How can I increase fuel economy for my Toyota Camry?

[LostSouthernStar]

I own a 2001 Toyota Camry LE 2.2 L 4 cylinder with 4 speed automatic transmission, 151,000 original miles. It is mechanically sound, a brand new engine with over 10,000 miles on it now since it was installed AS OF September 2009. Fresh tuneup with installation of new engine. I keep up with the maintenance...oil changes(5w-30) at 3,000-4,000 miles, keep tires properly inflated at 35 PSi, etc....


However, I'm looking for better driving habits. Here is a list of habits I have improved upon...


-I do not drive over 55-60 mph on the highway.

-I do not brake much and I coast to stops and downhills.

-I accelerate softly, not pushing it past 2000 RPMs.

-I removed all dead weight from my car.

-I use cruise control on the highway at all times.

-I avoid long idle periods(i.e. drive throughs, warm ups, etc.)

-I rarely use the A/C and only roll down the windows at low speeds.


At 55 mph, the RPM is at 2000...60 mph is at 2200 RPMs...65 mph is at 2400 RPMs....etc. I've heard that keeping the RPMs no higher than 2000 was best for fuel economy but some also say 2500-3000 is best so I'm lost on that subject...



I'm only getting 34 miles per gallon combined, but I would to reach UP TO 40 miles per gallon. Is there something I am doing incorrectly or something I am possibly forgetting to do? Should my RPMs have to be at a certain range to achieve the best fuel economy??


NOTE: I have done much research and have found many Camry owners of the same model have reached 40 MPG and beyond so I know it is possible. Thank you for any help you can share with me.
I have surpassed the EPA's false statistics and according to my new results. I am seeking any additional tips that I may not be aware of that could me increase my fuel economy.

ALSO, I have heard LRR(low rolling resistance) tires help to improve mileage and that the OBDII Scan Guage reader is very helpful in tracking your economy.......should I invest in these accessories?

[Chris Crash]

Cruise control is actually bad for economy, as it's constantly accelerating and decelerating to keep you at an average speed.

Check out ecomodders.com lots of great info there!

I track my mileage with fuelly.com to see what I do right and wrong.

[93cr250]

drive like a grandma

[ShawnTRD]

Well your get 3-4 more mpg then my 2.2.

[mazdaverx7]

i think 34mpg is fantastic if you ask me!!! around these parts driving 55mph on the highway will get you run over. on a serious note though, it sounds like you are going above and beyond what you need to do to achieve excellent fuel economy.

[Tom 2000]

34 MPG combined is excellent. That's the highest I've ever acheived on highway. Scan Gauge is a good investment and you'll really understand how your driving habits affect fuel economy.

LRR tires are good too, but if the current tires are pretty good to begin with, you won't see much change, if any. That was the case on my Corolla.

[Yuko]

I must be doing something wrong as I'm only getting 20 mpg in my 2.2L

[nitronate33]

swap the engine out for a lawnmower engine and you could achieve 200mpg!!!! you might not get out of the driveway though.

seriously, 34mpg is excellent, you've reached the limit of the car, now just stop and enjoy it.

[Chris Crash]

Originally Posted by Yuko

I must be doing something wrong as I'm only getting 20 mpg in my 2.2L

Yeah me too...probably just my driving style though!

[astatcamry956]

Originally Posted by 93cr250

drive like a grandma

geez how cant u you go over 2000.? i sometimes mess around and turn on the sport button (ECT) rpms go to like 4000-5000 before switching gears, and on avg i go 80mph on the highway with my RPM at 2900..

Either way hope u find a way to get more miles

[ghettosled]

i average 32-34 mpg with mixed driving. on mostly highway trips i get 35-37 mpg. what i do:

- never use cruise control
- take advantage of downhills and dont press the skinny pedal much on uphills
- tire PSI at 48
- new spark plugs
- keep windows up, AC on during warmer months
- avoid using the brakes when possible.
- follow other vehicles down the highway

i do also have a lead foot, so i know i can get better fuel economy if i go slower, but that takes too much time. i typically driver 75-85 mph on the highway.

[LostSouthernStar]

I should have mentioned that I get 34 mpg combined highway/city with A/C on and roll windows down at slower speeds.

I also use cruise control on the highway at all times.



When I don't use the A/C, my average jumps up to 37-38 mpg combined city/highway, so I guess that is pretty good for a Toyota Camry.

[chronoti]

i agree cruse is bad for fuel econ

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...rys-13185.html

lots of good info from me and a former member here, the other member did a few test and posted the results

the site it self has alot of good tips, even for performance, because reducing drag and weight help in both aspects

[Yuko]

Originally Posted by chronoti

i agree cruse is bad for fuel econ

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...rys-13185.html

lots of good info from me and a former member here, the other member did a few test and posted the results

the site it self has alot of good tips, even for performance, because reducing drag and weight help in both aspects

There are nice tips on ecomodder, but sometimes I think they are over-the-top with some mods. I still can't get my head around the idea of a grille block and moon wheel covers.

Like Chris said, driving style is the biggest factor. If I stop running the engine at WOT, I probability get 25+ mpg easily… and less engine wear.

[oopssorryy]

If you don't all ready have them, put on the 14 steelies, or the Mazda rims that are super light. Should help a bit.