Our hypermiling experiment is going well! This past week I continue to get mileage of over 35 MPG in the Matrix, while we’re getting nearly 27 MPG in the Sienna. Compare this to the EPA’s estimate of 17 (city)/ 24 (highway)/19 (combined) for the minivan! This translates to an annual savings of over $500 for the Matrix and over $600 for the Sienna. Yay!

I’ve also experienced some interesting experiences using this technique. For example, the time when I was stuck with hundreds of other cars in rush hour traffic on I-66, yet the tractor trailer behind me felt the need to lay on his horn for nearly a minute simply because I was coasting from jam-up to jam-up! You’d think he of all people would realize the situation considering his towering position above the rest of the vehicle?! Overall, however, I have seen fewer such reactions since adding the bumperstickers we designed to warn drivers behind us.

However, we have definitely seen an improvement in our own attitudes while driving. We both feel much more relaxed since we’re not trying to “keep up” (unecessarily) or “get there.” We simply enjoy the slowed-down drive. Mostly, we’re happy to be saving a bit each time we fill up!

Tags: gas, matrix, mileage, mpg, savings, sienna