fueleconomy.gov variations

[Straight-3]

Why is it that the same model car with same engine and trans will get different mpg ratings from one year to the next? Example is the '93 to '96 ford ranger 4x4 2.3l man5 trans. Years '93 and '95 are listed at 19/24, while '94 and '96 only get 18/23. Were there any changes in the ford ranger? Maybe they tested some of the poorer models, inside of acceptable production variations. I've been scouring craigslist looking for the '93 or '95.

[Old Tele man]

...weight? aerodynamics? gearing? power steering standard vs. manual?

[comptiger5000]

In 96, it would have changed to OBDII, so the engine management and fuel injection was different. That could account for a difference of +/- 1 mpg.

[Clev]

Dear Fueleconomy.gov Variations,

I thought this would never happen to me...

(snip)

...I've had 75 mpg since, but I'll always fondly remember my first time in Paris...