EPA considering changing MPG

[Q45tech]

"In 1984, responding to consumer complaints that its numbers didn't match on-the-road experience, EPA cut 22% from its highway fuel-economy number and trimmed the city estimate 10%, starting with 1985 models."

This was the last time models were changed!

"Toyota, bolder than most, candidly says its vehicles get 10% to 15% less than the EPA estimates in real-world use."

Insiders say the next change will be 15% across the board, still only half way to what is needed to reconcile the tests with current real world driving situations: driving over 60 mph, using ac, and accelerating up to 80 mph in passing. City traffic congestion and short no warm up trips in cold weather, etc.

Auto manufactures will tolerate the 15% but fear a back lash.........in truck and SUV sales.

from "Drivers Irked as EPA Mileage Numbers Fail to Add Up"

By James R. Healey, USA TODAY

This will help cover up the decreased mileage from Ethanolized water............why the farmers are supporting the process.

[Jesda]

I wonder what real-world mileage is for the H2? EPA numbers seem pretty accurate for the Q in proper condition.

[qship96]

I wonder what real-world mileage is for the H2? EPA numbers seem pretty accurate for the Q in proper condition.

Jesda,I agree on the Q`s numbers- I consistantly average 16mpg in the city with ac on,and 22mpg on the highway,with average speeds of 75-85 miles per hour,with heavy foot acceleration- numbers have been very consistant since new{ now 142,000 miles}

[Checkered-Member]

Since 1985, speeds have increased, driving habits worsen, and AC is more common.

However, cars are much more efficient; in 1985 the average car had 2 valves per cylinder one cam, a carburetor and 3 gears (4 for stick)

So I don’t believe there will be a drastic change, I predict +/-5%

[Q45tech]

It was not so inaccurate in 1990...........notice the bump ups recently in the last 10 years 22>23>24>25>26.

The 90 Q :16/22 and 14/19 for the Q45a were pretty accurateNotice the newer 2004 Q same engine displacement, same highway rpm, same weight more or less is 17/23..........maybe they were 1 mpg optimistic.

Remember 0.50001 rounds up......so maybe they found a 0.501 or just a 0.0000000002 mpg improvement if the 90Q was 16.499/22.499999999999999999 mpg.

Does the LS430 get 18/25 probably not in equal conditionsDoes the MB S430 get 18/26 probably not

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg...s.pdf