Your mileage has varied
For years, consumers have groused that their new car simply can’t match the gas mileage estimates displayed on the window sticker or featured in advertisements. The typical gut reaction has been to blame the carmaker, attributing the shortfall to an overenthusiastic marketing department. We see this type of comment all the time in our forums, and it seems that no company — even hybrid car manufacturers — is immune.
The reason why fuel economy estimates have been coming out too high is simple: The EPA-specified testing and reporting method has not been updated since 1985. Since then, a lot has changed. For one thing, the former national speed limit of 55 mph has been abolished. So instead of topping out at 60 mph, the new highway rating test includes speeds up to 80 mph.
