Letters to the Editors
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Subject: "E85 vs. Gasoline Comparison Test"
From: Bobby
I was recently reading your article titled "E85 vs. Gasoline Comparison Test." This article brought up some valid points. However, in the CO2 emissions comparison near the end, those conducting the test mentioned that the overall CO2 emissions were practically the same between the two. They failed to mention, though, that the net CO2 emissions of E85 are near zero. This is because the plants grown to generate E85 fuel need CO2 to live; therefore a near closed-loop system is created with CO2 emissions due to the burning of ethanol for fuels and absorption by plants. Furthermore, ethanol has a lower percentage of other harmful emissions such as hydrocarbons and NOx. Thus, when people say that ethanol generates less CO2 and is a cleaner-burning fuel, it is based on net CO2 produced in the process and the lower pollutant content in distilled ethanol.

The Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy branch also mentions that many of those who oppose ethanol have been proven wrong because they use old data that does not represent current, more efficient processing techniques. The current calculation indicates that you get 25 percent more energy out of the final ethanol product than it takes to create it. This seems small, but it isn't when you consider that crude oil has a negative net energy. Furthermore, when you account for the added energy/fuel use necessary to transport imported oil to the U.S. (about 50 percent of the U.S. oil source), the numbers for overall CO2 reductions stack up in favor of E85.

One last thing on my short rant: Current technology for ethanol represents advances that are only a couple of decades old. Oil has been around as a prominent fuel source for almost a century with little advancement. Future methods of distilling and processing ethanol from higher-energy-return plants promise an even greater gain in the ratio of fuel-to-energy to energy-to-produce. Once switchgrass refining methods are perfected, it is believed that a 4:1 energy return will be possible (as opposed to the current corn-based method that has a 1.25:1 energy return). All in all, it is easy to be skeptical about something that is new, but I feel that this article will do more to hurt the advancement of ethanol-based fuels due to the final statements, which give the feeling that this is a weak technology that will not cut it.

I do, however, applaud your efforts to get to the bottom of the issues, and your support of energy independence and economic benefit our nation, but please realize that these are not the only benefits of ethanol-based fuels. I do also realize that these were not the questions your team set out to answer.

Subject: "E85 vs. Gasoline Comparison Test"
From: Dick
The test you published was about as fair as you could get for highway driving. I have a 2007 four-wheel-drive Silverado with an extended cab. Its 5.3-liter V8 is equipped with the flex-fuel option.

The difference you reported was about the same as I get. At highway speed (about 65 mph) I get 22-plus miles per gallon on gas, and about 18 mpg on E85. Thus, mileage is about 18 percent worse with E85.

However — and this is important — in city/town driving the spread is much wider. The E85 mileage measures up less favorably in this situation. I get 16 mpg for gas vs. 12 mpg for E85. E85 mileage is, therefore, 25 percent worse in this situation.

Another important factor, as you noted, is the price difference between the two. When E85 was $2.29 a gallon and gas was $3.29, the cost per mile to drive was slightly in favor of E85.

Now, gas prices have dropped to about $2.99 a gallon for gas, and E85 is still at $2.29. So, now I am switching back to gas since the cost per mile to drive is less for gas.

Keep up the objective reporting!

Subject: "E85 vs. Gasoline Comparison Test"
From: William
Thought your real-life comparison test was very factual and fair. With E85 energy output per comparable measure with gasoline at 72 percent, your actual driving data was very believable, especially for a Tahoe. Industry associations (NEVC, RFA) claim that the average motorist will get 10-15 percent fewer miles per gallon with E85 over all vehicle types. I saw one comparison on a 2001 Ford Taurus where mpg with E85 actually was better than its petroleum counterpart.

Until either subsidies or improved production costs — and maybe competition from biobutanol — put E85 retail price per gallon down to about half of unleaded regular, the economic argument won't matter to most Americans. In Brazil, E85 is about half the price of unleaded regular and engines are designed to run on E85 as a primary fuel: the opposite here. That makes it a no-brainer choice for motorists in Brazil.

Even with a $0.51/gallon tariff on E85 imports, demand is sufficient here to make this a growth market for their very efficient sugarcane-produced E85. And if the Brazilians' deal with Panama goes through (a transshipment tariff loophole), they will be selling at more of a profit.

The real story behind flex-fuel capability is national security. Congressman Roscoe Bartlett from Maryland makes a compelling case for alternative fuels indirectly through his many speeches on Peak Oil, where the specter of oil at $180/barrel is given credence. At that point, any alternative fuel would be feasible. We expect that by this time next year, BP (Dupont) will have 10-15 retail stations with biobutanol pumps. With an energy output more in line with gasoline, biobutanol will give motorists an even greater choice of alternatives. It will be interesting to see how they price it relative to E85. Any alternative fuel that reduces our dependence on offshore oil is good for America.

Subject: 2007 Editors' Most Wanted
From: Claudia
I really enjoyed your list of the 2007 Editors' Most Wanted cars. I have been attempting to purchase a new vehicle for the past two years. I've been trying to decide between a couple of vehicles, and have been unable to make a decision. Reading your list made my decision for me. Thank you!

Subject: "Long-Term Test: 1984 Ferrari 308 GTSi"
From: Santiago
When I saw the title "Long-Term Test: 1984 Ferrari," I reread it, then once more and very slowly, because I was a bit shocked. This was certainly something I was not expecting from a section of your site that usually puts new cars through their paces.

I salute you for having the guts to buy and try out a car like that for the long term. I hope you guys have a good enough experience with this Ferrari so you'll consider purchasing other new old cars. Obviously you're still going to have to buy some boring cars and put them through their paces 'cause that's a very important service you provide, but...well, you understand.

Subject: "Top 10 Cars for Driver/Front Passenger Space for 2006"
From: James
This list is very helpful! I am 6'3" and really enjoy a nice ride. I don't like the feeling of being a sardine in a can, if you can relate! Thanks, Edmunds!

Subject: Car Seats
From: Stephen
My 2007 Pontiac Vibe has the LATCH system. I have four anchors in the rear and I see two pairs of anchor icons marking locations of the anchors are for the left and right rear seats. I have been using the middle two anchors to secure my rear-facing child seat and it is secured. But someone told me that since there is not a third pair of anchors for the center seat, I should not be using the anchors the way I am.

I tried the center seatbelt option to secure the child seat in the center. It is difficult and is not as secured. But I was told that I should do that anyway instead of using the anchors. This person also told me that there are only a few car models that have three pairs of rear anchors and the 2007 Vibe is not one.

I contacted Pontiac proper and the local dealer. Neither could tell me the proper way to use the anchors.

It's terrific that you are being so cautious with your car seat, especially considering how many well-intentioned parents end up with incorrectly installed car seats.

We strongly recommend you go to a car seat inspection station, where they will make sure you have the very best fit. You can find one by going here.

Often, local police or firefighters also have an inspector on their site, as do stores that sell car seats. But make sure the person who is attending to you is certified. — Ed.