Against 164 other V8 cars rated 1994–1996, the Roadmaster beats their 15.4 mpg average by 2.6 mpg, about $361 a year.
Every Buick Roadmaster 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 | 15 / 23.2 | 1992–1996 | $2,157 | |
| 5L 8-cyl Hybrid | 15 / 23 | 1991–1992 | $2,194 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1996) | $0.178 |
| Fuel per year | $2,133 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,665 |
| Against other V8 cars, 1994–1996 | −$361 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,629 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1996 Buick Roadmaster gives up 9 mpg in town: 24 on the highway against 15 in the city, $960 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1996) | 15 mpg | $2,560 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 24 mpg | $1,600 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (60%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Roadmaster changed over the years
The Roadmaster peaked in 1996 at 18 mpg (15 city, 24 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1993 at 17 — 1 mpg apart, or $126 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 15 / 24 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1995 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1994 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1993 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1992 | 15 / 23 | 2 | $2,133 | |
| 1991 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,259 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 7 EPA ratings of the Buick Roadmaster — 2 engines across 1991–1996. 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 $3,629. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1996 Buick Roadmaster get?
18 mpg combined, 15 city and 24 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1991 the Roadmaster has averaged 17.7 mpg.
Is the 1996 Roadmaster more efficient than the 1995?
About the same: 18 against 18 mpg combined.
Which Roadmaster year has the best gas mileage?
The 1996, at 18 mpg combined (15 city, 24 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
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