I recently noticed a gas smell in my car at all times (in the morning after it was sitting all night), at lunch time after driving a few miles, and everytime I get in the car.

The gas mileage is also down to about 320 miles / tank instead of 360 miles / tank.

Does anyone know what could be causing this?

I just replaced the front Oxygen sensor after getting a check engine light (I don't remember the code) and bad mileage. It fixed the check engine light, but not the mileage.

'96 Ford Escort LX
1.9L
115,500 miles

mine is a different style, a 1990. i had the exact same thing. there was just a leak in the filler tube to the gas tank, dont fill it up all the way and u wont have a problem

I recently noticed a gas smell in my car at all times (in the morning after it was sitting all night), at lunch time after driving a few miles, and everytime I get in the car.

The gas mileage is also down to about 320 miles / tank instead of 360 miles / tank.

Does anyone know what could be causing this?

I just replaced the front Oxygen sensor after getting a check engine light (I don't remember the code) and bad mileage. It fixed the check engine light, but not the mileage.

'96 Ford Escort LX
1.9L
115,500 miles

:2cents:
How many O2 sensors does your car have? Most older models have one, later models have two. If two, were both changed?
Very seldom does an O2 sensor trigger a CEL by it's self. It is usually a result of incorrect air/fuel ratio. The symptoms of poor mileage, and the gas fumes, suggests the engine is running 'rich'. If the car has not been 'tuned-up' recently, that would be a good start. If it has, I suggest another diagnostic test be performed in an effort to determine the root cause.

i had thre same problem.. turns out if was a leaky fuel injector