What have you done to increase MPG?

[Rogerschro]

I sold my truck and bought the Focus!

[ElectricAL]

Originally Posted by austinpetemo

i forgot that i also cleaned the maf

anyways, its a zetec zx5, with about 75k. When i looked at the focus online id always seen the early models advertised as like 28-30city, 32-34 highway. So far ive yet to even acheive 28 on the highway..... When in town i like to be a little heavy on the right foot, but on long trips i tend to set the cruise and keep my foot off the pedals.

You should be getting better mileage than 28 on the highway (unless if your car is full of bricks or the drive was mostly uphill!). Since you've addressed a lot or all of the "tune up" stuff I honestly don't know what to tell ya... Maybe chat with other Zetec owners about it, I know the Duratec a lot more than the Zetec.

[st falcon]

hypermile-ing, as its known, can help on the highway...find 65 mph and try to hold you foot in the same spot, letting the car slow down on uphills, and speed up on the downhills, never moving your foot...it will get you better milage than cruise control, but what a PAIN IN THE A**!!! I have done it a few times and see 2-3 miles more per gallon than cruise control...

[dan50]

With all the money manufacturers have to spend to meet the new CAFE requirements, I think it's unlikely they have overlooked inexpensive, safe modifications that will increase fuel economy. Other than careful driving and maintenance and maybe sacrificing a bit of comfort by symetrically increasing tire pressure a bit, I don't think there's a lot we can do to improve what Ford has designed.

For those that are running 44 psi front and 36 rear - while this may increase fuel economy it may also create a car prone to oversteer (front tires stick, rear tires don't) in extreme situations, which manufacturers try avoid for safety.

[austinpetemo]

As a college student when i make the journey home i carry my clothes and some stuff. but typically far below 50lbs. It kinda pisses me off because i choose to get a focus for the mpgs, and because i thought the civic hatch looked ghey.

[st falcon]

Originally Posted by austinpetemo

As a college student when i make the journey home i carry my clothes and some stuff. but typically far below 50lbs. It kinda pisses me off because i choose to get a focus for the mpgs, and because i thought the civic hatch looked ghey.

I;m sure you meant to type "grey" right? but why are you pissed? You got they better car, at least according to all the comparos, and sales figures...Not seeing the MPG you want?

[austinpetemo]

ghey, just a stupid internet way to say gay. I was expecting better mpgs than what im getting. That was what was one of the deciding factors in getting a focus or something else. I wanted something a tad bit faster

[st falcon]

Originally Posted by austinpetemo

ghey, just a stupid internet way to say gay. I was expecting better mpgs than what im getting. That was what was one of the deciding factors in getting a focus or something else. I wanted something a tad bit faster

Yeah, I know lol... well, consider this, you will get alot better milage than the civic becuse you wont be sticking your head out the window ace ventura style just to avoid seeing its hideous/bland interior, and wondering why you didnt buy a car that looks like it was made in the 21st century

[austinpetemo]

True, those things are soooo ugly, and the interior in my 02 looks awesome. Just wanting to get more out of it on long trips. I like to get speed around town though :P drifts corners rather nicely. Needs more power though

[cbsel]

Originally Posted by ElectricAL

You're not doing anything wrong with your car but you are comparing apples to oranges, as they say. Specifically, your '02 doesn't have the technology in the powertrain design that the newest Focus does. (If it makes you feel any better, mine doesn't either). More "engine smarts" in the newer designs like the variable cam timing, for instance.

What engine do you have? SPI or Zetec? How many miles on it? If you want a fairer comparison, compare apples to apples. Beyond that, there's not much you can do. Drive it easy, coast to red lights... move into the slower lane etc and keep it well-maintained (sounds like you do).

Also, hasn't the EPA changed the way they test the mileage ratings as well? On my window sticker it said you can't compare the mileage of a 2012 with anything older than a 2009.