New EPA Fuel Economy Stickers To Use More Realistic Estimates

Starting with the 2008 line, new cars will feature an improved fuel economy sticker with better estimates of gas usage. The stickers will show an increased range of expected mpg, depending on how one drives.

Consumer advocacy groups complained the sticker’s mpg ratings were too generous in years past. A test not updated from the 1970’s, when the national highway speed limit was 55, stop and go traffic was lower, and horsepower was 89 percent lower, was to blame for consumer’s never achieving the posted MPG. — BEN POPKEN

New EPA fuel-economy tests will better reflect real-world driving [ConsumerReports]

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