Focus and Cobalt owners: MPG?

[JHZR2]

I have an 04 saab 9-3... It has got the same engine block as the cobalt, with a different head and turbo. Its MT, 175 hp, and EPA rated 34 MPG highway.

Cruising with minimal stops, staying at about 55MPG (like say, on a US highway without traffic or lights), I can get 38-40 easily.

Day to day, 75/25 highway, I get about 32-34, depending on how much time is actually spent in traffic.

For a more urban mix in there, I get 29-32 MPG.

At the end of the tank, I have not yet EVER gotten below 30 MPG, regardless of how much city driving or traffic Ive sat in.

These figures (except the 'urban mix' figures) are all calculated, every single tank. The urban mix figures are what Ive seen on the computer.

The saab is heavier and more powerful than a cobalt, and likely more aerodynamic (my car has a 0.27 cd). Id think that with a cobalt, you could assume about the same figures, if driven lightly without jackrabbit starts.

JMH

[ September 27, 2005, 07:55 PM: Message edited by: JHZR2 ]

 

[bretfraz]

My neighbor has a new Cobalt SS. He says he gets 23-27 in city and suburban driving and 35+ for highway driving.

 

[lght1]

Hi

Thanks for the replies.

For the SS, is that with a automatic or manual?

I saw a nicely equipped used '05 Cobalt "LT"with 12k on the clock for about $16k.

Not sure if its worth $$ wise to make the move now or wait til next year as originally planned.

My LSS currently averages 25-28 mpg for my route.

 

[lght1]

Hi

Are there any owners of Focus or Cobalts here, and if so, what has your experiences been with mpg?

 

[mikemc]

We have the 03 Cavalier thats is similar to the new Cobalt and get an average of 32 mpg with a 75 hwy/ 25 city mix of driving. It has the Ecotec with a 4 speed auto.

 

[lght1]

Hi

Is that actually calculated mpg, or are you using the DIC ?

 

[mikemc]

quote:

---

Originally posted by lght1:
Hi

Is that actually calculated mpg, or are you using the DIC ?

---

That was total miles driven divided by gallons of fuel bewteen fill-ups. IMHO the Cobalt is a very sharp little car, especially the coupe and the Ecotec engine is a gem.

 

[Willy_G]

I have an '05 Saturn Ion clone.

2.2 Ecotec and 5 speed manual. 32-34 MPG in 'country' driving. Not really highway. not really city. Not easy-going, nor boy-racer.

 

[JHZR2]

quote:

---

Originally posted by lght1:

I saw a nicely equipped used '05 Cobalt "LT"with 12k on the clock for about $16k.

---

Sounds pretty ridiculous for a USED ECONOMY CAR.

Either trim down the options or buy a slightly used 4cyl 34 MPG EPA camry for that price - youll have a lot more space at least.

Or was that CAN$???

JMH

 

[bretfraz]

quote:

---

Originally posted by lght1:
Hi

Thanks for the replies.

For the SS, is that with a automatic or manual?

I saw a nicely equipped used '05 Cobalt "LT"with 12k on the clock for about $16k.

Not sure if its worth $$ wise to make the move now or wait til next year as originally planned.

My LSS currently averages 25-28 mpg for my route.

---

Manual

 

[lght1]

Hi

That was USD$ as I am in Maine.

As for transaxle choices, only AT need apply.

It was the LT version with leather, heated seats and just about everything except the sliding roof.

I would prefer to buy domestic, as most foreign cars have that dammed "foot rest" for your left foot. I hate that "feature" with a passion.

Thats what condemmed the corolla and a few other models.

 

[JHZR2]

Nope, far from it! I'm 6ft 4, 225, I need my space, especially in the legroom dept. I think for me its the fact that I have an extra leg position... It also has its benefits when driving MT, because of the clutching... though in my AT MB diesel, I still rested my foot on it a lot!

Different folks are comfortable in different ways!

JMH

 

[lght1]

Hi

Well for me, without a chance to stetch my left leg out...and to have it propped up by a 4"x6" plastic/steel block isnt the kind of driving experience i would pay good money for.

I looked at a 9-3 last night. I liked its exterior styling, but the dash looked like a I/P from a B52, and turbo and a m/t turned me away.

BTW, are you certain that the Saab block is a Ecotech ?

 

[JHZR2]

quote:

---

Originally posted by lght1:
I would prefer to buy domestic, as most foreign cars have that dammed "foot rest" for your left foot. I hate that "feature" with a passion.

Thats what condemmed the corolla and a few other models.

---

LOL... some folks would do anything to get one of those in their cars... when manufacturers cheaped out and removed them.

I wish I had a real left footrest in my saab.

Interesting requirement!!!

Good luck,

JMH

 

[lght1]

Hi

LoL...your left leg must be about 6 inches shorter than your right one for that to be comfortable.

To drive hundreds of miles each day with my left leg elevated at an uncomfortable angle because someone forgot and left a "Payless shoe box" inside is ridiculous.

To actually "wish" for that shoebox, so your leg can be forced up in an unnatural angle surprises me.

I am over 6' tall so any car with this "feature" is automatically passed over because of it.

This is why I usually dont consider foreign cars since their designers and target market usually are height challenged compared to your average American..Canadian..etc.

 

[mikemc]

quote:

---

Originally posted by lght1:
Hi

Thanks for the replies.

For the SS, is that with a automatic or manual?

I saw a nicely equipped used '05 Cobalt "LT"with 12k on the clock for about $16k.

Not sure if its worth $$ wise to make the move now or wait til next year as originally planned.

My LSS currently averages 25-28 mpg for my route.

---

$16K for a USED Cobalt? Check the blue book values, if this car is like the Cavalier it replaced, its a good car but depriciates badly.

 

[Johnny]

I was at a dealer of mine yesterday, Gustman Chevrolet in Kaukauna Wisconsin and they had a loaded Cobalt, leather and everything, on the show room floor. With the GM employee discount the car could be purchased for $16,000. If your looking for a Cobalt, catch a plane to Green Bay and save some money.

 

[Beachboy]

I, too, was shopping last week for a 2005 Colbalt LT for my mother. The brand new 2005 Cobalt the dealer had listed at almost $18,000, but with the employee discount and rebate, the sticker price dropped to $16,000. It drove very nice, far better than the old Cavalier. but my mother picked a 2006 Ford Focus instead, due to the Focus being a few inches shorter and easier for an elderly person to park.

 

[JHZR2]

quote:

---

Originally posted by lght1:
Hi

Well for me, without a chance to stetch my left leg out...and to have it propped up by a 4"x6" plastic/steel block isnt the kind of driving experience i would pay good money for.

I looked at a 9-3 last night. I liked its exterior styling, but the dash looked like a I/P from a B52, and turbo and a m/t turned me away.

BTW, are you certain that the Saab block is a Ecotech ?

---

Yes, ecotech block... everything else is different though. The change in its head makes the difference between the 2.2L and the Saab's 2.0L.

Saab is a Swedish Military aircraft manufacturer. In fact their first products were aircraft, long before cars... They have been experts in ergonomics and whatnot for a LONG time... thus some of the similarity to the B52 (I know, different company, different country, etc).

JMH

 

[lght1]

Hi

Hopefully, different decade..

(late 40's design)