[BrianAlex]

This kind of thread always gets me.

For one thing nobody is even considering the fact that all odometers are not exactly calibrated. Even if they were, the diameter of the tire changes as it's tread wears off.

So how can anybody have an intelligent discussion about accurate MPG when the "miles" is an unknown quantity in any car that doesn't have a special meter in tow? As I recall, most odometers are off by up to 5%.

Secondly, this is a sensationalistic article by Edmonds. If some of the tested cars were 19% off but the average was 5%, then it would have to be true that a certain number of cars were much closer to 0% off.

Dividing your "miles" driven by "gallons" purchased would only be accurate if your odo was spot on, the pump meter was 100% accurate,and unless you used many tanks to get the figure then the results would be skewed by ambient temperature differences, pump differences, angle of car on pavement at the pump, temperature of the gasoline (did they just get a shipment and the gas is 20 degrees warmer than the last time you filled?) etc.

So just put in the gas and drive in a manner as to keep the "mileage" gauge in it'a highest reading if it's important to you otherwise just drive and forget about it.

Also my heart bleeds about the articles mention of an SUV driver that thinks he is getting 12.5 MPG but actually gets less. Screw him. -BA