Why is my 2001 Ford Taurus being a gas hog? Or at least the gauge goes down quickly (no leaks)?

Why is my 2001 Ford Taurus being a gas hog? Or at least the gauge goes down quickly (no leaks)?

Because your car is a 17 year old heap of junk that should be scrapped.

Edit: Dirty fuel injectors could be the issue.

I've noticed that every car I've ever owned, the gas mileage gets worse as time goes on. Maybe you changed your driving habits recently, and don't forget the price of gas has gone up, so you get less for the same amount (if you're filling it up that doesn't apply).

Ok now. Who has the Taurus? We thought your neighbor is selling one for $500. You are near the troll limit Dylan.

The best you can do is keep the engine tuned up, the tire air pressure at the correct psi, remove all excess weight inside the vehicle, and don't drive over 55 mph on a freeway… Let those who want to waste fuel fly by you if they want

Trade it in for a European diesel, 65mpg and plenty of grunt.

Go to auto zone or oreily auto parts store. They have a computer scanner you can borrow. If it doesn't give a code and it's definitely eating up the gas go to s mechanic before the engine gets washed out.

VERY few cars that old are known as fuel efficient. Time for a new or newer car. Did you ever consider the possibility the engine is just SHOT?

What's the actual fuel economy. Going by the gauge means nothing as fuel gauges are rarely linear. For example you might be able to go 80 miles on the first quarter tank 100 miles on the 2nd quarter, 70 miles on the 3rd quarter and 60 miles on the last quarter. Fuel tanks aren't typically symmetrical in shape so going by the fuel gauge to measure fuel economy is a poor method.

Probably a multitude of things adding to. Result you find. Older engine ergo worn will need to be given more fuel to keep power output a you first found it. Dirty air filter? Out of tune engine? Harsh acceleration? High speed driving? Off roading? Higher weight being carried? Roof rack added? Too low a tire pressure or high. Rolling resistance tires fitted?
bear in mind almost all cars. Use more fuel to travel through air at speeds over 55mph than just pushing car along. ( thats why 55mph was set when fuel supply was short) ideally. We get a new vehicle as many now have low rolling resistance tires fitted and latest high tech engines with weight saving on manufacturing. Leading to higher mileage for less fuel and often accompanied by. Greater reliability too.

When (if ever) did you last have a TUNE UP? Also a new Air Cleaner filter element?
Tires have been changed, so did you opt for CHEAPER TIRES?
Fuel economy changes show up instantly. It gets worse with cheap tires(as there's more rolling resistance).
Inflation pressures are all correct in those tires? It matters too.(rolling resistance)
What about brakes? Do you have any or is one side rubbing more against the rotor than the other creating drag?(rolling resistance)
Do you constantly carry extra JUNK in the car(some people carry their office in their car(including fat secretary) or extra luggage in the trunk… All your stuff that was not in the car when you first got it. That is stuff you don't NEED to carry with you. That stuff is weight that adds to rolling resistance.
Having a roof rack on the top creates wind resistance.
Add all the resistances up and it is like you are ALWAYS driving the car UPHILL Going uphill means you have to step MORE ON THE GAS to burn more fuel to get up the hill as fast as you did before.

Driving fast means more wind resistance. How much more for your car I can't say… I'm not testing a Ford. But in my own car, pushing 70MPH and I got 62MPG. On the same road, same traffic conditions and relatively the same weather the next day I drove 53MPH got 75MPG. It did not matter if it was my car, or a van, or a truck, speed matters. All vehicles got better MPG when you lowered the speed to 55MPH.

53 was the exact number I used as 55 used more fuel due to wind resistance.

Your driving habits could have changed. Now you are not as TIMID as you once was, so STOMP ON THE ACCELERATOR, TAILGATE, AND SLAM ON THE BRAKES.
Also all engines wear out with more mileage on them.More wear means less compression=less horsepower. So you step on the gas pedal harder. (Kind of like beating the horse harder to go as fast as it used to do in its youth… The old grey mare can't go any faster)
. Also do you have any hills or curves or headwinds or tailwinds or cross breezes?

Any of the aforementioned matters. Not oil changes. If it has oil, you are O.K. Not oil thickness.5W20 vs 10W40 is only noticed on supersensitive measuring devices, not the car.