I was under the impression that it was the early pumps, and possibly a different time: stuff lasts longer now. My Jetta was known for having bad pumps, but mine went 255k before quitting, and was run into the fuel light the vast majority of the time.
Also: I'm pretty sure most systems (only changing of late) ran a circulating loop. This heats up the fuel in the tank, but only on longer drives. Short trips likely won't. So it might only be a long trip problem. If it existed.
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My Tundra has a 6 gallon reserve--once the light comes on (at 1/8th tank left), I have 6 gallons to work with. Not very much if being worked and getting less than 10mpg, or about enough for the day if driven lightly. Since I drive 90+ miles per day I routinely drive to the light; when I get in, I make note of where the gauge is, and determine if I need to fill up soon, and if so, when and where I want to. If I'm busy and it can wait, it does so. If I'm not, and it'll be a quarter tank or less "around" the fuel station I usually go to, then I fill up.
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My Jetta had the light come on at 0.9 gallon left, which was right above the E mark. E really meant "walking". At 45+ mpg I would still go into the light, but not that far!