Should my 2006 Dodge Stratus be getting only 21 or 22 MPG on the Highway?

Question

It only has 20,000 miles on it. I drive 80 highway miles a day. Shouldn't I be getting closer to 30 MPG? What could cause this low MPG?

Answer 1

try changing the oil and spark plugs(or bring it to the shop and ask them to perform the scheduled routine matianence)

Answer 2

alot of variables, but first start with the basics.
have a clean air filter. a dirty air filter will rob u of alot of power, and causes fuel mileage to go way down. if u cant see light coming thru the filter, the filter needs replaced.
how long has it been since u changed the oil? is suggested u change that every 3000 miles.
how about the pcv valve? a clogged valve will also rob power.
if ur car doesnt require premium, i would go no lower than the mid-grade. 87 octane sucks all the way around.
THE biggest factor is tire air pressure. if ur running 10 pounds low or more on air, that's gonna really suck ur mileage down, and wear the tires out quicker.
the faster u go over 60, the more juice its gonna take; and that will affect mileage.
are u in the south? u'd save a big hunk of change in gas ridin a bike instead. i get 53 mpg on my bike, and it holds 3.3 gallons.

Answer 3

It depends on the model. The SXT should get 22 city/30 highway while the R/T gets 21/28. Either way I think your Dodge needs to get better gas mileage. Check the way you drive on the freeway. If you're constantly over 65 mph than you mileage will drop dramatically.

Answer 4

The answer is probably yes, depending on your driving habits. Many of the tests the EPA uses are determined by a tailpipe rating that's inaccurate. You might want to see if the air filter's clogged too, this makes more sense than doing a complete tune up just yet. The plugs should be changed when the manual says to. I did mine on my Intrepid at about 40,000 miles when I got the car.

Answer 5

I'm guessing you either have a 2.4 or a 2.7.... and yes, you should be getting about 30 mpg highway. It's hard to say without more info. Does the car run rough?

Answer 6

attempt changing the plugs in it ,they play a actual important place in the gas mileage on that vehicle,and have the laptop scanned and spot if the o-2 sensors are working suited,maximum present day-day scanners will now do a speedy attempt on the 0-2 sensors and inform you the out positioned of them,if one is going undesirable or does not deliver the nicely suited volume of voltage returned to the laptop,their is going your gas mileage,i very own an 03 type sxt and it only gets around 32 on the line so your surprisingly a ways off on gas mileage,good success on it.

Answer 7

Ok first, dont do anything. Dont listen to the people on here. I am very educated with chryslers and work on them constantly. Your car is still underwarrenty so all you need to do is drive it to ANY dodge or chrysler dealership and they will check it and fix it free of charge, according to warranty. It sounds like though since it is a new car it has a loose vaccume line or a defective oxygen sensor. And it is also a new car so you wont need to change the plugs yet.

Answer 8

In the fall and early winter months the gasoline refineries are swiching from gasoline to heating oil and back. so the blends are a little off and in colder weather your electronic fuel injected computer controlled vehicle requires a little more gas to warm up Seen this for 37 yrs and read the statement about refineries for the same amount of yrs

Answer 9

i have a 2005 stratus, you should try changing your oil if you know it needs it , my stratus gets 35 city 38-40 highway

i had bad oil in mine, when i changed it was normal again, also try K&N air and oil filters, they give you a decent jump in mileage