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Ford Escort Wagons: MPG-Real World Numbers

23 messages,  Last post on May 12, 2009 at 11:32 AM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Escort, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Wagon

Messages Page 3 of 3

#18 of 23 Ford Escort Wagon Gas Mileage by chefadele

Mar 29, 2009 (9:45 am)

I recently moved from San Francisco to Portland, Oregon. For years, from new, I got 30 plus mpg, in or out of traffic, rain or shine. I now get 20 mpg consistently.
 
I have had the car checked over, tuned up, etc. Nothing has been found and the car runs like a dream. Is it just the different gas? Is there anything I can do?
 
Thanks

#19 of 23 my incredible little car by melyndachubb

May 12, 2009 (11:22 am)

I bourght a 94 escort LX 1 and a half years ago with 121,000 miles on it. i now have 154,000 miles on it and it still runs beautifully. I have replaced the alternator twice (i used junk yard parts), the starter once and other than routine mantenance, i haven't done anything else to this car. i use the walmart at the pump additive once in awhile. i started out getting 38 mpg but dropped down to 25 mpg after 6 months or so, so i gave it a regular tune up and oil change and with the additive i managed to get back to 38 mpg. if i hypemile it in town i can get 45 mpg, but hypermiling is only possible about half a tank, so i get an average of 41-42 mpg. unfortunately, and i'm not sure why, i only get about 30-35 mpg on the hwy. of course it's probably because i'm doing 70 or so. she's great on gas at 55 or less, but when i start hitting 60 her mpg goes down. other than that, i have no complaints about this car. i've been putting about 2500 miles a month on her as a delivery driver and so far she hasn't failed me yet. even when her starter was shot, she's light enough i was able to push start her till i could get to the shop. btw she's a manual. i also bought an 89 escort with 200,000 miles on it. the engine just went after driving her hard for the last ten months, but at $400 plus $100 i've dropped into a $225 engine will stil make it worth my while to fix her. i've never seen a car as hardy and so full of heart as the ford escort. you can't go wrong with one of these.

#20 of 23 Re: my incredible little car [melyndachubb] by xwesx

May 12, 2009 (11:32 am)

Replying to: melyndachubb (May 12, 2009 11:22 am)
Nice post, Melynda.
 
Your highway numbers mirror my experience with a '98 escort. Mine is also a manual. I have owned it for ten months (108,000 miles at purchase), putting about 11,000 miles on it so far. On the one highway trip I have thus far taken with it (not a very good trip car in terms of comfort), I tested economy at 70mph on the way down (from Fairbanks to Anchorage) and 60mph on the way back. My economy on the way down was 36; on the way back it was 38. There was, surprisingly, no wind during either day's travel that might have otherwise hampered or improved economy. So yes, wind resistance seems to make a marked difference above 60 mph.
 
It is a great commuter car.
 
What is it that you do to "hypermile" it?

Messages Page 3 of 3

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