Letters to the Editors
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Subject: Explained: 2008 EPA Fuel Economy Ratings
From: Margery
Thanks for your story on the revised fuel economy ratings. I was wondering why, when I bought a 2008 Camry Hybrid, the rates had fallen from 32-40 mpg down to 33-34 mpg!

However, you asked if those of us who have bought 2008 hybrids have experienced that these ratings are in line with our real-world figures. I have only driven 2,000 miles so far in my new 2008 hybrid Camry, but the answer thus far is a definitive "no." My average mpg is much closer to the 2007 rating. I average 32-36 mpg in the city, 38-42 mpg in the highway and between 36 and 40 mpg combined. My best figure so far was more than 80 mpg for 15 minutes on a winding, hilly road on a mountainside in the Poconos. I got to take advantage of the coasting down the hills and braking on down-slopes and curves to keep the battery recharged. In fact, this is the only time my battery got charged all the way to the top!

I've averaged over 41 mpg on less than four tanks of gas thus far. I never refill the tank until I have gone more than 500 miles. Usually, the fuel gauge shows almost a quarter tank of fuel remaining.

I think the difference is that the car has trained me not to be a lead-footed driver. I almost never stomp on the accelerator anymore, like I did on my Subaru Outback (which only got 22 mpg on average, about 19-20 mpg in town and about 24-26 mpg on the highway). Also, I boost fuel economy by cruising around on the electric motor whenever possible, i.e., when no one is tailgating me because I'm driving slowly. I also pull over to let traffic go by me when I am vacationing/touring, and continue on at between 40-55 mph for the most part. Still, there are times when I have to "gun the gas," get to work really fast or drive near 80 mph to make up for lost time. It is true that when I run the A/C a lot or drive aggressively, the mpg can fall to an average of 32. I have yet to get any sustained average of less than 36 mpg for a half hour or more — yet!!

So, the answer is no. The 2008 ratings don't make any sense for me in my new '08 hybrid Camry. The old ratings are much more accurate (and even then, seem to be somewhat conservative).

Another note about ratings for hybrid Toyotas. Almost everyone I know gets better gas mileage on the highway instead of in town/city. This is true for me, too, even though I can often run around at 25-35 mph on only the electric motor. (When you do that, you get more than 99.9 mpg on the monitor.) I have driven around for a half hour and averaged over 60 mph by doing this. It's hard, though, because you really have to concentrate on recharging the battery by coasting a lot and hitting the brakes.

I have found it difficult to stay on the electric motor when driving 25-35 mph around town with the A/C on even a moderate level when it is hot outside. The A/C is just too much of a drain, and it almost always causes the gas engine to kick in. I haven't figured out any way to get around this other than turning it off and rolling back the sunroof or opening a couple of side windows. On the other hand, it's not too hard to maintain 38 mpg when driving over 65 mph with the A/C on full blast on the highway. This is definitely a huge improvement over my '99 Subaru Outback, which only averaged 18-20 mpg under the same driving conditions.

Thanks for your feedback, Margery. While we expect most people who drive hybrids to see the 2008 EPA estimates come more in line with their actual driving, your case is a special one, since you're especially careful to maximize fuel economy. We're glad that you're doing better than the EPA projects! We have a Toyota hybrid in our long-term fleet — the Prius. In our experience, the 2008 fuel economy estimates are a more accurate reflection of the real-world mileage we've experienced with that vehicle — probably on account of the many lead-footed drivers on our staff. Be sure to check out our long-term test of the Prius for more information. — Ed.

Subject: Mobility Vehicles
From: ld420
It's nice to know that car designers are considering senior drivers. What about senior passengers?

I have an elderly relative who I have to transfer from a wheelchair or walker into the passenger seat of a car. The seats are too high or too low, doors too narrow, etc.

It costs thousands of dollars to install or buy a mobility access device or vehicle. Why can't car manufacturers make a car with a wide suicide door, or one with a turning seat for handicapped access? It would also help if seats were at an adequate height and offered ample headroom.

Meanwhile, how does one find the best car for handicapped passengers without dragging them to every car dealership in town to test them out?

Do you have any suggestions to narrow down the search? Thanks.

Thanks for your question, ld420. You may want to consider the Honda Element, which has suicide doors that can be very helpful in your situation. You may also want to take a look at the Chrysler Town and Country minivan. It offers sliding doors and second-row swivel seats that accommodate entry and exit for mobility-challenged individuals.

We also invite you to peruse our Mobility Buying Guide, which offers a wealth of information designed to help you find the best vehicles for mobility-challenged individuals on the market.

Finally, there are quite a few inexpensive aftermarket products, such as swivel cushions that help a person enter or exit a seat. While we can't recommend individual products, you can look for them on the Internet, in catalogs targeted at seniors or in auto supply stores. Good luck with your purchase. — Ed.

Subject: "Choosing the Safest Car for Your Teen Driver"
From: Michael
I have to tell you much I appreciated your article on choosing a safe car for teen drivers. I am an avid sports car driver and car junkie with a special interest in safety. There have been many articles written on this subject, but to my thinking, they have woefully missed the obvious points you raise. Many parents I know buy a 10-to-15-year-old-car for their teens, rationalizing that their kids will probably get into an accident anyway, so why spend more for the car or insurance.

The well-known statistics regarding how prone teens are to accidents coupled with the safety advancements present in later-model cars make it a more expensive but smart decision to put your teen in a safer car. To me it's a pay-me-now, pay-me-later proposition. It makes no sense that we parents would spend years helping them cross the street, encouraging wise choices, etc., and then not adequately prepare them as they engage in one of the most dangerous activities — driving.

Thank you so much for spreading the reality of the situation.

Michael, many thanks for your feedback, and we're glad you found the article useful. Be sure to check out the other articles in our series on safe teen driving:

"How to Crashproof Your Teen Driver"

"Laying Down the Law for Your Teen Driver"

"Finding Driver's Ed Programs That Really Work"

"How to Keep Tabs on Your Teen Driver"

Thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts. — Ed.

Subject: "First Drive: BMW Alpina B3 BiTurbo"
From: Shingi
I read Edmunds' reviews every day, and I just read the review of the Alpina B3 by David Vivian. This is one awesome piece! I must say, I don't normally write letters to Web sites or publications, but your review was just amazing. I felt as if I were riding along with the author of the road test.

Glad you liked it, Shingi. Inspiring cars tend to breed inspired writing. For more in that vein, check out our road test of the BMW Alpina B7. — Ed.

Subject: "Comparison Test: 1984 Ferrari 308 GTSi vs. 2007 Kia Sedona EX"
From: Auggie
Your road test comparison involving the 1984 Ferrari 308 GTSi and 2007 Kia Sedona EX is just so hilarious but very insightful!

I had a great laugh reading your piece!

Auggie, thanks for the great feedback. Be sure to also check out our long-term road test on the Ferrari 308. — Ed.

Subject: "Comparison Test: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Coupe vs. 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06"
From: Dan
This is my first time ever writing to Edmunds. I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed this comparison. You had me rolling on the floor laughing with all the silly analogies. Great job!

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts, Dan. Be sure to also check out our First Drive of the 2008 Corvette for all the latest on the Vette. — Ed.

Subject: "Top 10 Automotive Museums"
From: Scott
Regarding your article listing the Top 10 automotive museums, you overlooked one of the world's hidden gems, the Nethercutt in Sylmar, California. Absolutely world-class, every vehicle registered, plated and ready to run.

I love your Web site. Keep up the good work.

Subject: "Top 10 Automotive Museums"
From: Rod

I would respectfully suggest that you add the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum in Auburn, Indiana. It was quite impressive to see many of these classic cars.

Perhaps it doesn't compare to the others you listed now, but with your mention, you might succeed in increasing tourism to a level that would fund improvements and make it on your list permanently.

I enjoy your Web site and new car write-ups. Thank you for your help to consumers who are evaluating the purchase of new vehicles.

Subject: "How to Change Your Brake Pads"
From: Cliff
I really appreciated your article on how to change brake pads; I especially liked how it started with the fundamentals. Keep up the good work!

Thanks for your feedback, Cliff. Be sure to also check out Top 10 Ways To Make Your Brakes Last Longer for some great brake preservation tips and techniques. — Ed.