poor gas mileage
hotsaucencake
08-10-2009, 10:13 AM
What can I do to increase the gas mileage I'm getting in my 03 saturn ion. It is quoted at 24/32 but I'm not getting that much.
tinysmoke
08-16-2009, 04:01 PM
What can I do to increase the gas mileage I'm getting in my 03 saturn ion. It is quoted at 24/32 but I'm not getting that much.
I have a 5 speed manual 05 ion that is rated at 23/32. I have had it about 4 months. I put about 90 mostly hiway miles on it each day and get just over 40 mpg. My 2000 Saturn SL got 42-44 mpg on the same route.
My ion is a base model and does not display instantaneous or average mpg. I did buy a scangauge on ebay for about $130. Among other things it shows current and average mpg.
It hasn't paid for itself but does give some interesting info. Speed and acceleration decrease mpg in a hurry. I live in Missouri where the interstate limit is 70 and most state highways are 55 mph.
Anytime you can avoid braking that helps. For example, if you can coast to a stop light or intersection you will save gas. Our son lives in New York. He says coasting in NY will get you honked at so that may not work.
I don't warm my car up. If it is cold I drove slow the first few miles.
I have used expensive synthetic oil. It may prolong engine life but I haven't seen it increase mpg.
Most aftermarket computer chip replacements advertise improved mpg. I have not tried them.
Perhaps other forum readers can add their ideas.
I liked my 2000 SL and like my 05 ion as well. The ion is a slightly larger car with a bigger engine so I expect it to get somewhat less mpg.
Best of luck.
Randy
I have a 5 speed manual 05 ion that is rated at 23/32. I have had it about 4 months. I put about 90 mostly hiway miles on it each day and get just over 40 mpg. My 2000 Saturn SL got 42-44 mpg on the same route.
My ion is a base model and does not display instantaneous or average mpg. I did buy a scangauge on ebay for about $130. Among other things it shows current and average mpg.
It hasn't paid for itself but does give some interesting info. Speed and acceleration decrease mpg in a hurry. I live in Missouri where the interstate limit is 70 and most state highways are 55 mph.
Anytime you can avoid braking that helps. For example, if you can coast to a stop light or intersection you will save gas. Our son lives in New York. He says coasting in NY will get you honked at so that may not work.
I don't warm my car up. If it is cold I drove slow the first few miles.
I have used expensive synthetic oil. It may prolong engine life but I haven't seen it increase mpg.
Most aftermarket computer chip replacements advertise improved mpg. I have not tried them.
Perhaps other forum readers can add their ideas.
I liked my 2000 SL and like my 05 ion as well. The ion is a slightly larger car with a bigger engine so I expect it to get somewhat less mpg.
Best of luck.
Randy
Automotive Network, Inc., Copyright ©2025