Hi folks, I'm really not impressed with the gas mileage I've been experiencing and wondering above the obvious reasons, if anyone has any "magic answers".
This is my first V6 ownership experience, but I do have a PT Dream Cruiser 2.4L turbo (summer car) that makes more power than my Tribute and is more efficient (the 5 speed helps), although I feed it premium fuel (not mandatory per Chrysler, but recommended). I also realize my summer car will get better mileage than my winter vehicle, due to general conditions (like no warm ups req'd, short trips on cold engines are not efficient, etc.)
That being said, I'm barely averaging 200 KMs on a half tank of gas on the Tribute. I don't recall the exact tank capacity but I think the V6 has a larger tank around 65 litres? So, 30 litres to travel 200 KMs is pretty unimpressive @ 19 MPG, and I probably get less that this some tanks.
I haven't changed spark plugs, air filter, gas filter, plug wires, distributor, etc. like I've always done on other used vehicles, but I did change fluids before I started driving it. The engine runs very well - no hesitating or stalling, especially considering it has 320,000 KMs on it. Power seems in line with the 200HP output, and it doesn't leak fluids. I don't floor the throttle as a rule, or leave it idling for extended periods of time. I do drive mostly in town, which is less efficient than highway driving.
I know changing the "tune up" items may help a very slight bit, but it would likely be insignificant overall. Is this vehicle known as a gas hog? Were there any TSB's or recalls affecting the fuel delivery system?
Our Murano gets better mileage - it's larger, heavier, bigger and more powerful motor (altho it takes premium and uses a more efficient CVT). Keep in mind I'm Canadian, so referencing mileage is either in litres or Imperial gallons (20% larger than a US gallon, and even more expensive!).

Cheers, Mark

 

You do not get accurate mpg calculations if you use an estimated tank capacity and an estimated "1/2" tank" used. You should fill up the tank, drive and record the the miles driven, and then fill up again. The new fill up gallons will be the gallons used for the miles travelled and that is what you use for your mpg calculation.

With that said, you will find that your 02 Tribute will get no better than 19 mpg (US) in non-highway driving. A search on this site or any other Tribute site will show that few are pleased with the mpg of this vehicle.

 

Understood Tom. I used to carry a log book years ago that recorded all accurate mileage info on my cars, so I know exactly what you're referring to. In my Tribute's case, I'm just guesstimating, so the 19 MPG is a rough estimate.
I didn't think these vehicles were known for efficiency. I'm sure the new and improved models are much more efficient. especially with the 6 speed tranny, altho the new HP rating of the 3.0L V6 is 240 (very impressive).
I'll chalk this up to our Murano being the more efficient vehicle, and the Tribute was a great deal for me as a winter vehicle. I can live with poor mileage in this case.

Cheers, Mark

 

I do have an 2006 V6 FWD but my mileage isn't anywhere near that bad.
I roughly use bewteen 9.2 - 9.5l/100km on highway (going 110km/h) and somewhere between 11-12l/ 100km in the city. A little more in the winter as I have the car warming up/ idle on command start quite often (at -25 Centigrade or below!)
My numbers are fairly accurate as I have measured mileage against gasoline intake on several occasions.
I strongly suggest to have it checked out and/ or tuned up as your numbers do not appear correct.

Just to mention, my Mazda has a 65l tank on 200hp.

Rgds,

TS, edmonton, ab

 

Cheers back at ya Mark,
My mileage is also terrible on my Trib. I keep very accurate records and at got 15.5 mpg on my last fill up. I've got an '01 ES w/the 200 hp V6 as well with about 84,000 miles on it. My wife drives it mostly and her drive to work is only 5-6 miles on surface streets so it hardly is the best place to get great mileage.
I'm lucky to get up to 17 mpg with her commute schedule in the winter. It's slightly better in the warmer months.
The gas tank size is ridiculously small for a vehicle that gets this poor gas mileage, only 16.5 gals.
FYI - The best I ever got with it was on a trip in '05, in the summer w/o the AC on - about 26.1 mpg.
Bill

 

Big difference between city/hi-way driving.
Also:
Big difference between summer fuel/winter fuel. This being said, the Tribby is not spectacular in fuel economy.
I drive it whenever I have at least one more passanger and if I have to haul stuff. Also, we use it for long drives too. This way it's a more easier pill to swallow.