Ford Explorer Suck Gas! - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

forumguy · 12-14-2003, 05:48 AM

Got a new V6 Explorer back in September and was apalled by the horrendous gas milegage. So, says I, it'll get better as the engine breaks in. Now that I've got 3,500 miles on her, it's not gotten any better. I'm only getting around 13-14 on the highway and around 10mpg in town.

My old '86 Jeep V6 got more like 14 around town and nearly 18 on the highway. I suppose that might have been better because it was lighter, right?

Just curious to know if my experience is unusual and if anybody has found a solution. Should I bring this back to the dealer for some kind of adjustment?

Signed,
Guzzler

Tophat665 · 12-14-2003, 06:39 AM

<img src="http://prodtn.cafepress.com/4/4293464_F_tn.jpg">

I admit that some people really need an SUV. Not a significant percentage of those that drive them, but a few. Light Pickups get some better mileage, sport wagons better still, and, if you don't do a lot of hauling, maybe a compact is a good call. (Though I understand Ford makes a Hybrid version of the Escape, which probably does quite well.)

JStrider · 12-14-2003, 12:09 PM

my 93 explorer gets slightly better mileage then yours... sucks doesnt it... the biggest thing i did to help my mileage was learn how to drive to conserve gas...

accelerate slowly... and if you see a stop up ahead start coasting a long ways before the stop...

as for needing the vehicle... its great for some of the out of the way climbing camps... and it can hold practically everything in my dorm thats mine...

Peryn · 12-14-2003, 02:44 PM

Wow....thats just plain terrible. Unless you did a turbo conversion and are making incredible horsepower, thats pretty sucky mileage. My jeep is old, and is getting worse mileage than ever before. Im making about 13 mpg in the worst driving conditions (short 4 mile trips...car doesn't have time to warm up usually...lots of stop/go etc..) and about 20 highway.

What is the advertised mileage on that thing? If its significantly below the rating..you may have some sort of recourse after calling the dealer. I cant imagine its that low...my moms van has the ford v6 ( the 200hp one...ecotech maybe?) and gets about 17 city...i cant imagine it being too much lighter than your explorer.

12-14-2003, 05:48 AM	#1 (permalink)
forumguy Insane	Ford Explorer Suck Gas! Got a new V6 Explorer back in September and was apalled by the horrendous gas milegage. So, says I, it'll get better as the engine breaks in. Now that I've got 3,500 miles on her, it's not gotten any better. I'm only getting around 13-14 on the highway and around 10mpg in town. My old '86 Jeep V6 got more like 14 around town and nearly 18 on the highway. I suppose that might have been better because it was lighter, right? Just curious to know if my experience is unusual and if anybody has found a solution. Should I bring this back to the dealer for some kind of adjustment? Signed, Guzzler

12-14-2003, 06:39 AM	#2 (permalink)
Tophat665 Minion of the scaléd ones Location: Northeast Jesusland	<img src="http://prodtn.cafepress.com/4/4293464_F_tn.jpg"> I admit that some people really need an SUV. Not a significant percentage of those that drive them, but a few. Light Pickups get some better mileage, sport wagons better still, and, if you don't do a lot of hauling, maybe a compact is a good call. (Though I understand Ford makes a Hybrid version of the Escape, which probably does quite well.) __________________ Light a man a fire, and he will be warm while it burns. Set a man on fire, and he will be warm for the rest of his life.

12-14-2003, 12:09 PM	#3 (permalink)
JStrider Poo-tee-weet? Location: The Woodlands, TX	my 93 explorer gets slightly better mileage then yours... sucks doesnt it... the biggest thing i did to help my mileage was learn how to drive to conserve gas... accelerate slowly... and if you see a stop up ahead start coasting a long ways before the stop... as for needing the vehicle... its great for some of the out of the way climbing camps... and it can hold practically everything in my dorm thats mine... __________________ -=JStrider=- ~Clatto Verata Nicto

12-14-2003, 02:44 PM	#4 (permalink)
Peryn Junkie Location: San Diego, CA.	Wow....thats just plain terrible. Unless you did a turbo conversion and are making incredible horsepower, thats pretty sucky mileage. My jeep is old, and is getting worse mileage than ever before. Im making about 13 mpg in the worst driving conditions (short 4 mile trips...car doesn't have time to warm up usually...lots of stop/go etc..) and about 20 highway. What is the advertised mileage on that thing? If its significantly below the rating..you may have some sort of recourse after calling the dealer. I cant imagine its that low...my moms van has the ford v6 ( the 200hp one...ecotech maybe?) and gets about 17 city...i cant imagine it being too much lighter than your explorer. __________________ Dont cry kid, It's not your fault you suck.