Against 257 other V6 cars rated 1989–1991, the Reatta sits right on their 18.1 mpg average.
Every Buick Reatta engine, compared
The Buick Reatta was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 16.5 / 25.5 | 1988–1991 | $1,969 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota MR2 gets 22 mpg, the Cadillac Allante 16 mpg and the Chrysler TC 18 mpg, next to 19 mpg for the 1991 Reatta.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1991) | $0.168 |
| Fuel per year | $2,021 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,105 |
| Against other V6 cars, 1989–1991 | −$101 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,200 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1991 Buick Reatta gives up 9 mpg in town: 25 on the highway against 16 in the city, $864 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1991) | 16 mpg | $2,400 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 25 mpg | $1,536 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (56%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Reatta changed over the years
The Reatta peaked in 1989 at 20 mpg (17 city, 26 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1991 at 19 — 1 mpg apart, or $101 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1991 car does 19.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 16 / 25 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1990 | 16 / 25 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1989 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1988 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 4 EPA ratings of the Buick Reatta — 1 engine across 1988–1991. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,200. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1991 Buick Reatta get?
19 mpg combined, 16 city and 25 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1988 the Reatta has averaged 19.5 mpg.
Is the 1991 Reatta more efficient than the 1990?
About the same: 19 against 19 mpg combined.
Which Reatta year has the best gas mileage?
The 1989, at 20 mpg combined (17 city, 26 highway).
Does the Reatta get better gas mileage than the Toyota MR2?
No: 19 mpg for the 1991 Reatta against 22 for the 1992 Toyota MR2, about $276 a year more to run.
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