Astro gas mileage

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.