Why are cars sold in America so fuel-inefficient?

Question

Why are cars sold in America so fuel-inefficient?

Answer 1

A horse power war is lunacy, how about a longevity war ?  Just build better cars, that get better fuel milage.

Look at what the big three are doing, all going down the toilet, with their Hp war.

Answer 2

Because that is what the market is demanding.  It's not some intentional snub at the rest of the world to tell them we don't care about what they think.  It's because that's what people want.  It's pretty simple actually.  If a company continues to produce vehicles that nobody wants, for example, more Pontiac Aztecs, what do you think will happen?  That company will go out of business because no one is buying their cars.  That's why they spend millions in research finding out what people want. After they find out what the demand is for, they produce it, and if it's what the research told them, people will buy it.  And to Karateman, yes, we do have a love affair with luxury, and to I say, what's wrong with that?  Is it wrong to want nice things?  Is it wrong to have nice things?  Do we need heated seats?  Of course not.  But then by that logic, we don't need air conditioning either, or reading lights, or keyless entry, electric windows, GPS, power seats, or even a speedometer since technically you can time out your speed manually and "save" more power from the engine.  Of course we need none of that.  If that's the case, we could just revert back to the Model T and drive with no amenities and have wood blocks for brakes. And congrats if you're building a car that will get 100 mpg.  It's sad that it will never hit the market because I'm sure it will be nothing more than a coffin on wheels.  Cars that are that light, small, and with no power like that are MUCH more unsafe than those that consume more gas. I think I'll take my car that gets 25 mpg and I know is safe vs some little two door spec that will kill me in a 15 mph head-on collision, and yes it does happen in those little cars.   I went to college too and I can tell you that most institutions are just liberal academics indoctrinating students against common sense and freedom.   Don't you think if that kind of car was really possible, it would have been mass marketed already?  There's NO way it would ever pass safety restrictions.  There's no fuel out there that would allow that, unless your running on anti-matter.  Basically, America has more inefficient cars because the government has far fewer restrictions than does Europe.  It's called free market.  It gives me the choice of buying what I want.  I have no problem if you own a little gas saver, but I'll gladly take my inefficient safety machine because it's my choice.  All restrictions do is limit our freedom.  I say if you want cars with better fuel efficiency, go buy one, and change peoples minds, don't change the law telling me what I can and cannot buy restricting everyone's freedom!

Answer 3

Well, there are many things at work here.

First, there is the fact that Americans love cars with big power.  When was the last time you've seen a car boast of having lower horsepower?  It doesn't happen here.  We want cars that can go zero-60 in 5 seconds, never mind how much fuel we burn doing it.  A car only takes around 12-18 horsepower to travel at freeway speeds, but we put in 200-300 hp anyway.

Secondly, Americans have this love affair with luxury.  Every little gadget adds weight, and requires power to operate.  Honestly, do we really need heated seats and enormous stereos in our cars?  No.  We want them, but we don't need them.  And where does the power come from to operate these devices?  It has to come from the engine.

So if we can cut back the power required, lighten the car, and put in smaller engines... then we're getting somewhere.  My fiancee drives an older honda civic, and with 77 horsepower it's still a peppy little machine.  And it gets 40 mpg on the highway.  We can do better with modern materials.  And currently my university is developing an ultralight car that should be well over 100 mpg when we're all finished with it.

so, there's the short answer... you don't really want the long one.

hope it makes some sense.

Answer 4

good question. thats because cars made in america are not required to go through as strict emissions testing as imported cars. so american car companies take advantage of this and put big thirsty engines in their cars

Answer 5

The public in the U S has demanded bigger more powerful cars. The reason for this is primarily wealth, very cheap gas/fuel, and a much larger area, relative to most of the world for years.

Many foreign cars like the diesels that get 60MPG in Europe cannot be imported because they will not pass our emissions standards.

I think the trend will change now that fuel costs are finally going up here. In the past, fuel has not been a problem for most in America because most could easily afford it. It is now becoming a significant portion of more peoples budget.

I wish we could lower our emissions limits. I would love to have one of those VW Polo's or Toyota Corolla's the get 80-70 MPG. Much better than Hybrid, cheaper, and can burn Bio Diesel.

Answer 6

The way I feel is if there weren't then the government would lose out on lots of money...its all about the money!