2006 Sonata gas mileage
#46
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata gas mileage
Matt Whiting wrote:
> Brian Nystrom wrote:
>
>> Matt Whiting wrote:
>>
>>> Eric G. wrote:
>>>
>>>> Unfortunately, I am reading this at work, and don't have all of my data
>>>> in front of me, but my mileage curve with the V6 has been similar to
>>>> yours. Basically subtract 4 MPG from your numbers and you've got
>>>> mine. Which follows the EPA difference of 4 MPG in the V6's 20/30
>>>> MPG rating.
>>>> I am just shy of 6,000 miles, however, and my mileage has been steadily
>>>> DECREASING. As I have noticed in my previous Hyundais, this seems
>>>> to be
>>>> the trend until you get close to 10,000 miles when things improve
>>>> greatly.
>>>
>>> That is very interesting. I wonder if there is some "curve"
>>> programmed into the ECU that runs the engine a little rich during
>>> break-in and then moves to a leaner mixture later on.
>>
>> No, there isn't. The ECU does learn from the sensors on the engine and
>> exhaust system, but it's only designed to optimize the fuel air ratio
>> and timing for emissions and performance.
>
> My Chrysler minivans also adapt to the driving style. If you drive more
> aggressively, the vehicle (well, the transmission for sure) will adapt
> to your style and rais shift points, etc. Likewise, if you drive more
> sedately, as I typically do, it would lower shift points and try to
> maximize economy over performance. I was wondering if the Hyundai
> similarly had some adaptability programmed into the control systems.
Perhaps with the transmission, but I wouldn't know, since I've never
owned a car with an automatic tranny. I adapt my shift points to my
heart's content.
> Brian Nystrom wrote:
>
>> Matt Whiting wrote:
>>
>>> Eric G. wrote:
>>>
>>>> Unfortunately, I am reading this at work, and don't have all of my data
>>>> in front of me, but my mileage curve with the V6 has been similar to
>>>> yours. Basically subtract 4 MPG from your numbers and you've got
>>>> mine. Which follows the EPA difference of 4 MPG in the V6's 20/30
>>>> MPG rating.
>>>> I am just shy of 6,000 miles, however, and my mileage has been steadily
>>>> DECREASING. As I have noticed in my previous Hyundais, this seems
>>>> to be
>>>> the trend until you get close to 10,000 miles when things improve
>>>> greatly.
>>>
>>> That is very interesting. I wonder if there is some "curve"
>>> programmed into the ECU that runs the engine a little rich during
>>> break-in and then moves to a leaner mixture later on.
>>
>> No, there isn't. The ECU does learn from the sensors on the engine and
>> exhaust system, but it's only designed to optimize the fuel air ratio
>> and timing for emissions and performance.
>
> My Chrysler minivans also adapt to the driving style. If you drive more
> aggressively, the vehicle (well, the transmission for sure) will adapt
> to your style and rais shift points, etc. Likewise, if you drive more
> sedately, as I typically do, it would lower shift points and try to
> maximize economy over performance. I was wondering if the Hyundai
> similarly had some adaptability programmed into the control systems.
Perhaps with the transmission, but I wouldn't know, since I've never
owned a car with an automatic tranny. I adapt my shift points to my
heart's content.
#47
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata gas mileage
Brian Nystrom wrote:
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>> My Chrysler minivans also adapt to the driving style. If you drive
>> more aggressively, the vehicle (well, the transmission for sure) will
>> adapt to your style and rais shift points, etc. Likewise, if you
>> drive more sedately, as I typically do, it would lower shift points
>> and try to maximize economy over performance. I was wondering if the
>> Hyundai similarly had some adaptability programmed into the control
>> systems.
>
>
> Perhaps with the transmission, but I wouldn't know, since I've never
> owned a car with an automatic tranny. I adapt my shift points to my
> heart's content.
Likewise, but the wife likes the automatics so her minivans have all
been slush box equipped. :-)
Matt
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>> My Chrysler minivans also adapt to the driving style. If you drive
>> more aggressively, the vehicle (well, the transmission for sure) will
>> adapt to your style and rais shift points, etc. Likewise, if you
>> drive more sedately, as I typically do, it would lower shift points
>> and try to maximize economy over performance. I was wondering if the
>> Hyundai similarly had some adaptability programmed into the control
>> systems.
>
>
> Perhaps with the transmission, but I wouldn't know, since I've never
> owned a car with an automatic tranny. I adapt my shift points to my
> heart's content.
Likewise, but the wife likes the automatics so her minivans have all
been slush box equipped. :-)
Matt
#48
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata gas mileage
Brian Nystrom wrote:
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>> My Chrysler minivans also adapt to the driving style. If you drive
>> more aggressively, the vehicle (well, the transmission for sure) will
>> adapt to your style and rais shift points, etc. Likewise, if you
>> drive more sedately, as I typically do, it would lower shift points
>> and try to maximize economy over performance. I was wondering if the
>> Hyundai similarly had some adaptability programmed into the control
>> systems.
>
>
> Perhaps with the transmission, but I wouldn't know, since I've never
> owned a car with an automatic tranny. I adapt my shift points to my
> heart's content.
Likewise, but the wife likes the automatics so her minivans have all
been slush box equipped. :-)
Matt
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>> My Chrysler minivans also adapt to the driving style. If you drive
>> more aggressively, the vehicle (well, the transmission for sure) will
>> adapt to your style and rais shift points, etc. Likewise, if you
>> drive more sedately, as I typically do, it would lower shift points
>> and try to maximize economy over performance. I was wondering if the
>> Hyundai similarly had some adaptability programmed into the control
>> systems.
>
>
> Perhaps with the transmission, but I wouldn't know, since I've never
> owned a car with an automatic tranny. I adapt my shift points to my
> heart's content.
Likewise, but the wife likes the automatics so her minivans have all
been slush box equipped. :-)
Matt
#49
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata gas mileage
Brian Nystrom wrote:
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>> My Chrysler minivans also adapt to the driving style. If you drive
>> more aggressively, the vehicle (well, the transmission for sure) will
>> adapt to your style and rais shift points, etc. Likewise, if you
>> drive more sedately, as I typically do, it would lower shift points
>> and try to maximize economy over performance. I was wondering if the
>> Hyundai similarly had some adaptability programmed into the control
>> systems.
>
>
> Perhaps with the transmission, but I wouldn't know, since I've never
> owned a car with an automatic tranny. I adapt my shift points to my
> heart's content.
Likewise, but the wife likes the automatics so her minivans have all
been slush box equipped. :-)
Matt
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>> My Chrysler minivans also adapt to the driving style. If you drive
>> more aggressively, the vehicle (well, the transmission for sure) will
>> adapt to your style and rais shift points, etc. Likewise, if you
>> drive more sedately, as I typically do, it would lower shift points
>> and try to maximize economy over performance. I was wondering if the
>> Hyundai similarly had some adaptability programmed into the control
>> systems.
>
>
> Perhaps with the transmission, but I wouldn't know, since I've never
> owned a car with an automatic tranny. I adapt my shift points to my
> heart's content.
Likewise, but the wife likes the automatics so her minivans have all
been slush box equipped. :-)
Matt
#50
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata gas mileage
I drive a 2006 GLS V6. Just crossed 1,000 miles. Very little highway
driving. I drive conservatively (shift the gear to neutral during long
stops).
Computer shows ~32 miles per hour speed and ~21 miles per gallon.
Significantly lower than '96 4-cyl Camry it replaced (~24 mpg), but I
shouldn't be comparing the two.
My colleague owns a 2006 4-cyl Camry and he told me that he also gets around
21 mpg. His theory is that the cylinders in newer Camry are bigger than
those in '96 Camry.
So far, we are happy with the new Sonata.
driving. I drive conservatively (shift the gear to neutral during long
stops).
Computer shows ~32 miles per hour speed and ~21 miles per gallon.
Significantly lower than '96 4-cyl Camry it replaced (~24 mpg), but I
shouldn't be comparing the two.
My colleague owns a 2006 4-cyl Camry and he told me that he also gets around
21 mpg. His theory is that the cylinders in newer Camry are bigger than
those in '96 Camry.
So far, we are happy with the new Sonata.
#51
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata gas mileage
I drive a 2006 GLS V6. Just crossed 1,000 miles. Very little highway
driving. I drive conservatively (shift the gear to neutral during long
stops).
Computer shows ~32 miles per hour speed and ~21 miles per gallon.
Significantly lower than '96 4-cyl Camry it replaced (~24 mpg), but I
shouldn't be comparing the two.
My colleague owns a 2006 4-cyl Camry and he told me that he also gets around
21 mpg. His theory is that the cylinders in newer Camry are bigger than
those in '96 Camry.
So far, we are happy with the new Sonata.
driving. I drive conservatively (shift the gear to neutral during long
stops).
Computer shows ~32 miles per hour speed and ~21 miles per gallon.
Significantly lower than '96 4-cyl Camry it replaced (~24 mpg), but I
shouldn't be comparing the two.
My colleague owns a 2006 4-cyl Camry and he told me that he also gets around
21 mpg. His theory is that the cylinders in newer Camry are bigger than
those in '96 Camry.
So far, we are happy with the new Sonata.
#52
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata gas mileage
I drive a 2006 GLS V6. Just crossed 1,000 miles. Very little highway
driving. I drive conservatively (shift the gear to neutral during long
stops).
Computer shows ~32 miles per hour speed and ~21 miles per gallon.
Significantly lower than '96 4-cyl Camry it replaced (~24 mpg), but I
shouldn't be comparing the two.
My colleague owns a 2006 4-cyl Camry and he told me that he also gets around
21 mpg. His theory is that the cylinders in newer Camry are bigger than
those in '96 Camry.
So far, we are happy with the new Sonata.
driving. I drive conservatively (shift the gear to neutral during long
stops).
Computer shows ~32 miles per hour speed and ~21 miles per gallon.
Significantly lower than '96 4-cyl Camry it replaced (~24 mpg), but I
shouldn't be comparing the two.
My colleague owns a 2006 4-cyl Camry and he told me that he also gets around
21 mpg. His theory is that the cylinders in newer Camry are bigger than
those in '96 Camry.
So far, we are happy with the new Sonata.
#53
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata gas mileage
"CNP" <CNP@CNP.com> wrote in message
news:2fv4b3-jf3.ln1@news.infowest.com...
> I drive a 2006 GLS V6. Just crossed 1,000 miles. Very little highway
> driving. I drive conservatively (shift the gear to neutral during long
> stops).
>
> Computer shows ~32 miles per hour speed and ~21 miles per gallon.
>
> Significantly lower than '96 4-cyl Camry it replaced (~24 mpg), but I
> shouldn't be comparing the two.
>
> My colleague owns a 2006 4-cyl Camry and he told me that he also gets
around
> 21 mpg. His theory is that the cylinders in newer Camry are bigger than
> those in '96 Camry.
>
> So far, we are happy with the new Sonata.
>
>
Glad you're happy with the new Sonata. Don't place a lot of faith in the
computer though. Calculate your gas mileage yourself when you fill up.
You'll find some significant discrepancy.
--
-Mike-
mmarlowREMOVE@alltel.net
#54
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata gas mileage
"CNP" <CNP@CNP.com> wrote in message
news:2fv4b3-jf3.ln1@news.infowest.com...
> I drive a 2006 GLS V6. Just crossed 1,000 miles. Very little highway
> driving. I drive conservatively (shift the gear to neutral during long
> stops).
>
> Computer shows ~32 miles per hour speed and ~21 miles per gallon.
>
> Significantly lower than '96 4-cyl Camry it replaced (~24 mpg), but I
> shouldn't be comparing the two.
>
> My colleague owns a 2006 4-cyl Camry and he told me that he also gets
around
> 21 mpg. His theory is that the cylinders in newer Camry are bigger than
> those in '96 Camry.
>
> So far, we are happy with the new Sonata.
>
>
Glad you're happy with the new Sonata. Don't place a lot of faith in the
computer though. Calculate your gas mileage yourself when you fill up.
You'll find some significant discrepancy.
--
-Mike-
mmarlowREMOVE@alltel.net
#55
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata gas mileage
"CNP" <CNP@CNP.com> wrote in message
news:2fv4b3-jf3.ln1@news.infowest.com...
> I drive a 2006 GLS V6. Just crossed 1,000 miles. Very little highway
> driving. I drive conservatively (shift the gear to neutral during long
> stops).
>
> Computer shows ~32 miles per hour speed and ~21 miles per gallon.
>
> Significantly lower than '96 4-cyl Camry it replaced (~24 mpg), but I
> shouldn't be comparing the two.
>
> My colleague owns a 2006 4-cyl Camry and he told me that he also gets
around
> 21 mpg. His theory is that the cylinders in newer Camry are bigger than
> those in '96 Camry.
>
> So far, we are happy with the new Sonata.
>
>
Glad you're happy with the new Sonata. Don't place a lot of faith in the
computer though. Calculate your gas mileage yourself when you fill up.
You'll find some significant discrepancy.
--
-Mike-
mmarlowREMOVE@alltel.net
#56
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata gas mileage
Matt Whiting wrote:
> I just made my 4th fill-up since buying my Sonata GL 4 cylinder/5 speed.
> Here is the data:
>
> tank 1 27.04
> tank 2 29.39
> tank 3 27.01
> tank 4 26.90
> -----
> Average 27.46
>
> Not terrible, but not what I hoped for. The EPA rating is 24/34 and I
> drive 70-80% highway. Hopefully, more miles and warmer weather this
> summer will bump this up a little. My 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager with
> the 3.3L V-6 and automatic transmission (and 178,000 miles!) was getting
> 22 MPG before its demise. Only getting 5 MPG more than the much larger
> van is a touch disappointing.
>
> What are others experiencing with their Sonatas?
>
Sorry I can't help with the Sonata, but I drive a 2004 Chevrolet
(Malibu) Classic, which is almost the same size and has almost the same
EPA estimates (24/34). The reason I check out this newsgroup is that I
have my eye on getting an '06 Sonata with the four-cylinder at some
point, though I'm not sure the finances will work out for now.
Anyway, don't feel bad. I just posted on the Malibu newsgroup that the
one big disappointment I've had with the Classic is fuel economy. It's
not what I hoped for or expected, and nowhere near the 24/34 EPA
sticker.
I average 23-24 mpg on mixed highway/city driving, sane legal speeds,
no burning rubber, windows all the way up, no heavy loads, and with a
clean air filter, newly changed Mobil 1 full-synthetic oil, and new
Kelly snow tires set to 32 psi. Also it's been a fairly mild winter
around here. (Northeastern PA)
It's been a bitter disappointment when on the whole I've been quite
satisifed with the car. (That's one reason I'm attracted to the '06
Sonata. In some ways it looks like a newer, safer, more advanced, very
slightly larger version of the Malibu....for just a few bucks more.)
My theory is that larger cars (3050+ lbs) with a four-cylinder will not
get the EPA sticker mileage under anything but IDEAL conditions. Most
of the time they won't even be close.
Smaller cars, such as my old Saturn SL2, can come much closer to
sticker fuel economy figures in real-world driving conditions.
There's a point past which you cannot defy the laws of physics. A close
look at EPA sticker figures from the '06 model year shows some strange
sticker readings.
For one thing, the Sonata with automatic transmission is rated slightly
higher than the Chevy Cobalt, a much smaller car. Does anyone believe a
Chevy Impala, at 3,553 lbs., with a V-6 really gets 31 mpg, even on the
highway at the speed limit, consistently? For that matter, can it be
true that a few models get better highway mpg with the auto tranny than
with the stick?
Bottom line is that EPA sticker figures must be viewed with extreme
skepticism.....
Regards,
Eric M
#57
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata gas mileage
Matt Whiting wrote:
> I just made my 4th fill-up since buying my Sonata GL 4 cylinder/5 speed.
> Here is the data:
>
> tank 1 27.04
> tank 2 29.39
> tank 3 27.01
> tank 4 26.90
> -----
> Average 27.46
>
> Not terrible, but not what I hoped for. The EPA rating is 24/34 and I
> drive 70-80% highway. Hopefully, more miles and warmer weather this
> summer will bump this up a little. My 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager with
> the 3.3L V-6 and automatic transmission (and 178,000 miles!) was getting
> 22 MPG before its demise. Only getting 5 MPG more than the much larger
> van is a touch disappointing.
>
> What are others experiencing with their Sonatas?
>
Sorry I can't help with the Sonata, but I drive a 2004 Chevrolet
(Malibu) Classic, which is almost the same size and has almost the same
EPA estimates (24/34). The reason I check out this newsgroup is that I
have my eye on getting an '06 Sonata with the four-cylinder at some
point, though I'm not sure the finances will work out for now.
Anyway, don't feel bad. I just posted on the Malibu newsgroup that the
one big disappointment I've had with the Classic is fuel economy. It's
not what I hoped for or expected, and nowhere near the 24/34 EPA
sticker.
I average 23-24 mpg on mixed highway/city driving, sane legal speeds,
no burning rubber, windows all the way up, no heavy loads, and with a
clean air filter, newly changed Mobil 1 full-synthetic oil, and new
Kelly snow tires set to 32 psi. Also it's been a fairly mild winter
around here. (Northeastern PA)
It's been a bitter disappointment when on the whole I've been quite
satisifed with the car. (That's one reason I'm attracted to the '06
Sonata. In some ways it looks like a newer, safer, more advanced, very
slightly larger version of the Malibu....for just a few bucks more.)
My theory is that larger cars (3050+ lbs) with a four-cylinder will not
get the EPA sticker mileage under anything but IDEAL conditions. Most
of the time they won't even be close.
Smaller cars, such as my old Saturn SL2, can come much closer to
sticker fuel economy figures in real-world driving conditions.
There's a point past which you cannot defy the laws of physics. A close
look at EPA sticker figures from the '06 model year shows some strange
sticker readings.
For one thing, the Sonata with automatic transmission is rated slightly
higher than the Chevy Cobalt, a much smaller car. Does anyone believe a
Chevy Impala, at 3,553 lbs., with a V-6 really gets 31 mpg, even on the
highway at the speed limit, consistently? For that matter, can it be
true that a few models get better highway mpg with the auto tranny than
with the stick?
Bottom line is that EPA sticker figures must be viewed with extreme
skepticism.....
Regards,
Eric M
#58
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata gas mileage
Matt Whiting wrote:
> I just made my 4th fill-up since buying my Sonata GL 4 cylinder/5 speed.
> Here is the data:
>
> tank 1 27.04
> tank 2 29.39
> tank 3 27.01
> tank 4 26.90
> -----
> Average 27.46
>
> Not terrible, but not what I hoped for. The EPA rating is 24/34 and I
> drive 70-80% highway. Hopefully, more miles and warmer weather this
> summer will bump this up a little. My 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager with
> the 3.3L V-6 and automatic transmission (and 178,000 miles!) was getting
> 22 MPG before its demise. Only getting 5 MPG more than the much larger
> van is a touch disappointing.
>
> What are others experiencing with their Sonatas?
>
Sorry I can't help with the Sonata, but I drive a 2004 Chevrolet
(Malibu) Classic, which is almost the same size and has almost the same
EPA estimates (24/34). The reason I check out this newsgroup is that I
have my eye on getting an '06 Sonata with the four-cylinder at some
point, though I'm not sure the finances will work out for now.
Anyway, don't feel bad. I just posted on the Malibu newsgroup that the
one big disappointment I've had with the Classic is fuel economy. It's
not what I hoped for or expected, and nowhere near the 24/34 EPA
sticker.
I average 23-24 mpg on mixed highway/city driving, sane legal speeds,
no burning rubber, windows all the way up, no heavy loads, and with a
clean air filter, newly changed Mobil 1 full-synthetic oil, and new
Kelly snow tires set to 32 psi. Also it's been a fairly mild winter
around here. (Northeastern PA)
It's been a bitter disappointment when on the whole I've been quite
satisifed with the car. (That's one reason I'm attracted to the '06
Sonata. In some ways it looks like a newer, safer, more advanced, very
slightly larger version of the Malibu....for just a few bucks more.)
My theory is that larger cars (3050+ lbs) with a four-cylinder will not
get the EPA sticker mileage under anything but IDEAL conditions. Most
of the time they won't even be close.
Smaller cars, such as my old Saturn SL2, can come much closer to
sticker fuel economy figures in real-world driving conditions.
There's a point past which you cannot defy the laws of physics. A close
look at EPA sticker figures from the '06 model year shows some strange
sticker readings.
For one thing, the Sonata with automatic transmission is rated slightly
higher than the Chevy Cobalt, a much smaller car. Does anyone believe a
Chevy Impala, at 3,553 lbs., with a V-6 really gets 31 mpg, even on the
highway at the speed limit, consistently? For that matter, can it be
true that a few models get better highway mpg with the auto tranny than
with the stick?
Bottom line is that EPA sticker figures must be viewed with extreme
skepticism.....
Regards,
Eric M
#59
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata gas mileage
Eric wrote:
> For one thing, the Sonata with automatic transmission is rated slightly
> higher than the Chevy Cobalt, a much smaller car. Does anyone believe a
> Chevy Impala, at 3,553 lbs., with a V-6 really gets 31 mpg, even on the
> highway at the speed limit, consistently? For that matter, can it be
> true that a few models get better highway mpg with the auto tranny than
> with the stick?
It is possible. I rented a large Buick a few years ago (I can't
remember the model name now, but it was, I believe, the largest model)
for a trip from Corning, NY to Boston. I drove 70-75 both directions
and that car got 31 MPG for the trip! I was amazed. My minivans never
got above 27 on a trip and typically got 25 at those speeds.
However, that car may have been terrible in local driving, I don't know.
My minivans got 22 or so in local driving, they just never got much
more than that even on a trip.
> Bottom line is that EPA sticker figures must be viewed with extreme
> skepticism.....
Absolutely!
Matt
> For one thing, the Sonata with automatic transmission is rated slightly
> higher than the Chevy Cobalt, a much smaller car. Does anyone believe a
> Chevy Impala, at 3,553 lbs., with a V-6 really gets 31 mpg, even on the
> highway at the speed limit, consistently? For that matter, can it be
> true that a few models get better highway mpg with the auto tranny than
> with the stick?
It is possible. I rented a large Buick a few years ago (I can't
remember the model name now, but it was, I believe, the largest model)
for a trip from Corning, NY to Boston. I drove 70-75 both directions
and that car got 31 MPG for the trip! I was amazed. My minivans never
got above 27 on a trip and typically got 25 at those speeds.
However, that car may have been terrible in local driving, I don't know.
My minivans got 22 or so in local driving, they just never got much
more than that even on a trip.
> Bottom line is that EPA sticker figures must be viewed with extreme
> skepticism.....
Absolutely!
Matt
#60
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata gas mileage
Eric wrote:
> For one thing, the Sonata with automatic transmission is rated slightly
> higher than the Chevy Cobalt, a much smaller car. Does anyone believe a
> Chevy Impala, at 3,553 lbs., with a V-6 really gets 31 mpg, even on the
> highway at the speed limit, consistently? For that matter, can it be
> true that a few models get better highway mpg with the auto tranny than
> with the stick?
It is possible. I rented a large Buick a few years ago (I can't
remember the model name now, but it was, I believe, the largest model)
for a trip from Corning, NY to Boston. I drove 70-75 both directions
and that car got 31 MPG for the trip! I was amazed. My minivans never
got above 27 on a trip and typically got 25 at those speeds.
However, that car may have been terrible in local driving, I don't know.
My minivans got 22 or so in local driving, they just never got much
more than that even on a trip.
> Bottom line is that EPA sticker figures must be viewed with extreme
> skepticism.....
Absolutely!
Matt
> For one thing, the Sonata with automatic transmission is rated slightly
> higher than the Chevy Cobalt, a much smaller car. Does anyone believe a
> Chevy Impala, at 3,553 lbs., with a V-6 really gets 31 mpg, even on the
> highway at the speed limit, consistently? For that matter, can it be
> true that a few models get better highway mpg with the auto tranny than
> with the stick?
It is possible. I rented a large Buick a few years ago (I can't
remember the model name now, but it was, I believe, the largest model)
for a trip from Corning, NY to Boston. I drove 70-75 both directions
and that car got 31 MPG for the trip! I was amazed. My minivans never
got above 27 on a trip and typically got 25 at those speeds.
However, that car may have been terrible in local driving, I don't know.
My minivans got 22 or so in local driving, they just never got much
more than that even on a trip.
> Bottom line is that EPA sticker figures must be viewed with extreme
> skepticism.....
Absolutely!
Matt