A few days ago I challenged Dodge and Lee Auto to support the "up to" mileage figures in their advertising. I received an email from Jeff Cote who is the sales manager at Lee Auto explaining where these figures come from. When the EPA does mileage tests, they run the tests several times and then average them for their official mileage figure. The window sticker which Jeff forwarded to me in his email listed an EPA highway mileage of 29 but also says that "Results reported to EPA indicate that the majority of vehicles with these estimates will achieve between 19 and 29 mpg in the city, and between 24 and 34 mpg on the highway." This is where the claimed "up to" 34 MPG comes from.

I would like to thank Jeff for the info. I am glad that Dodge has vehicles that can top 30MPG. I am hopeful that the domestic 3 auto makers can survive and prosper in these turbulent times.

As the EPA also says "actual mileage will vary" so step easy on the pedal and see if you can get the higher numbers.

E-mail this entry to a friend