EPA Fuel Economy Myth: Too High, Too Low?

Posted by Cliff on Tuesday June 29, 2004 @02:35PM from the estimates-and-science dept.

ThosLives asks: "I have seen here on Slashdot , and just about every other publication, numerous articles about fuel cells, hybrid vehicles, and the inaccuracies of EPA fuel economy stickers. For instance, today there is a review of the Toyota Prius that had the famous line 'Since no car really achieves the EPA estimated mileage...' I happen to drive a car with an EPA sticker of 21 city 25 highway (all figures in miles per gallon). I've driven the car for 47000 miles and the lowest I've ever seen is 23 and some change; the highest, 36.3 (I'm probably about 60% highway 40% stop-and-go and yes, the high was on a long highway trip). My all-time average is about 28.5. As most people get less than the EPA mileage, how does the Slashdot readership fare when it comes to EPA sticker vs actual experience, and on what type of vehicle?" "Am I a rare breed that can drive my car (2.0L I4, 170 HP, 6-speed manual) aggressively (I've had coworkers and friends say 'woah!' more than I'd like to admit *grin*) and still stomp the EPA sticker? Did I get lucky with a phenomenal car? Am I enough of a counter-example to thwart the belief that the EPA figures are 'too liberal'? Are fuel economy issues just FUD from [insert lobby group of choice]? Or is the answer simply 'it depends on how you drive, what you had for breakfast, and the color of your neighbors' cat?'"

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Re:Thus the phrase... by dave420 · 2004-06-29 21:16 · Score: 0, Flamebait

The new hummer is lucky to get 2mpg let alone 8. They have an incredibly underpowered engine on an old chassis. All that bodywork and pseudoarmy look means terrible mpg. Well, if you drive a hummer, that's the last thing you should worry about.
Re:All these SUVs are beginning to embarrass me... by joshurl · 2004-06-29 21:34 · Score: 0, Flamebait

then fuck, ill see you when im living in my lifted truck with hybrid car sized tires...
Re:Thus the phrase... by bfischer · 2004-06-29 22:53 · Score: 0, Flamebait

Awww, come on. They care.....about themselves. You see, they might want to pull a boat once a month or it might snow some day.. Or.. or.. and don't forget, if they have an accident while driving, talking on their cell phone and eating a big mac, they want you to die, not them. Sure there are people who have a use for them, but I would bet that most don't.
Re:Thus the phrase... by turgid · 2004-06-30 01:03 · Score: 0, Flamebait

I usually do so at about 120 mph.
Breakin' the law, breakin' the law!

--
Stick Men