EPA Press Release: MPG Tests

The US Environmental Protection Agency issues a press release addressing the issue of inflated mileage estimates. The document points out that the test has remained unchanged since its inception in 1985, and "do not reflect factors that may affect the fuel efficiency of today's vehicles, such as increased highway speeds and urban traffic congestion."

Basically, this is an admission of inaccurate test results. However, what it does illustrate, and what many people do not consider, is that the EPA reported mileage can be used to accurately compare mileage between any tested vehicle dating back to 1985. Changing the test now would invalidate the ability to compare vehicle performance.