There is no way I could turn off my car at stoplights, I could see stopped traffic.. but to each there own The best I can hope for is a soft foot on the pedal which is fine cause I like to cruise any way.

 

Yeah, It seems the car likes to go certain speeds. That having been said, Here in PA, we have EZ-PASS for the turnpike, but the toll booths where you pass through have a 5 MPH speed limit Try going only 5 MPH after running 65 MPH (more like 70-80) almost impossible. It would be easier to stop and pay the toll.

 

Cobbs doesn't like to go less than 40mph.

 

I find it easier to go slower in my HHR than my Marquis. Big cars I tend to go faster in, and yet it still feels like I'm doing under the speed limit.

 

I suppose doing the speed limit to hypermile in an HHR depends on what exactly that limit is. The problem being, at least on the auto in my experience with the 2.2L, the prime fuel-economy band for the engine hits at around 65mph. I don't exactly trust the average MPG meter on the DIC (last I looked it was above 32, btw), but I measure it by the fuel range meter after every fillup.

Going to Gettysburg is the first time I got the fuel range above 600 miles. (It hit 603 after filling up just outside Gettysburg) According to my dealer, it's only rated at a max of 450. Either I'm doing something right, or someone likes me.

 

For in town driving, Cobbs seems to get best economy around 45mph-- the automatic transmissions locks down to about 1500rpm @ 45mph in 4th gear and its a nice low rpm cruise for city streets where the speed limits are 35, 40, and 45 on some thoroughfares. I'm showing avg of 28.7 mpg on the DIC doing this around town. But I am also taking care to do slow and steady accel away from the numerous stoplights we have, not like I used to do when gas was below $2.99 which back then I tended to leave stoplights a little quicker. Considering that the DIC is almost indicating the highway MPG rating from the new car sticker, for driving to work through town, I am not complaining. I'm actually surprised the HHR is this efficient, given its weight and aerodynamics. Says a lot for the Ecotec 4 cylinder, if you ask me. Plus, when you need it to the Ecotec will get up and GO, even my humble 2.2 liter. What more could we want?

 

I am not so sure that shutting down the engine at long stop lights saves anything at all. For your efforts at fuel efficiency, you are rewarded with greater wear and tear on the starter and electrical system, not to mention the wear and tear on the ignition switch. Should it be necessary to replace either the starter, ignition switch, or other associated hardware, the costs involved will more than offset the savings in fuel expenditures. And if you are concerned about the alleged incremental benefits of less carbon emissions - just realize that the total savings in that department are offset by the carbon emissions involved with producing those parts which need replacement due to your actions as a motorist.

You can't win for losing.

 

I don't mind being stuck behind someone hypermiling. to a degree. Today, I was stuck behind a brand new Vette, trying to squeeze out 10MPG. Gimme a break! I think you can afford the gas if you can afford the car, if not, don't take it out on the rest of us.

 

What a shock--I don't believe the dealer either!
When I left Monterey for my drive back to OC earlier this month (about 425 miles), I filled up, and did not stop until I hit Ventura County (about 350 miles later) to put gas. I was so thrilled to see the fuel range, I took a picture. it said I had 465 miles worth of gas in the tank.

If I had pushed it, I probably could have made it to OC with the tank I had leaving NoCal.

 

Ummm... the new 6th gen Vette is capable of 18 - 20 mpg in town consistently.