Year: 2008

Improving Gas Mileage with the ScanGaugeII (pt 1)

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The secret to improving your gas mileage can be found right in the mirror. If you want to cut your fuel costs, your vehicle doesn’t just need to be in tune … you need to be in tune with your vehicle.

The key to that quest is knowing how much fuel your engine is using in real-time. But here lies the dilemma … While some vehicles provide real-time fuel economy data via digital display, a great many do not. If your car lacks a real-time fuel economy gauge, all is not lost.

You just need to look to the after market.

My wife’s five year old Honda Pilot has 130,000 miles on the odometer, but it lacks a real-time fuel economy gauge. Now I’m not a hypermiler by any means, nor do I aspire to be, but I’ve been able to improve my gas mileage to the point where I can consistently score results of over 30 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway (in an 8-passenger SUV) by using an after market real-time display.

Linear-Logic’s ScanGaugeII is a simple plug-and-place device that provides a one-stop solution for drivers looking to uncork fuel economy data, as well as the stream of other valuable information hidden in a car’s computer (commonly referred to as the Engine Control Unit [or ECU]).

While the ScanGaugeII is a snap to use, you need to pay attention to the details. The inside cover of the device’s manual provides a strong proviso regarding the safe operation of the ScanGaugeII. In particular, you must take caution as where and how you mount the device. It’s imperative that the display is fastened safely in a spot within the line of sight yet free of obstruction, while routing the cable in a secure manner.

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Best Gas Mileage?

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If you’re looking for information on the best gas mileage cars, SUVs, vans, or trucks, you’ve come to the right place. From the moment MPGomatic was conceived, it’s been our goal to provide comprehensive data and unbiased reports in a positive and forward thinking manner. Getting the best gas mileage usually entails one of two things (but often both). You either upgrade to a vehicle that gets the best gas mileage or you apply techniques and technology to get improved fuel efficiency out of your current vehicle.

It’s not as tough as you might think.

We’re not here to sell you anything, nor to collect sales leads. Our agenda is simple. We want to provide you with the tools you need, so you can chart your own course.

A year ago, we began our quest with four basic charts and a nifty gas mileage calculator.

The charts make your choices clear to see:

Our scope has greatly expanded over the course of the past year.

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2008 Mazda3 MPG Review

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Mazda3 MPG-o-Matic Mazda3 Review Summary: The Mazda3 is a fun to drive sport compact. We easily blew past the official gas mileage estimates in our extended test drive.

The Mazda3 is available as both a four door sedan and a five door hatch. It competes with the Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, and Chevy Cobalt, among many others in the red hot small car market.

The Mazda3 can be purchased with a 2.0 liter or 2.3 liter inline four cylinder engine, depending on the model. Our copper red mica four-door touring model was fitted with the 2.3 liter engine, which produces 156 horsepower and 150 foot pounds of torque.

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2008 Ford Fusion MPG Review

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Ford Fusion MPG-o-Matic 2008 Ford Fusion Review Summary: The Ford Fusion is a four door sedan that competes most closely with the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Chevy Malibu. The Fusion slots between the Focus and Taurus in Ford’s line up.

While the 2008 Fusion comes standard with a 2.3 liter four cylinder engine, our test car was fitted with the optional 3.0 liter V6 producing 221 horsepower and 205 foot pounds of torque.

We found the V6 to provide a compelling combination of performance and fuel economy, when driven conscientiously.

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SUV Hybrids

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Whether you need to haul people, pets, gear, or any combination of the three, SUV hybrids work hard to contain fuel costs, while providing more versatility than typical hybrid sedans.

Part and parcel to our role as the Internet’s leading independent authority on gas mileage, we’re committed to the task of documenting each and every hybrid SUV currently on the road by the end of 2008. As of August 2008, we’ve reviewed the following vehicles:

Each one of these SUV hybrids is an excellent vehicle in its own right. Each takes a different approach.

The Escape Hybrid is a more traditional SUV with the best overall mileage in its class, while the RX400h is a roomy and comfortable living room on wheels. These two play opposite ends of the utility and luxury scale.

The Vue Green Line has European roots and flair, with unique styling, segment-topping highway gas mileage, and a more car-like ride.

The roomy and versatile Toyota Highlander Hybrid delivers the best overall gas mileage for a seven passenger SUV.

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