Why do European cars get better gas mileage?
It turns out that European cars don't really get better gas mileage than their American counterparts, it just looks like they do. Why? One reason is that a gallon is measured differently in Europe than it is in the U.S.
The lack of truth in the gas mileage rumor hasn't stopped people from coming up with a thousand conspiracy theories about why European cars appear to get better mileage. One claims that the U.S. government blocks cars from being sold in this country. After all, if cars got too fuel efficient then the gas tax wouldn't raise enough money to take care of all of our roads. Want to hear more conspiracy theories (and a more detailed explanation about the perceived gas mileage difference)? Click on the video above for Forum editor David Mastio's answer to this reader question.
Have a question of your own? Send it to us using #askusatoday on Twitter or by e-mailing askusatoday@usatoday.com.