Fuel Mileage Scoring Gets Makeover at EPA



Source: : Wall Street Journal, May 12, 2005
Situation
Those highly-suspect fuel mileage ratings are being revisited by EPA
Complaints have grown on accuracy since rating first appeared in late 1970s
Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers: Surveys indicate customers satisfied as is
Consumer's Union rated Toyota Prius 22% lower than MSRP sticker indicated
3 tests may be added by EPA: Driving up to 80 mph; 95 degree heat w/ AC; run at 20 degrees
Significant Points
Most drivers find current scores out of sync w/ real-world driving situations
Rules haven't been updated since 1985, may lower rating on Toyota Prius
Lawmakers in Congress also weighing ways to revise EPA testing system
John German w/ Honda US: Numbers still won't be accurate as tests are extreme
Some automakers, dealers also say they are satisfied w/ scoring system as it is