Why are base Cavaliers rated low on fuel economy? (24/34)
For an economy car I'd expect about 34/40.
It's not like the Cavs are a big car, or a V6-powered vehicle. What gives? I think the Cavs weigh 2,500 lbs. Not like a 3,200 lb. Taurus or Impala. Is it the 4-speed automatic? Should I've gotten a manual?
When I got my 2.2 liter OHV Cav at 17k (2002 model) bought in Feb. 2005 I got between 24 and 33, as expected. The summer of 2005 I averaged 36! Granted the 24mpg rating was in the winter time.
I changed my air filter from its original GM to a Valvoline in Oct. 2005 (26700 miles) because my mileage went down from 34 to 28 and the Speedy mechanic showed the clogged, black filter to me with tons of leaves stuck. I have never got higher than 32 mpg since, even with hwy driving, warm weather and new tires.
I'm a cautious driver. I coast to stoplights, use hills to build up natural speed and coast up the next hill using previous speed. I don't ride the brake.
Should I go K/N? or just get another GM filter?
Now that winter is setting in I'm averaging 26. The most depressing factor each fall is filling it up at the 10-gal mark (just below the 3/4 line) and having each fill up go for less miles each time.
I change my oil every 3,000 miles on the dot. I also check psi on my tires and keep it at 31-32. Yet the Cav likes to suck gas. I don't use the heater unless it's freezing, ditto with the a.c. unless it's blazing hot. I do everything that everyone's said to keep my fuel economy sharp but the car isn't good. I don't even live at high altitude (1,200 ft--Cleveland Ohio)
Everyone i know with a cav gushes over the fuel economy. Civic/Corolla should be a better bet (33/40 for civic, same for corolla). They're about 2,400 lbs and are faster than the Cav, and have lighter DOHC motors. Plus they hold their resale value.
http://www.j-body.org/forums/read.php?f=47&i=43487&t=43487
double post was unnecessary.
that said, the car does not get the greatest fuel economy versus a car with a smaller motor, i.e. the corolla and civic you already mentioned. higher displacement = more fuel used.
also, ratings don't mean jack when you take into account true driving behavior. if you're heavy on the pedal, you'll suck more gas - it's just a fact.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edited Wednesday, October 25, 2006 9:49 AM
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Trying a GM filter again certainly couldn't hurt, although I'm skeptical that it could the the whole reason for the decrease. I've actually wondered about the economy on my car recently as well. It's a '97 2.2l with the 4-speed auto, and I usually see between 16-20 mpg. I'm guessing this is mostly because of my short trips, hardly ever getting completely warmed-up, in-town driving, and a slight lead foot. Just like you, I give it the full oil and filter treatment on schedule.
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im not even going to read what you wrote. i can just say they seem low because they are older cars, and you are comparing them to newer cars, newer technology, new ways to improve gas milage. your car might seem like lower gas milage, but it was great in its prime time....why you think so many sold? not because they are super fast or really luxorious.
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you should be happy. i had the kn filter on my car, NEVER let the rpms go over 2500 and i still NEVER got over 27mpg. i drive 97% freeway.
GO PATS!!!
i get 26 with mostly short distance driving (not really city, but definitely not highway) in my 4 speed auto 2200
pretty much the same gas mileage as ive gotten in pretty much every 4 cyl auto ive driven regularly
I don't even know what I get for MPG anymore (my trip odometer broke, so can't get an accurate reading). Certainly ain't 30, I know that much
i dont have a trip odometer on mine
i just record the mileage in the memo thing on my cellphone
my wife's 98 corlla with 117k miles on it got 34 MPG on the last tank. mostly short mileage freeway driving. woot!! however, the best i've gotten in the new tacoma is 19MPG
GO PATS!!!
I got my 96, 2.2 OHV 3spd auto,from my son when it broke the timing chain at 70k miles. We got him another vehicle. When it blew the chain, two valves were bent, so I pulled the head, had the valves replaced and the head milled 0.020.
While it was apart, I did some port work, replaced plugs, air filter oil and filter. Put it back together and started driving it. Last time I checked mileage, it was 29.7 city and 52 fwy ( 70 mph).
I' ve been studying fluid flow dynamics for some time and applied some theory in the porting. They can get good mileage.
Am I the only one who gets over 30 MPG?
I've seen close to 32 when mostly highway. Usually around 25-27 in town.
Jason wrote:Am I the only one who gets over 30 MPG?
I've seen close to 32 when mostly highway. Usually around 25-27 in town.
I get 26-28 in town...so I would hope I get over 30 on the highway...but I havent tested it yet. But that is with an ecotec....
"The Blue Bullet"
Jason wrote:Am I the only one who gets over 30 MPG?
I've seen close to 32 when mostly highway. Usually around 25-27 in town.
thats pretty much what i get
themarin8r wrote:Jason wrote:Am I the only one who gets over 30 MPG?
I've seen close to 32 when mostly highway. Usually around 25-27 in town.
thats pretty much what i get
X2, my last tank fill last monday i calculated 26.3 mpg i think it was..
i got up to 350 miles a tank normally, i dont even know wut that equates to in mpg, but since i got a tuneup it stays around that
one the way to LA taking 5, without cruise control I got 34 MPG going 80MPH with a 75 minimum and an 85 maximum, but average was 80. Woohoo. This was at 2AM as well, so no traffic and cold air ftw!!
If you think the 4 speed auto gives piss-poor fuel economy.... check out a 2.2L three speed auto sometime
slow as hell, and poor fuel economy to boot! The only thing worse could be putting gray plastic bumpers on it
Dan Townsend wrote:I got my 96, 2.2 OHV 3spd auto,from my son when it broke the timing chain at 70k miles. We got him another vehicle. When it blew the chain, two valves were bent, so I pulled the head, had the valves replaced and the head milled 0.020.
While it was apart, I did some port work, replaced plugs, air filter oil and filter. Put it back together and started driving it. Last time I checked mileage, it was 29.7 city and 52 fwy ( 70 mph).
I' ve been studying fluid flow dynamics for some time and applied some theory in the porting. They can get good mileage.
Is that 52 mpg?? Is that a typo?
oldskool wrote:Dan Townsend wrote:I got my 96, 2.2 OHV 3spd auto,from my son when it broke the timing chain at 70k miles. We got him another vehicle. When it blew the chain, two valves were bent, so I pulled the head, had the valves replaced and the head milled 0.020.
While it was apart, I did some port work, replaced plugs, air filter oil and filter. Put it back together and started driving it. Last time I checked mileage, it was 29.7 city and 52 fwy ( 70 mph).
I' ve been studying fluid flow dynamics for some time and applied some theory in the porting. They can get good mileage.
Is that 52 mpg?? Is that a typo?
That or he is lying out of his ass.
Jason wrote:Am I the only one who gets over 30 MPG?
I've seen close to 32 when mostly highway. Usually around 25-27 in town.
I get around 32 combined. That's getting into it every so often too. You're not alone.
I average about 24 to 26 mpg seeing a high of 30. this is with a 2.4 LD9. u have to consider other things to. soft tires will decrease your milage versus tires of a harder compound. heavier wheels will make it go down too. any extra dead weight in the car will make the milage also decrease so if theres anything in your car thats not needed remove it. also keep your car waxed and clean you may not think it helps but it does. less wind drag at high speeds will give u better milage. my driving consists of 75% highway driving with 25% city driving plus im usually more sprited with acceleration.
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No typo, no B.S.. I was very surprised. At first I thught the fuel gauge was malfunctioning.
I believe the key is to treat the whole system, from inlet to exhaust to reduce the internal resistance to fluid flow. As a result, the intake charge will be less contaminated by the egr. The computer will adjust the injector pulses tolean the mixture. Difficult to explain the whole process here.
i think your lying out of your ass. or you suck at math.
the day a cavalier gets 10 miles a gallon BETTER than a toyota prius, is the day i um...well...don't believe it and call the claim BS.
GO PATS!!!
