Against 325 other V6 cars rated 1997–1999, the Riviera sits right on their 18.9 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 5.7L 8-cyl (1984–1985), does 21 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.8L 6-cyl (1984–1999), 19.1: $181 a year apart.
Every Buick Riviera engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 18 / 26 | 1984–1985 | $1,829 | |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 16.2 / 24.9 | 1984–1999 | $2,010 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Acura TL gets 19.8 mpg, the Lincoln Mark 18 mpg and the Dodge Avenger 21.2 mpg, next to 19 mpg for the 1999 Riviera.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1999) | $0.168 |
| Fuel per year | $2,021 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,105 |
| Against other V6 cars, 1997–1999 | −$11 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,424 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1999 Buick Riviera 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 (1999) | 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 Riviera changed over the years
The Riviera peaked in 1996 at 21 mpg (17 city, 27 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1984 at 18 — 3 mpg apart, or $304 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1999 car does 19.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 16 / 25 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1998 | 16 / 25 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1997 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1996 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1995 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1993 | 17 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1992 | 16 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1991 | 16 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1990 | 16 / 25 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1989 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1988 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1987 | 16 / 25 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1986 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1985 | 16.5 / 24 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 1984 | 15.5 / 23 | 2 | $2,133 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 17 EPA ratings of the Buick Riviera — 2 engines across 1984–1999. 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 $3,424. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1999 Buick Riviera get?
19 mpg combined, 16 city and 25 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Riviera has averaged 19.4 mpg.
Is the 1999 Riviera more efficient than the 1998?
About the same: 19 against 19 mpg combined.
Which Riviera year has the best gas mileage?
The 1996, at 21 mpg combined (17 city, 27 highway).
Does the Riviera get better gas mileage than the Acura TL?
About the same: 19 mpg for the 1999 Riviera against 19.8 for the 2000 Acura TL.
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