Gas Mileage
Senior Member
Joined: 04-04-2012
Posts: 1,307
From: Sarasota, FL
Although the AC will reduce mileage (up to 8% and as low as 5% depending on vehicle and system), I doubt if it is to the extent that some owners are suggesting.
I consistently have the AC on (NEVER turning it off over 5000-10000 miles)....especially on vacation trips...and experience as much as 34.8 MPG at 70 MPH on the most recent trip as well as many others over the same route.
ALL AUTOMOTIVE publications, AAA, Motor Trend, Car And Driver, Wards, etc. state that to achieve the highest MPG with a vehicle from the mid 90's and newer, it is best to use the AC with the windows rolled up.
And although highway mileage has been discussed on several hundred threads, I will mention 9 times out of ten, the poor mileage is due to driving skills...unless there is a MAJOR mechanical problem with the car.
I consistently have the AC on (NEVER turning it off over 5000-10000 miles)....especially on vacation trips...and experience as much as 34.8 MPG at 70 MPH on the most recent trip as well as many others over the same route.
ALL AUTOMOTIVE publications, AAA, Motor Trend, Car And Driver, Wards, etc. state that to achieve the highest MPG with a vehicle from the mid 90's and newer, it is best to use the AC with the windows rolled up.
And although highway mileage has been discussed on several hundred threads, I will mention 9 times out of ten, the poor mileage is due to driving skills...unless there is a MAJOR mechanical problem with the car.
Very true. I read that with the ac on is best on the highway. Or with the windows up ac off and the sunroof open is really the best. My DIC reads about 32 on the highway with the ac on. That's at about 68mph. And IMO not many people drive that slow. Most seem to cruise at about 75 or more.
New Member
Joined: 08-11-2012
Posts: 14
From: Defiance, OH
I've only owned our LT for 2 weeks so do not have much mpg experience. I did have someone tell me today that he switched air cleaners from the OEM to a lifetime cleaner that he cleaned himself. He couldn't remember the name brand but said he periodically washed it with water and then re-oiled it (?) and it improved his mileage noticeably. He is in the auto detailing business and has owned two HHR's that he loved. Anyone have any knowledge about this?
Senior Member
Joined: 04-04-2012
Posts: 1,307
From: Sarasota, FL
Can't speak for everyone. But after I put the airaid intake on mine the mpg came up around town. I was getting about 25 before and 26-27 after I installed it. Highway mileage hasn't really been affected good or bad with the filter.
Now the flip side. After my resonator and second cat delete the city mpg is back to about 25. 26 at best. Highway mileage has came up. With the ac on my last highway trip was 34 mpg.
Regaurdless if I have a mix of city and highway on the tank I will average about 30mpg total.
Now the flip side. After my resonator and second cat delete the city mpg is back to about 25. 26 at best. Highway mileage has came up. With the ac on my last highway trip was 34 mpg.
Regaurdless if I have a mix of city and highway on the tank I will average about 30mpg total.
Platinum Member
Joined: 01-09-2007
Posts: 16,081
From: SE USA
I did have someone tell me today that he switched air cleaners from the OEM to a lifetime cleaner that he cleaned himself. He couldn't remember the name brand but said he periodically washed it with water and then re-oiled it (?) and it improved his mileage noticeably. He is in the auto detailing business and has owned two HHR's that he loved. Anyone have any knowledge about this?
Fender Bender-
That air filter would be a K&N 'drop-in' for the stock air box.
Ya have to be careful to not over oil those, it can throw a code otherwise..
My 2.4 is averaging over 32 mpg @ 70 mph, A/C on & windows closed for best aerodynamics..
Senior Member
Joined: 10-21-2008
Posts: 1,831
From: hemet, calif.
Last summer I bought The Ecometer mfg. by Auto Meter as my 2006 does not show instant mileage, this last June driveing about 75 miles to the SoCal Bar-b-q in Irvine at a steady 72 MPH I was getting 34.7 MPG, my around town mileage not great as I cant keep my foot off the gas pedal.
Last edited by jay loukakis; Aug 24, 2012 at 11:00 PM. Reason: my 2006 2lt 2.4
New Member
Joined: 06-04-2012
Posts: 18
From: South Carolina
Question: At 63mph tachometer is showing 2500rpm. I think this is rather high for a Chevy, What do you think?
2.0L Auto (is there no overdrive in this transmission)
I think it should be around 1800. What say?
2.0L Auto (is there no overdrive in this transmission)
I think it should be around 1800. What say?
Senior Member
Joined: 04-04-2012
Posts: 1,307
From: Sarasota, FL
Sounds about right to me. This is just a little engine. Go to low in rpms on the highway and the engine will be struggling to move the car. My old 97 maxima with the 3.0 v-6 (excellent engine IMO) ran 2700 rpms at 60 mph with a five speed in it. Still returned 27 mpg.
Hold on a sec. You say 2.0. But your signature states you have an LT. Which is it? If you have an lt with the 2.2 that may be a tad high. I believe mine runs about 2400 at 68mph.
Hold on a sec. You say 2.0. But your signature states you have an LT. Which is it? If you have an lt with the 2.2 that may be a tad high. I believe mine runs about 2400 at 68mph.
New Member
Joined: 06-04-2012
Posts: 18
From: South Carolina
Thanks Swerv,
I have searched through the owners manual and the documents that I got when purchased the 2007 and cannot find it listed.
When the dealer replaced the shocks and struts about 2mo. ago, they said it was a 2.0.
It is an LT, but only says this on the tailgate. It has alloy wheels; rear wiper; luggage rack and running boards, all factory delivered.
I have a Siverado with a 4.6ltr v-6 that runs 1800 @ 55mph with a manual 5 speed. It gets 21mpg; the HHR, 30.0 highway.
John
I have searched through the owners manual and the documents that I got when purchased the 2007 and cannot find it listed.
When the dealer replaced the shocks and struts about 2mo. ago, they said it was a 2.0.
It is an LT, but only says this on the tailgate. It has alloy wheels; rear wiper; luggage rack and running boards, all factory delivered.
I have a Siverado with a 4.6ltr v-6 that runs 1800 @ 55mph with a manual 5 speed. It gets 21mpg; the HHR, 30.0 highway.
John
Senior Member
Joined: 04-04-2012
Posts: 1,307
From: Sarasota, FL
Most likely iif it says LT you have the 2.2. Or You could have the 2.4 The 2.0 is only found in the SS. V-8's usually run lower rpms. The get more torque at a lower rpm so the engine runs easy in the low rpm range.
