Almost 5000 miles now and still only 37 mpg :(

[mnext02]

80% freeway driving at 75mph

[Smartfor2guy]

Originally Posted by mnext02

80% freeway driving at 75mph

If you would slow it down between 60-65 you would get 41+. You paying extra for speed

[kwagar]

Although you could likely do better by adjusting speed and driving style the car is rated for 32 to 41 so I would say you are right on the reasonable expectation for the car.

[SuperGeek]

Originally Posted by mnext02

80% freeway driving at 75mph

That's about right. Get down to 65mph and you'll be past 40mpg, maybe even 45, on highway alone. Anything you add in town will be somewhere in the 30-35mpg range, 27 if you drive hard, short trips, up lots of hills.

[Gar Blume]

Have you noticed a difference with the a/c in recirculate versus exterior air? I've seen different opinions on this. In Alabama in August with heat index well over 100, I'm running the air regardless of mpg, but wonder whether either setting makes much difference for fuel efficiency.

[SuperGeek]

I haven't been able to tell a difference using the Scangauge, but I have to find an open stretch of road for a real test.

Recirc cools down the inside air using cooler inside air instead of the outside, thereby making the system more efficient. The AC compressor will engage and disengage more often when it's hotter inside, so I would guess that it's more efficient to run with recirc on. The difference shouldn't be very great, maybe 2-3mpg. With that little difference, what matters is that you're comfortable inside. Just remember that recirc will recycle CO2 and not let in new air, so you don't want to run recirc for 4 solid hours... fresh air is our friend.

[msjohnson1974]

I get 37 MPG combined with most of it on the Highway with the AC running. So, what you're getting is about right.

If you want 80 MPG get a scooter.

[Bum-bling-B]

You're right on if you're doing 75mph. I do between 62-67mph 60% and city driving the rest of the time. Averaged 43mpg over 11k. When I take it on the highway and do 70 I'll get around 39mpg. Drop down to 70 for a tank and see how much of a gain you get just over 5mph.

At 75mph you're not going to get awesome mileage, the car just doesn't have the aerodynamics for it. It's a city car. (ps, I do drive mine a 100 miles per day, highway.)

[Thrilla from Manila]

Originally Posted by mnext02

80% freeway driving at 75mph

lucky! I can't get over 33 for the life of me. Driven it hard and soft, not in M not in D not going 50mph not goin 80mph. I'm beginning to think there is something wrong with this car.

[scdaf]

Don't know why people beat on this carr for aerodynamics? A .29 coefficient of drag is identical to a Mazda Miata and I don't recall anyone comparing it to a barn door. smartie has an excellent and efficient shape and it's a little offended to be so underappreciated...