1998 and later reports use a different format. These tests are used to certify that vehicles meet the Federal emissions and fuel ecomy standards. EPA then confirms the accuracy of the figures provided by the manufacturers. The vehicles are driven by a professional driver under controlled laboratory conditions, on an instrument similar to a treadmill. No test can simulate all possible combinations of conditions, climate, driver behavior and car care habits.
Actual mileage depends on how, when, and where the vehicle is driven.
EPA has found that the mpg obtained by most drivers will be within a few mpg of the estimates provided here. See above 5. Data file updated May 1995 October 1995 for '96 Guide data file. These are manufacturer-determined descriptors. Any other descriptors not listed here are those submitted by manufacturers to augment engine information and may not always be self-explanatory.