Many ads feature glowing testimonials by satisfied customers. There are too many variables that affect fuel consumption, such as traffic, road and weather conditions, car's condition and overall maintenance, and driving habits of owner.

In one case a consumer sent a letter to a company praising its gas-saving product. But what was not mentioned in advertisement was fact that consumers vehicle also had an engine tune-up at time device was installed.

Some advertisers claim that gas-saving device is approved by Federal government. No government agency endorses gas-saving products for cars. The seller can only state that item has been tested by EPA. If advertiser claims that product has been tested by EPA ask to see results or contact EPA directly.

If you have already purchased a gas-saving product and you are not satisfied, contact manufacturer and ask for a refund. An honest company offers a money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with company's response, contact your local or state consumer protection agency or Better Business Bureau.

Keeping your car in tip top condition is best way to get best gas mileage your vehicle has to offer. Every vehicle come with an owners manual. Read and follow what manufacturer recommends.

Three simple steps that will help improve gas mileage in all vehicles:

Getting a tune-up. Checking tire pressure. Removing any excess weight from car's trunk.

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The aforementioned navigation system is one of easiest and most efficient systems I've tried. The directions are simple, including destination address data entry. The system has straightforward, nicely illuminated maps and a pleasant, clear direction-giver's voice.

Through its nearly 30 years, Accord's appeal has been its overall presentation, not just strength of some of its individual features. The 2005 Accord takes vehicle's well-respected total package to a new standard.

Acceleration, quietness, ride quality, steering and handling and instrumentation – Accord gets high marks in all categories. All gauges are keenly styled and legible and positioned well on dash and console. The car maneuvers moves well in and out of traffic. While not a sports car, its testing rating of 0-60 mph in 7.0 seconds is hardly pedestrian for midsize car category.

The only less-than-sterling marks for new Accord are its fuel economy and rear seat room. The EX model has a rating of 21 and 30 mph averages in city and highway driving, respectively. Those numbers could be higher, particularly in age of higher fuel costs.

The Accord has plenty of headroom in front and back seats. But rear seat is snug for three adults, despite its five-passenger designation.

Regardless, reasons are aplenty why Accord is so popular. And if all is still well even when you're stuck in rush-hour traffic on a late weekday afternoon, is there any higher praise?

2005 Honda Accord

Safety features -- Driver and front passenger and side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes; Traction control system.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 21 mpg (city), 30 mpg (highway).

Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Power train, 3 years/36,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles.

Base price -- $28,700.

James Raia is a Sacramento, Calif., journalist who writes about sports, fitness, travel and lifestyle topics as well as the car review colum, The Weekly Driver.

To read more car reviews, visit: The Weekly Driver .

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