What's your MPG, who gets 40 and why?

[io88]

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

[soapsuds22]

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

[io88]

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

[io88]

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

[jnuckols]

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.

[sao53]

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.

[wafrederick]

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.

[bagem788]

I've got a 1999, 4spd, auto, and in my 50min drive into work I drive mostly around 55-60 and get an average of 34mpg. On the highway the best I've ever gotten was 38 or so. I just replaced the tires on the front and the rears are a year old. I notice if I drive mostly 65-70 in to work I'll get about 32, but if I stay at 60 or less I'll get 34-35. 115000 miles, not burning any oil yet.

[sao53]

Originally Posted by bagem788

I've got a 1999, 4spd, auto, and in my 50min drive into work I drive mostly around 55-60 and get an average of 34mpg. On the highway the best I've ever gotten was 38 or so. I just replaced the tires on the front and the rears are a year old. I notice if I drive mostly 65-70 in to work I'll get about 32, but if I stay at 60 or less I'll get 34-35. 115000 miles, not burning any oil yet.

bagem - my 2001 has about the same mileage as yours (around 112,000) and I have started to burn a little oil, but I still get around 39-40 mpg on the highway, 34 mpg regular driving. I've been getting my oil changed about every 5K, but I think now I need to do it more frequently. I did some body work last summer, as I was getting a little rust around the rear wheel wells, but otherwise, the body is good too! I had a Chevy Nova years ago ('87 I think), and I got rid of it at around 250,000 miles when the body started to rust out. The Prism is just the updated version of the Nova (which are all Corollas in disguise). I love this car and want it to last forever!

SAO53

[bagem788]

I love my Prism too, I'll keep it until I run it into the ground! I got some rear end damage in '08 when some idiot rear ended me, but I don't care about the damage and didn't fix it either since it would have been around 3500 dollars. fault drivers' insurance totalled me but I kept my prism, love it too much to get rid of it.

[Mr500CM]

Only getting 26 mpg city/highway average on my 01 Prizm with a 3 speed AT.

[ELindy]

I have a 99 Prizm with automatic trans and the optional overdrive and the best I have recorded was 42 mpg on a long trip on the highway. I get about 35 mpg in my normal every day driving.