Mileage question

Automotive Industries, May, 2004 by John Ousterhout, James B. Feiten

I wanted to bring to your attention the three truck/SUVs reviewed on the page just after your article. Only the Ford review even mentioned fuel economy, but none actually told me mpg. I looked up the Ford's figures and was not completely shocked to see it rated at 14 city, 18 highway. That's terrible, yet they're proud of its fuel economy. Perhaps the buying public is too stupid to figure it out, but I believe they'll get a lot smarter when gas reaches $2.50 a gallon. That should be about this time next year VW is sitting in the catbird scat for that day. What's GM got ready to present that will compete with a VW TDi?

in the meantime I'll continue driving my '81 Mazda on locally grown biodiesel. It isn't a solution for everyone, but I can take some comfort knowing that we didn't have to fight a war or kill anyone for it.

John Ousterhout via E-mail

Right On!

This is the first writing I have seen regarding the obnoxious use of fog lamps. As Gary points out, fog lamps can be highly useful to see under fog and blowing snow, but they are effective only if used without the headlamps named on.

As I have gotten older and my eyesight has begun to deteriorate, my appreciation for DRLs (daytime running lights) has increased. I agree that there were some poor early designs (Saturns were the worst) but current designs are very good. DRLs make oncoming vehicles much more visible even on bright sunny days. That increased visibility of oncoming traffic is very helpful during passing maneuvers on rural two-lane roads. Contrary to Gary's opinion, in my experience, the lower-power low beam DRI, design is far superior to lighted amber park lamps used on some vehicles.

James B Feiten Via E. mail

I am one of those who drives around with fog lights on most of the time. As am older driver, my requirements for illumination are increased. Most cars I have owned are barely able to supply even that lesser need. Even worse is the pattern of light from the standard American headlight system: no defined cutoff, no uniform spread of light across the mad surface, no breadth of beam to cover the road as it curves. I use my fog lights to make up for the deficiencies of the lights on my car. It is a necessary adaptation to the shortcomings of what nay vehicles OE lighting can provide.

name withheld Via e-mail

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