A couple months ago I asked some questions about a Cobalt & Focus, but we eventually decided they didn't have the practicality we were looking for, and then Saab had some Pretty Good Deals lately. ... So we got a 9-3 wagon and after about 1300 miles, I'm really pleased.
Window sticker says "19 / 27" for the automatic (dealer didn't have a manual in stock), which I figured was kind of low.
With two of us driving and about 70% urban/suburban miles, the fuel economy is averaging about 27, with the best tank being the most recent (80% rural, half of that interstate) at 34.6 (calculated - dash info displayed 34.5). This involved nothing exceptional - complete stops for stop signs, keeping to within a mile or two an hour of the speed limits, etc. I was hoping to see thirty (10% better than sticker) on the highway; 34 is better
The only concession was that we had the A/C off and I did not use the cruise.
The transmission is an Aisin 5 spd, and I
think that if you run it in manual mode it stays locked up except for when shifting. Will have to do some more experimenting and figure out which is better. I had it in "M" for that tank, and upshifted at 3200 RPM, give or take, and downshifted when coming to stop signs etc.
Naturally, I'm pleased. The display was showing 37.0 about 100 miles into the trip, but that's about the time I entered a large urban area and things went downhill a little bit from there.
That's my success story, Thanks!
Today
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