






2013 Ford Fusion




Source: Consumer Reports

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By Spuke on 2/5/2013 4:02:31 PM , Rating: 1
Seems more likely blowhards on the internet are jumping to conclusions without bothering to research their assumptions.
Soooo how does one directly compare the results of one test to the results of another exactly?

By Voldenuit on 2/5/2013 6:18:34 PM , Rating: 3

Are you referring to comparing CR's results for different cars or comparing CR's results to EPA mpg figures?

For the former, CR's results should be relatively consistent as they test the same procedures and use more than one driver to generate each data point. So it should be valid to compare different cars using just CR's mpg figures.

Comparing CR's results with the EPA's is a little trickier, as the testing methodologies are different. However, it's worth noting that while there are many vehicles whose CR-attained mpg results match or exceed the EPA figures, every single turbo Ford in the test failed to meet its EPA rating on the CR cycle.

With a lack of information on what the exact cause is, I can only speculate that one or more of the following postulates are to blame:

1. CR's tests are worthless. I find this explanation the least likely as they should at least be useful for evaluating different vehicles being tested to CR's standard.

2. The EPA test procedure is flawed. There have been allegations that the EPA cycle does not replicate real world use and that manufacturers are gaming the system to achieve inflated numbers.

3. Ford is fudging their mpg figures. Whether this is from honest mistakes or a deliberate attempt to mislead the public is open to conjecture.

Personally, I consider a combination of 2. and 3. to be the most likely, but that is simply opinion for now. For the record, I average better than quoted mpg (by about 15-20%) in my wife's Fiesta (1.6L NA) and spot-on mpg in my Lancer Ralliart (2.0T). We were getting worse than quoted mpg (by about 10-20%) in our old 2008 G35x, so "YMMV" really does apply in all cases, it seems.

By Spuke on 2/5/2013 7:09:22 PM , Rating: 2
It does seem that way and thanks for the reply. Anecdotal but I have found Nissan's to be less fuel efficient than advertised in my driving also. My present car is spot on although I wonder how you have to drive and in what conditions to get their city rating (19 mpg). My worst is 23 and that was after a week of city only, spirited driving.

By Rukkian on 2/6/2013 11:11:05 AM , Rating: 2
Unless the epa tests fords cars and concludes they lied, at this point, I am thinking number 2 is correct. There are numerous cars that are made to specifically ace the test. The fact that several plug in hybrids shut off their electric motors at 62mph (2 above what the epa test goes to from what I understand) points to gaming the system.

We will see now that the epa is investigating, and Ford will be hit with big fines and, more importantly, very bad press if they are found to be lying. If the epa comes up with basically the same numbers, then I think the test maybe needs to be updated, but that would probably take 10 years due to the way Washington works.

