So I just purchased my 2005 Mustang GT Convertible last week.... and while I drive it quite hard around town, I also have put quite a bit of highway miles on her. After about 1,500 total miles I am averaging about 15.7 MPG. Is this normal or could something be wrong? She is bone stock.

I knew she would be a gas-guzzler but I did not anticipate it being this low !!

 

All depends on how you're driving it. I don't think you can "drive it quite hard around town" and then expect anything other than 15. The city MPG estimate is 17 and that's not based on hard driving. I drive mainly in town about 20-miles/day and I'm getting 20-21 mpg. When I do get on the interstate for longer trips, I've gotten as high as 26-mpg. I've got a 5-speed stick and shift at 2000 rpms and get into 5th as quickly as possible. I have fun with mine from time to time, but I try to keep it reasonable as gas has been horribly expensive. Hope that perspective helps!

 

That does help. I shift closer to 3k RPM. I like to have fun, even if its 7am going to the office[:@]

The majority of my driving is on the highway, in 5th... which is why I was really curious why the overall average is so low. I would think 90% of the miles are highway miles in 5th and expected the overall average to be at least over 20.

 

90% of fuel economy is in your right foot. I know it's hard to do, especially when the car is new and novelty was not yet worn off. I can get exceptional fuel economy from mine when I take it easy.

 

I had my 2 girls in my car and drove like an old man to my sister in-laws house about (20miles) and got 28 mpg.
Of course after I dropped them off it went down substantially.

 

Keep your foot out of it and shift just above 2000 rpm. I have a manual GT with 20's, and get low to mid 20's in town and as high as 29 on the highway. I don't gat as good now because I got mac axle-backs, and cannot keep my foot out of it. Mine also has the new for 2007 (with the manual) 3.31's.

 

I think I'm still averaging 23-24 mpg on the hwy and I'm running 4.10s. Before hand though I could get 26-28 mpg on the hwy. I don't think anyone here can take mpg too seriously considering the cars we drive, thats why I'm trying to save for a motorcycle. 40-50 mpg and will still run 160-180mph 10-11 sec 1/4s.

 

You are correct in assuming that the novelty of the new car has not worn out yet. Honestly, I don't forsee it ever wearing out! After driving Pontiacs for ten years this is my first "authentic" manual muscle car and I love pushing her. Its only going to get harder once I get new wheels/tires, lowering spring, and an exhaust.... all of which I am still undecided on BTW!! The first one is going to be wheels/tires since these stock 17's really blow!!

Thanks guys... I appreciate your help.

 

I picked up a 2006 Mustang GT Premium with a 5-Speed Manual on Friday. I've put 700 miles on it already and have been getting right around 20.5 MPG. That's with some very agressive driving, but mixed between highway and city. Coming from my 2003 Mercury Marauder, the mileage in the Mustang is already MUCH better.

 

I average 23 mpg out of a tank of gas, mixing city and highway driving. I find that I get better gas mileage in the city, which is strange as I romp it around town.