budscuz

My gal just bought a '96 Astro. We went on our first trip and got only 21 miles per gallon. My friends reported 28, but with older Astros. She drove over, I drove back and did worse than her with her lead foot. I really expected better mileage. Any feedback on this would be appreciated. Am I expecting too much, or do I have a problem? Ken

old_master

Of the three that I drive and service regularly, ('96, '98, & '02), they all get about 21mpg highway under optimum conditions.

ericn1300

my wife's 96 would maybe get 21 going down hill with a tailwind and a trailer pushing it. 16.5 to 17.5 around town. but then we have altitude and mountain driving to contend with, and her lead foot, race to the next red light attitude.

old_master

Ain't that the truth! But then, those aren't exactly what I would call "optimum conditions".

dewaynep

Wow, I wish I could get 21 with my '96. I am lucky to get anything above 16.5. I thought they were only rated for 16/18 straight from the factory...

2001 ASTRO DUDE

My 01 averages 18.5 with mostly highway miles. I have the MPG real time display on the overhead console and you can watch it go from 23mpg (down hill or flat interstate) down to 5-6 mpg (while passing the slow bastard in front of my intent on crossing the country at 50 MPH in the fast lane ). I would be tickled to death to get 21 MPG!!!

wyatt_earb

A friend of mine has owned 2 astros and they both ate gas, but the damn things are tough. One of the toughest and most reliable vehicles that I know of.

budscuz

Thaks guys. I do appreciate your input. Guess it's running like it should.

old_master

One thing to keep in mind: The PCM can only adjust the fuel mixture as fast as the O2 sensors can react. A slow sensor will cost you fuel mileage.

ericn1300

and a slow O2 sensor may only occasional trip the SES light temporialy but still have an impact on mileage. it's a cheap and easy replacement that is probably long overdue on a 96. good call Old Master.