RWVER-2006 Toyota Solara, 331 miles, 32 MPG @ 60 MPH

[aztc]

V6 Cyl, 5 Spd Auto Trans, EPA 29/20

This RWVER (Real World Vehicle Efficiency Report) journey started in Sacramento, CA where I got on I-80 and drove east to the Hwy 12 exit towards Napa through the rolling hills of wine country through Sonoma and Santa Rosa to the Sebastopol, CA, area where I stayed overnight. The next day we drove to the coast, then went south on HWY 1 to Bodega Bay, where we again turned east to Hwy 101, south to Hwy 37, which took us across the Bay and connects with I-80 at Vallejo, which we took back to Sacramento.

Along the way I set the cruise control at 60 MPH and was almost continuously being passed by everyone on the road, including 18 wheel trucks, busses and the usual array of RV's being towed by diesel pickup trucks driven by vacationers and retirees. To those who claim my speed (60 MPH) was creating a hazard, I want to point out that there is not a roadway in California where it is legal for any truck or vehicle pulling a trailer to exceed 55 MPH, anywhere, ever. I often get behind one that is obeying the law to find a zone of sanity whilst monster SUV’s battle each other for an edge in the next lanes.

The EPA rating for the V6 Solara is 29/20, so my trip of 331 miles indicates the vehicle gets 32 MPG when the speed is kept under 60 MPH. During this 2 day, 331 mile trip I saw 1 CHP vehicle, at the scene of a crash, taking down names. The rest of the time it is a free-for-all on the highways, even huge trucks are all routinely well over the speed limit, I wonder why we bother posting and maintaining the signs.

Visit http://Drive55.org to learn more.

[rzemanfl]

1. As they used to say in World War II, was "this trip necessary?" nt

[aztc]

4. Yes, it was a business trip

I develop websites and needed to visit a client - I took my son with me and we had an adventure while we were at it.

THE POINT is that I got 32 MPG by staying under 60 MPH, even though the car is EPA rated at 29 MPG, adding to the overwhelming pile of proof that Americans waste more than oil than is imported from the ENTIRE MIDDLE EAST to America, just by racing each other to the next red light.

Prove it for yourself, visit http://Drive55.org

[slor]

2. Hey...you drove through what will be...

my new neck of the woods. My wife and I are moving to Santa Rosa.

[lost democrat]

3. 2005 VETTE

30 m.p.g. AT 75 M.PH.
0 TO 60 UNDER 6 SEC.
6 SPEED O.D.
I RAN 2.7 SEC. @ 112 M.P.H IN THE 1/4
ITS MY 22ND. VETTE YOU PICK RIGHT COLOR AND OPTIONS AND DRIVE THEM FOR FREE NO DEPRICIATION. 79 SILVER ANNIV. VETTE IS WORTH MORE THAN THE 9,000.00 I PAID FOR IT.I JUST CANT SELL THAT 1

[aztc]

5. Take it to the track

There is no place for race cars on public roads, please take it to the race track if you insist on having it, and remember, petroleum warlords are counting on your continued support.

[Kolesar]

6. I drive slower than the prevailing speed & slower than the limit, too

I leave for work early enough that I can afford the time. I stay in the right lane and everything is OK. Lots of motorists get to see the prominent antiwar sticker on my tailgate. I don't get obstinate about it though. There are moments when I go faster, like when a train of cars is coming down an entrance ramp and they expect traffic to be going 65mph. Me going 60 won't work, then. I do a lot of 59mph driving.

I am rather concerned about all the deer around at twilight, even on the freeway. There's a good reason for moderation. Happy motoring!

[kineneb]

7. 2000 Hyundai Elantra Wagon-33 mpg at 65-70

I drove my little wagon up to Redding and back from Lake Co. on Boxing Day and got around 33 mpg between my usual 60 in the hills and 70 on I-5. I'm going to keep this baby as long as possible. It holds a lot and gets good gas milage as well.

[philb]

8. 35 mpg on trip in Ford Focus Hatchback at up to 70 mph (n/t)