Gas Mileage

[CT Tim]

I am averaging between 13-14 mpg (13.6 last time I calculated on an average of 26mph). I do a mix of highway/city driving (depends on the day but the computer tells me my average overall speed is usually 25-35mph). Considering I just changed plugs, wires, fuel filter, air filter, and never really leave the car idiling, I was curious to see what others were getting with their 3.8 and if there is anything else that could possibly improve the mileage-I know it's not great but it's somewhat of a relief nowadays considering I just got rid of a 5.0 explorer with awd that got 7 mpg.
As always any replies are appreciated-
Tim

[bigrod118]

mine sucks like shit too.

90% highway, and I get about 16 or so. 20/30 my ass.

[CT Tim]

Yea, I have a 2000 w/ 100k on it- I was wondering if either of those factors played a role considering you would think a lighter car like this would be getting better mileage-I know someone with an early 90's lincoln town car that gets an average of 18 on highway and that things gotta have about at least half a ton and another 6 ft. on the impala. -Oh well

[bigrod118]

well mine is an 02 with about 60K on it.

And they are by no means light, 3400lbs aint light. but I guess compared to your old explorer, it probably seems light.

[CT Tim]

Yea, it's my daily driver and I'm still getting used to it-big difference in many aspects-but that's comparing apples and oranges-at least I'm saving half of what I would be paying for gas-Tim

[57chevyragtop]

Originally Posted by CT Tim

I am averaging between 13-14 mpg (13.6 last time I calculated on an average of 26mph). I do a mix of highway/city driving (depends on the day but the computer tells me my average overall speed is usually 25-35mph). Considering I just changed plugs, wires, fuel filter, air filter, and never really leave the car idiling, I was curious to see what others were getting with their 3.8 and if there is anything else that could possibly improve the mileage-I know it's not great but it's somewhat of a relief nowadays considering I just got rid of a 5.0 explorer with awd that got 7 mpg.
As always any replies are appreciated-
Tim

The Poll is interesting, would like to see the same type poll for the 3400 engine. I know my 3400 mileage is poor compaired to what I have read hear in this forum. 02 63k 16mpg 100% city...but I also don't drive more than 6 mi at a time mostly and figure that is why..New plugs and wires Air filter (standard AC) I also can't see how a fuel filter if it needs changed would effect mileage, but performance yes if starving for fuel. If you can give me reason to change filter and why it would effect mileage I'm listening. Isn't fuel pressure more the consideration?

[montecarlossfan]

you should get an average of 25 mpg... more or less depending on the city/highway ratio....but one hting is if your catalytic converter is clogged such as mine was on my monte it will kill your mileage, doeg your car pull as hard as it used to?

[57chevyragtop]

I have exellent low end umph! it's 50 on up that seems like I have to floor it to get an aggressive acceleration. figured that was due to the type tranny programming. Haven't gone to the dealer for the cat check, I don't want to pay for it if it's OK. If I remember right it was 70 bucks last fall. Like I said I don't drive very far and get very little highway travel. will be making a 400 mile trip in a few weeks and I'll do a check then. I'll post what I get.

[van hal]

we have a 02 impala with a 3.4 in it and am getting 33 miles pet canadian gal
it is great

[wrparks]

Wow, just wow. I'm amazed at the low numbers for some of you guys. I have a full size silverado and get about 18 to 19 mpg. I think my brother in law said he gets about 25 with his 04 impala, but I'm now sure which engine it is.

[gwjturner]

We have 2005 with the 3.4 and 35,000+ miles. We consistantly get 30.5 hwy and 25-26 city.

[Gems]

I get approximately 24mpg on my '01 with the 3.8L... That's if the onboard computer is correct...

[bigrod118]

Originally Posted by Gems

I get approximately 24mpg on my '01 with the 3.8L... That's if the onboard computer is correct...

It's not, its just an estimate.

next time you fill up your gas tank, clear your tripometer, then drive until you fill up next. At the gas station, check your tripmeter, then divide that number, by the number of gallons it took you to fill up. that is your MPG

Example:

300 miles on the tank, filled up 15 gallons at refill.

300/15=20 mpg.

[billyo69]

I have a 01 ls 3.8 with 175k miles.I get 25mpg average all the time.While running the AC i get about 22 mpg average.

[CT Tim]

Is the 175k on the original engine? I'm also guessing that the tranny had to be rebuilt,just out of curiosity how long did the original one last you? The one that I purchased went to about 90k but it also started out as a lease vehicle in Jersey so I imagine that took a toll.

Tim