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Your Mileage May Vary, Automakers Admit

Forbes -- The fuel economy mileage that appears on window stickers of new vehicles is calculated through a test that puts a vehicle through a standardized drive cycle designed by the EPA. The EPA then relies on auto manufacturers to conduct the test, and certifies that the vehicles have been tested. The goal is to give consumers a valid comparison point between different vehicles, so if one is shopping for a new Ford C-Max or a Toyota Prius, the numbers for fuel economy can be accurately gauged.

At least that’s the goal. Already this year the EPA audited Hyundai and Kia after receiving consumer complaints about the fuel economy figures. The audit found that Hyundai and Kia have fudged mileage claims in order to achieve 40 mpg, in some cases by as many as 6 mpg. This resulted in the combined co

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Submitted Jan 10, 2013 By: mastermariner

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bston Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:1,955 Points:669,990 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jan 11, 2013 5:13:22 PM Ignore bston Report Abuse Yep, once again the good old EPA's involved!
TruthMatters Champion Author New Jersey Posts:2,586 Points:558,555 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Jan 11, 2013 2:47:40 PM Ignore TruthMatters Report Abuse Needless to say. And judging by the maniacs that live around me, getting good gas mileage is the last thing on their minds (if they have them)!
APlus Champion Author San Antonio Posts:4,013 Points:1,011,020 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Jan 11, 2013 8:05:58 AM Ignore APlus Report Abuse Real roads with real drivers at least 100 drivers on real roads over 1 year could be used to determine actual miles per gallon - is how I would like it to be. Though I dream on as automakers fail to meet in real life high miles per gallon for most drivers.
blupupher Champion Author Houston Posts:3,695 Points:775,745 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Jan 11, 2013 6:20:59 AM Ignore blupupher Report Abuse so is that what "estimated" MPG means? I have been able to get better than EPA estimates (but still within the listed range on the sticker) on all my vehicles I have owned by driveing conservatly.
leeac Champion Author Ohio Posts:1,736 Points:461,605 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Jan 11, 2013 3:50:06 AM Ignore leeac Report Abuse Calculating miles per gallon is too simple. Fill the tank. Drive. Fill the tank. Divide miles driven by gallons of fuel used. Too simple. Punish those that lie about MPG. [Edited by: leeac at 1/11/2013 5:50:38 AM EST]
clpassenubye Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:3,374 Points:776,930 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 10:02:18 PM Ignore clpassenubye Report Abuse It seems with all the MPG competition more and more automakers are fudging their numbers.
alterman156 Champion Author New York Posts:7,625 Points:1,584,250 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 9:06:04 PM Ignore alterman156 Report Abuse This is true.
lesndave Champion Author Texas Posts:3,173 Points:728,630 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 8:45:00 PM Ignore lesndave Report Abuse No kidding!
BobBG All-Star Author Albany Posts:823 Points:828,845 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 8:02:35 PM Ignore BobBG Report Abuse Hyundai is now paying me because my Elantra doesn't get the 40mpg that they claimed.
cmgodwin Champion Author Raleigh Posts:1,103 Points:311,125 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 7:44:12 PM Ignore cmgodwin Report Abuse Why risk your company's reputation on fudged numbers when consumers are expecting accuracy & honesty?
mike56MI Champion Author Michigan Posts:1,361 Points:336,040 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 4:09:58 PM Ignore mike56MI Report Abuse WOW
JDchefF Champion Author Lancaster Posts:1,172 Points:253,145 Joined:Aug 2012	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 3:57:32 PM Ignore JDchefF Report Abuse Duuuhhhh, You think! ! ! About time they get a clue about this.
SUNOIL Champion Author Toledo Posts:5,385 Points:1,952,955 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 3:56:42 PM Ignore SUNOIL Report Abuse Yes but the MPG on the sticker should be attainable
slowtrain Champion Author Georgia Posts:3,802 Points:976,375 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 3:51:42 PM Ignore slowtrain Report Abuse No kidding?
nigelb Champion Author Virginia Posts:8,597 Points:1,418,480 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:48:05 PM Ignore nigelb Report Abuse I would think everyone knows by now that "your mileage may vary."
4warned Champion Author Michigan Posts:5,814 Points:2,187,735 Joined:Nov 2006	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:43:17 PM Ignore 4warned Report Abuse I usually do better.
singlemom27 Champion Author Ventura Posts:3,253 Points:667,885 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:42:13 PM Ignore singlemom27 Report Abuse That's a statement of the obvious.
katmandue Champion Author Detroit Posts:8,211 Points:2,161,820 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:39:07 PM Ignore katmandue Report Abuse auto use best case to set their mpg by but no one drives like that in real life.
mrmike75 All-Star Author Las Vegas Posts:546 Points:65,445 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:31:35 PM Ignore mrmike75 Report Abuse those numbers are jusy a ploy to get consumers to buy the cars. they are estimates not factual numbers.
crep1291 Champion Author Ottawa Posts:2,637 Points:486,190 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:31:32 PM Ignore crep1291 Report Abuse Car companies cannot provide fuel economy figures for every possible operating condition. The list would be too long. Perhaps the EPA should add a few tests to account for such factors as: - Temperature, use of AC and heaters - Aggressiveness of driver - Driving at higher altitudes - Driving in rain
larharris2 Veteran Author Tennessee Posts:343 Points:524,175 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:31:15 PM Ignore larharris2 Report Abuse Do ya think???
gaspumpin Champion Author Indiana Posts:1,792 Points:415,820 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:28:12 PM Ignore gaspumpin Report Abuse Bearzz is right.
BobbyVA Champion Author Virginia Beach Posts:5,632 Points:1,201,805 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:28:02 PM Ignore BobbyVA Report Abuse Bet they check all the motor corps. except Govt Motors (GM)! Its the way of politicians.
Alfied Champion Author Riverside Posts:8,079 Points:1,783,940 Joined:Jun 2001	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:28:00 PM Ignore Alfied Report Abuse Of course.
bearzz Champion Author California Posts:1,573 Points:446,620 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:26:49 PM Ignore bearzz Report Abuse Duh, let's be reasonable. Those stats are for conservative driving, no jack rabbit starts and stops, etc. Many many people do not drive at those optimum conditions and are not going to get the mileage posted. I listened to a car pro and he indicated it could be done but most people's driving habits negate the optimum.
PontiacFan All-Star Author Gary Posts:776 Points:434,875 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:25:12 PM Ignore PontiacFan Report Abuse Derr, if you needed Forbes to tell you this you shouldn't be driving. Less stupid people will improve the roads for me, and I'm the only one that matters. FYI, the automakers never said YOU will get those MPGs, just that the car is is CAPABLE of it.
sivart Champion Author Arkansas Posts:18,393 Points:3,098,475 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:23:31 PM Ignore sivart Report Abuse I use that sticker as a guide and I don't believe for a minute that is the millage that I will get!
Sneakers55 Champion Author Houston Posts:51,851 Points:2,169,375 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:23:15 PM Ignore Sneakers55 Report Abuse On Jan 10, 2013 3:10:46 PM, OOXXFF wrote: >I wonder how many manufacturers are giving us honest millage figures? Federal Test Procedure 75 was never intended to produce real-world mileage figures. It was designed to maximally stress the emissions control system. Truth be told, the auto manufacturers are just as frustrated with FTP-75 as are vehicle owners.
ChuckGVT Champion Author Vermont Posts:6,833 Points:1,720,675 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:22:11 PM Ignore ChuckGVT Report Abuse OK.
07skydriver Champion Author Ohio Posts:3,379 Points:1,010,280 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:19:18 PM Ignore 07skydriver Report Abuse Mileage gets better every time you ............. .....just stay home.
Sneakers55 Champion Author Houston Posts:51,851 Points:2,169,375 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:17:36 PM Ignore Sneakers55 Report Abuse On Jan 10, 2013 2:30:24 PM, caddilac wrote: >Everyone is, or should be aware, that the auto companies >get their mileage ON A CLOSED CIRCUIT using a professional >driver, WITH NO TRAFFIC LIGHTS OR TRAFFIC to impede >the constant speed of the vehicle. LOL Canada making misrepresentations about Federal Test Procedure 75. There are speedups, slowdowns, and idling in the procedure. It is NOT bringing the vehicle to a constant steady speed and holding it there.
tnfran Champion Author Arizona Posts:4,518 Points:869,140 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:17:32 PM Ignore tnfran Report Abuse A LOT depends on the driver behind the wheel!!
stevencr Champion Author Ohio Posts:5,797 Points:1,462,465 Joined:Mar 2009	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:17:22 PM Ignore stevencr Report Abuse We don't Forbes to tell us this, most people already know that the MPG on the sticker is crap.
The_DR Champion Author New Jersey Posts:2,925 Points:612,765 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:16:49 PM Ignore The_DR Report Abuse Cheats and liars.
mgheim Rookie Author Orange County Posts:78 Points:191,065 Joined:Nov 2012	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:15:26 PM Ignore mgheim Report Abuse ok
Mariuxus Champion Author Chicago Posts:3,892 Points:1,898,505 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:14:52 PM Ignore Mariuxus Report Abuse ok...
CharlieC08 Champion Author Colorado Posts:8,077 Points:1,486,075 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:14:37 PM Ignore CharlieC08 Report Abuse Key word is MAY.
7SPEEDY7 Champion Author Flint Posts:1,421 Points:632,925 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:13:56 PM Ignore 7SPEEDY7 Report Abuse Interesting!
mycar2 Champion Author Akron Posts:2,204 Points:2,382,270 Joined:Apr 2004	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:13:49 PM Ignore mycar2 Report Abuse works when you don't try to bend the system
OOXXFF Champion Author Greensboro Posts:3,193 Points:1,106,655 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:10:46 PM Ignore OOXXFF Report Abuse I wonder how many manufacturers are giving us honest millage figures?
mikaye Champion Author Cleveland Posts:3,964 Points:891,160 Joined:Jun 2010	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:08:37 PM Ignore mikaye Report Abuse you really believe automakers will tell the truth about mpg when they are not checked up on niave
USMC_0411 Veteran Author California Posts:363 Points:372,215 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:05:48 PM Ignore USMC_0411 Report Abuse Ok
jay93LA Champion Author New Orleans Posts:2,589 Points:627,410 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:04:48 PM Ignore jay93LA Report Abuse hard to believe there is a standard
bluetruck54 Champion Author Quad Cities Posts:1,588 Points:463,660 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:02:50 PM Ignore bluetruck54 Report Abuse does the EPA know (or care) how stupid they make themselves look????
CityCouponer Champion Author New Orleans Posts:1,073 Points:229,255 Joined:Aug 2012	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 2:01:31 PM Ignore CityCouponer Report Abuse More like "Your mileage won't even be close."
ScottTee Champion Author Detroit Posts:4,532 Points:1,091,295 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 1:59:43 PM Ignore ScottTee Report Abuse understatement
Martillo Champion Author Dallas Posts:1,723 Points:756,395 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 1:55:33 PM Ignore Martillo Report Abuse ok
marsbars Champion Author Alaska Posts:2,675 Points:1,184,585 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 1:54:29 PM Ignore marsbars Report Abuse Maybe the test drives should be done by regular drivers like you and me.
Cappuccino1 Sophomore Author Madison Posts:189 Points:759,865 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 1:47:11 PM Ignore Cappuccino1 Report Abuse Relying on auto manufacturers to conduct the test is like having the foxes guarding the chickens.
blazerbob91 Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:6,285 Points:1,910,995 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Jan 10, 2013 1:46:28 PM Ignore blazerbob91 Report Abuse Don't believe any salesman.