With the elevated state of gas prices these days, it is no wonder that strong fuel efficiency has become one of the main selling points for many an auto buyer. However, Honda’s recent loss in California small claims court over faulty MPG claims and Hyundai’s decision to pull MPG claims from its Super Bowl ads after being threatened by a consumer advocacy group have shown us that all isn’t what it what seems to be when it comes to MPG accuracy.
First of all, consumers have got to realize that the MPG figures given are only achievable in perfect conditions driven in a certain way, which, in fact, makes the figure unachievable.
To get a better understanding of what any specific car’s actual MPG is, consumers need to check out the MPG numbers in the EPA section of the car’s window sticker. The EPA numbers give city, highway and combined figures. However, it is important for consumers not to solely rely on this sticker.
There are many other sources that consumers must resource while evaluating MPG claims. The U.S. Department of Energy has a free website, Fueleconomy.gov, that compares mileage claims. Also online, there are numerous reliable vehicle reviews that also comment upon fuel efficiency promises.
Going old school, there remain many publications that write in depth each year about vehicles including how fuel efficient they are. Perhaps the best of these magazines is “Consumer Reports.”
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