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[Limedust]

I expect this to be a pretty wide-open thread about almost anything automotive. Feel free to spew venom about anything and everything.

I was reading some articles about the newest GM truck platforms, and the fuel-efficiency gains for their full-size line-up. The basic gist of GM’s new approach on their full-sized truck platforms is that through a combination of DoD (Displacement On Demand – the deactivation of half the engine cylinders during low power requirements) and better aerodynamics, a full-sized Yukon is supposed to get over 20mpg combined city and highway, with a higher power output 5.3L V8 than before (320HP, 340 LB-FT).

If the fuel efficiency were good enough, would the economy-minded people be more interested in a truck or SUV as compared to a mid-size car, or is fuel efficiency just an added bonus? Anyone own something economic, but wish full-size vehicles were more efficient so as to be financially feasible?

 

[Phoenix]

There are far too many people here on GAF who know next to nothing about actual fuel efficiency/economy for this thread to be anything more than a farce.

 

[Doth Togo]

There are far too many people here on GAF who know next to nothing about actual fuel efficiency/economy for this thread to be anything more than a farce.

+1

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zeroforum?id=1 for a good time.

 

[Matlock]

Fuel efficiency in trucks and large vehicles would be much better in the long run, but as it stands I like cars better.

 

[AlphaSnake]

People need to get this stupid misconception of SUVs being gas guzzlers *out* of their head. My Maxima gets practically the exact same mileage as my FX35. Most SUVs get about as much mileage as a sports sedan with a V6 in it. The only cars that will *really* save you on gas mileage are 4-bangers like Civics, most Kias, Sentras, etc. etc. The only sports sedans out there who get great mileage are the new 3-Series BMWs, the new Audi A4s and a select others. You know why people make an issue out of SUV gas costs? Because SUVs have enormous gas tanks. For comparison sakes, here are some of the most popular SUVs and their mileage results for City/Highway:

Ford Explorer: 16/22
Cadillac Escalade: 14/18
Nissan Murano: 20/24
Infiniti FX35: 18/22
Dodge Magnum: 18/26 (not quite an SUV, but still. It also utilizes DoD)
Dodge Durango: 17/21
Toyota Highlander: 18/22
Toyota 4Runner: 17/21
Lexus RX330: 18/24

Now, for the sedans - some sport, some not:

Nissan Maxima: 20/28
BMW 530i: 18/26
Lexus ES330: 20/28
Lexus GS300: 21/27
Lexus IS300: 18/24
BMW 745/750i: 17/25
Acura RL: 18/26
Acura TL: 19/28
Honda Accord: 20/28

The difference is there, but it's not jaw-dropping. And when you live in true city conditions like NYC, then you'll get city mileage that's far lower than what's advertised. My FX gets around 12MPG in the city. My Maxima 14MPG. My brother's Lexus SC430 gets about 10MPG. His wife's RX330 gets around 12MPG, far cries of what the manufacturers claim for "city" driving.

 

[AntoneM]

For me, I didn't buy a civic because of fuel economy, I bought it 'cause it's cheap and will last a long time, the economy of 35 mpg (my real mpg driving around Phoenix) is just a bonus. I also like having a small car because it's fun to drive and fits in cramped parking spots I jujst find them to be more convienient for me. I have had need of a truck before but it's so rare that I'd rather save the money and buy a small car and just rent a truck when I need one. That way I win all around.

 

[ForzaItalia]

Go diesel...

 

[SickBoy]

Call a spade a spade, Alpha. New York is more "parking lot" conditions from my experience

If I were to buy a car today, fuel efficiency would be a major criteria. We have a big V6 sedan that gets good mileage for its size (21/32). My wife's car is an old four-cylinder Mazda, and I've been saving a fair bit on gas.

As for the initial question, no I wouldn't buy an SUV or truck even if it got great fuel economy. I have no interest in paying a premium for a vehicle for status reasons -- because unlike many (but far from all) truck or SUV drivers, I really have no use for anything such a vehicle has to offer. The day I buy a big TV would be possibly the only time I'd miss it.

If we bought a new car to replace my wife's old thing, chances are we'd go for something very fuel-efficient. A commuter car like an Echo or other such thing. Maybe even one of those Smart cars. As a main car, we'd probably just get a reasonable-sized four-cylinder, average car. The only reason we have the car we have is because we got an unbeatable deal on it.

 

[Error Macro]

lol, "displacement on demand." My 1981 Cadillac has that!

 

[beanoboy7]

GET A HONDA RIDGELINE