Question: Do I have any recourse against GM for falsely advertising the estimated fuel efficiency of my new car?

October 11, 2005

Hello Tony

I recently purchased a 2006 Chevrolet Impala SS while under the impression, via televised advertising and the car dealership, that the vehicle would get, on average, 18mpg City and 28mpg Highway.

However, I'm getting no better than 12mpg combined driving – with 60% of the mileage coming via steady 60-65mph highway driving.

I know that their numbers were achieved through GM testing only and the EPA has yet to rate the vehicle. I also understand that these figures are "averages" and typically go +/- 4mpg, but that still leaves me at 14/24 and a likely average of 16-17 combined driving.

Being the high-powered SS, I'm sure that there's the tendency to blame the driver's "lead-footedness," but after my first tankful at 12.4mpg, I've drastically altered my driving habits and done no better. I'm using the recommended Premium Fuel, although it's documented to be completely acceptable to use regular (per owner's manual).

How can I find out what testing protocol GM would have used to determine these figures?

Do I have any recourse against GM for falsely advertising the estimated fuel efficiency if it's determined that there is no way that my vehicle could possibly achieve those numbers?

Thanks for any advice you can provide.

Chris F.

Buffalo, NY

Answer:

Hi Cris,

Fuel economy is such a gray area! There are so many factors that influence fuel mileage that you will be fighting a real uphill battle.

Contact the factory rep through the contact info in your owner's manual and ask them how they achieved the figures you state. Perhaps they can give you the conditions under which they tested that model.

As far as recourse against GM goes I have seen them buy cars back from unhappy car owners. They make you jump through many hoops before you ever get to that point, but it is a possibility no matter how remote, assuming you want to pursue that route.

In the meantime keep adjusting you driving habits, accelerate as gradually as you can (that's no fun with a high performance car), try keeping it under 55 (yeah right!) and make sure your tires are properly inflated. All of these factors along with many others will affect your fuel mileage dramatically.

Good luck...

All my very best...

Tony Iorio