Robert
Jacksonville,#2Consumer Comment
Wed, August 16, 2006
-Fuel economy is measured under controlled conditions in a laboratory using a standardized test procedure specified by federal law. Manufacturers test their own vehiclesusually pre-production prototypesand report the results to EPA. EPA reviews the results and confirms about 10-15 percent of them through their own tests at the National Vehicles and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. ------------ In the laboratory, the vehicle's drive wheels are placed on a machine called a dynamometer that simulates the driving environmentmuch like an exercise bike simulates cycling. The energy required to move the rollers can be adjusted to account for aerodynamic forces and the vehicle's weight. --------- On the dynamometer, a professional driver runs the vehicle through a standardized driving routine, or schedule, which simulates typical trips in the city or on the highway. --------- Each schedule specifies the speed the vehicle must travel during each second in the test. --------- A hose is connected to the tailpipe to collect the engine exhaust. The amount of carbon in the exhaust is measured to calculate the amount of fuel used during the test. This is more accurate than using a fuel gauge- Sure it is.
Troy
Burlingame,#3Consumer Comment
Wed, August 16, 2006
Gas mileage on new cars usually isn't so good the first few thousand miles. If you bought the car brand new try giving it a few thousand miles and I bet your fuel economy will show a dramatic improvement.
Michael
Bountiful,#4Consumer Comment
Wed, August 16, 2006
If memory serves, gas mileage is determined at sea level under ideal driving conditions. lead feet, tire pressure, higher elevation, weather, traffic, running the A/C, etc etc will drastically change your mileage. It's not really a rip off. The stickers on cars are federally mandated and have nothing to do with the dealer. I'm not sticking up for car dealers, I hate them with a passion, but I don't think this is a rip off. Cheers!!
Dave
Jacksonville,#5Consumer Comment
Wed, August 16, 2006
Mileage claims are grossly overrated for the most part, but, you have the 200HP V6 (3800), and it should get you every bit of 28mpg on the highway. But, it depends how you drive too. Also, are you depending on the computer to tell you your mileage, or are you calculating manually? That makes a difference as well. My new Passat doesn't calculate the mileage worth a d**n, there's a problem in the computer. It always shows at least 11 mpg less than what I am actually getting. My Pontiac, however, gets 33 mpg on the highway, and it's only rated at 29, it has a 180HP V6 3.5L, but I don't hot-rod the car. If you are driving normally, and you have manually calculated the mileage at 17.8, then you need to go back to the dealer. There's something very wrong with the car..