Want to start an informal poll for mpg across the different Prizm models? Reply with what you drive, what's your mpg, and why (if you know). Do you do anything different?

This is a question that's been driving me nuts since I bought my Prizm earlier this year-
There seem to be two options - those that get around 30 mpg and those that get 40 (highway, of course.) I thought I did my research - got an '01, manual, 4 speed w/overdrive, well maintained, (and LSi to boot, for about 2k); I put on 4 new tires, brakes and rotors, clean air filter, etc. I get just over 30 on the highway (new tires did help for a couple mpg). I still love the car, just wish I was getting closer to 40 on the highway.

What separates those "40 something" mpg-ers from the rest? I know manual will give a couple mpg, but people with auto have reported it too. What's the magic - is it an option/feature in some prism models, driving habits (55 mph and 70 mph get about the same mpg for me on flat terrain), etc? If you don't know, let's find what the 40's have in common (especially in the 99-02 models).

Any prism-specific suggestions for boosting mpg?
Thanks
-io

A tune up may help. There are also other options like a K@N filter but its not gonna give you an extra 10mpg.

Thanks, I think I'm abut as tuned as I can get without upgrading parts. I don't think I can improve my vehicle, but other people (not just published numbers) have stated they do get ~40MPG. Now curiosity is getting to me-

I think what I'm really trying to ask is "If I wanted to buy a Prism (99-03) today, which models/extras should I look for to get 40MPG? I'm especially interested in answers from those with firsthand experience, but welcome any suggestions.
Thanks-
io

-or should we turn it into a contest -who gets the Best MPG?

My 1998 Lsi only gets 31 -32 highway, but probably even less because my GPS shows that my speedometer is about 5% fast at 70 MPH. Kind of disappointing after coming from a 1996 Metro that got 38 - 40 highway.

I have a 2001 5-speed manual, base trim model Prism. I regularly get about 40 mpg (39-41) on the highway. I use my cruise control, which I think helps the mileage. I set the cruise between 65 & 70. I typically average about 35 mpg around town. Last summer, my mileage started to drop, so I got a tune-up, and it went back up to 40.

I know someone that had a Geo Metro driving it,sitting in his yard now and not repairable,has the Geo split.He got 60 MPG with it.