Car MPG ratings going down [2.23.7]

[T Mac]

Fuel-saving gasoline-electric hybrid cars don't save as much fuel as thought, according to new government fuel-economy ratings available to the public for the first time.

The new ratings go into effect beginning with 2008 models, a few of which will soon be on sale. But now it's possible to tell what rating 2007 and older models would get using the '08 standards.

The government's fuel-economy website has a program than makes the comparison.

Click here (http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2007-02-22-hybrids-usat_x.htm) to read the entire story from USA Today

[Zed]

I remember hearing some complaints about this last year. People were saying there's no way you could take a car throw it in a wind tunnel and say that's real world mileage. They never took into account people driving up hills or using A/C or other accessories. I think people may be upset with these new ratings for awhile but then they will appreciate the true reflection of their gas mileage.