Automobile Fuel Efficiency Listings And Inflated Gas Mileage Stickers

If the Environmental Protection Agency can’t get gas mileage estimates right, who can you trust?

As recently revealed by a Consumer Reports study, the automobile fuel efficiency listings and mileage numbers you see in your automobile’s sticker are not exactly what you get out on the road. In fact, 90% of the vehicles studied (out of more than 300), presented shortfalls in mileage estimates and electric-gas hybrids were the worst of all, with 19 mpg under EPA estimates.

One of the reasons for this confusion is that the EPA determines fuel economy numbers using a standardized test procedure and under controlled conditions at the National Vehicle Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The vehicle is placed on a dynamometer, a large machine that simulates the driving environment. Computer and emissions readings determine the fuel-efficiency figure.

On the other hand, Consumer Reports took average cars purchased at normal car dealerships, followed common routes on real roads, and considered the type of stop-and-go traffic consumers would encounter on their daily drives. The result is actual mileage estimates up to 50% below EPA’s.

Originally established in the 1970s, EPA’s methods had already been questioned and adjusted during the 80s. On that occasion, mpg numbers were reduced by 10% for city and 22% for highway estimates. However, it seems that they’re up for another revision.

Starting with 2008 models, EPA’s calculations will be reduced once again by 5% to 20%, hoping to reach a more accurate number. New test procedures will also be developed, but for that we’ll have to wait a couple of years.

In the mean time, remember this information as you read the car window stickers and make a decision at the dealerships. With rising gas prices and elevated cost of owning a car, every mile and gallon counts.

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