stay in 4th on my short freeway jaunts and I can pass easier without needing to downshift from 5th

I dont worry about mpg with this car as I seem to get 30mpg no matter how hard I drive.

 

I know that the GE automatics have Grade Logic, so the shift point will vary depending on the grade of the road. (Uphill, flat or downhill.) The automatic also has a lower 5th gear ratio that results in lower RPM for the same speed with the manual.

The auto is very willing to unlock the torque converter, although it can lock in any gear instead of just 5th. My city fuel economy is 42 MPG in the summer.

 

Well in that case, keep shifting to 5th until you figure out your stall speed...