2001 Corolla LE Speed on Downhill Problem

lovejava34

Last weekend, I bought a new 2001 Toyota Corolla LE. I think there is a problem with the car, but I need your advice.
My old car, Ford Contour, increases speed when it goes downhill. The average highway mpg on sticker is 32 but on freeway it is 38. Comparing to Toyota, it is different. The average highway mpg on sticker is 39, but since I drove the car for last two days, the average mpg is 33. I suspect the problem with downhill. When the new car goes downhill (I do not touch gas pedal or brake or I do not use cruise control as well), the speed decreases. What do you think the problem is?

Mr_Shiftright

Well, gee, unless the car is downshifting, or is geared like a tractor, I can't imagine it LOSING speed downhill.

I'm going to have to think about this one........alcan, Opatience, boys, anybody got some ideas here?

hicaira

Maybe the final gear ratio on the Toy is greater than the Contour and the gravity of the hill decent is not enough to overcome the engine compression braking. Just put it in neutral - if the hill is steep enough you'll get great mileage!

Also, the car is new. Once it is broken in the mileage should improve anyway.

HiC