Ford Escape Gas Mileage

[retiredman2006]

How can I improve my gas mileage on a 2001 Ford Escape V6 4WD?

I'm getting 12-15mpg on city driving; am I that far off from the EPA City 18mpg estimate?

[Draigflag]

Change your car. Get a diesel and a manual, always a good start. Europes most economical 4x4 is the Fiat Panda 4x4 which does 67 MPG!

[pb]

For many people, the advice 'change your car' isn't very helpful. There are things people can do with their existing car to get better mileage.

You can start by looking at our Collected Tips. I don't have any specific advice for the Ford Escape. You might try searching google for a specific Ford Escape forum and ask your question there. There could be a higher concentration of people who have that car that have been able to get better mileage and they might have more specific tips.

[Draigflag]

Well id do anything to keep mine, but with fuel at $8 to $10 a gallon here, 35 MPG is no longer acceptable. I think ill have to change mine soon.

[MMUK]

> ... I think ill have to change mine soon.

Get yourself an A2 and come join us on the a2 owners club forum :-)

The TDI is offically 64.5mpg, whereas fuelly average is 55. You can get 70+ if you are careful and your commute is suitable. Note that TDIs are more suited to motorway driving than city driving.

[MatrixDom]

Slightly overfill your tires to create less rolling resistance.

Get a decent fuel system cleaner like STP Complete Fuel System Cleaner every time you get your oil changed.

Take it easy on startups and when accelerating uphill. You dont want to put any unecessary pressure on the gas pedal. Only apply enough to keep a constant speed and let youe speed build up when youre on level again (or better when you go downhill).

[MatrixDom]

Oh and most importantly, try not to leave your car idling in the morning.

[FrugalFueler]

it may be time for new oxygen sensors or to clean the MAF sensor. My GF's identical 2005 averaged 18 in mixed driving and 23 on all highway tanks.

[cowmeat]

I'd sell the Escape and get a Festiva, and start enjoying hybrid mpg without the hybrid expense! Then put the rest of the money in the bank. Check out the mileage I'm pulling in mine!

[ZoomZoom71]

I have a 2005 Ford Escape 3.0L V6. After 182,000 faithful miles, it's for sale as a "Mechanic's Special", since it's got some engine problems. I consistently got 19-20mpg, with mixed city/hwy driving. The best fuel economy I got was when I used non-Ethanol fuel. It costs more per gallon where I live in FL, but in your locale, if available, it may be about the same as eth-blend. Try that, and see if it helps.