Greetings from Tucson

[zabadave]

I am new to this site, but have long been "into" Fuel Saving. Long before
gas prices shot up, I kept a sharp awareness of gas economy...less cost
meant I could go more places, and further!
Presently I drive a 2000 Suzuki Swift, with (almost) monotonous 37-mpg
gas mileage. I can drop to 32-mpg on the open interstate, running 85 to
90 mph...once, in no-traffic conditions in northern Chihauhua State (Mexico)
I returned 27-mpg running fully loaded, with the A/C on--open freeway,
and AVERAGED 100mph, GPS documented!
I also own bikes and motorcycles--a Honda CL-200('74), and Kawasaki
ZX-1100 (Earth-Rotator).
The lil' Honda gets 73-mpg around town; the ZX-11 has recorded 52-mpg
on a cool nite northbound on I-5 from Vancouver, WA to Seattle.
The ZX has THE engine...one anyone could love. It provides effortless power
at ANY speed (top end is around 176 mph), but will purr when ridden with
restraint.
My greatest regret is that US Suzuki does not see fit to import some of the
"micro-cars" they have in Asia...they had a 750-cc 3-cylinder DOHC 6-speed
car that got 60-mpg or better! How's come we never hear of these??

[Will]

Welcome, What engine you have in your Swift?

[SVOboy]

Welcome to ecomodder! I don't think we'll see any kei cars soon, too small and all that,

[Daox]

Welcome to the site.

[zabadave]

I've got the 1.5 liter 4-cylinder 16-valve SOHC engine...all aluminum, and a powerhouse
for one so small. (It revs to 7,000 rpm, and makes LOTS of power from 5,000 up).

[zabadave]

THATS what gripes me...I ride motorcycles too, and the "safety issue" read "crash tests"
mandated by D.O.T. make little sense. I mean, if we Ecomodders want to hit the really
big mpg numbers we will need small, light cars/trucks to do it!
Can't see why the Gov't has to be involved--seems like a voluntary thing; if you want
great gas mileage get small/light...or big/safe if that is your concern!
I know the DOT tries to steer a middle course, but (especially now) with gas prices soaring, can't they give us a choice? Besides, it WOULD save gas!

[bobash69x2]

Greetings from Tucson as well! I just started on the site not too long ago myself.

Talk about a town to drive in :/ Speedway is killing my Gas Mileage.