Against 241 other 4-cyl cars rated 1996–1998, the Skylark trails their 24.8 mpg average by 2.8 mpg, about $197 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 2.5L 4-cyl (1984–1987), does 23.8 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.3L 6-cyl (1989–1993), 20: $307 a year apart.
Every Buick Skylark engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 20.3 / 29.8 | 1984–1987 | $1,613 | |
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 20 / 29.1 | 1988–1995 | $1,641 | |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 19 / 29.3 | 1996–1998 | $1,670 | |
| 3.1L 6-cyl | 17.8 / 26.4 | 1994–1998 | $1,846 | |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 17.5 / 24 | 1984–1985 | $1,920 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 17 / 24.7 | 1986–1988 | $1,920 | |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 17.6 / 25.2 | 1989–1993 | $1,920 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1998) | $0.145 |
| Fuel per year | $1,745 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,725 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1996–1998 | +$197 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,893 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1998 Buick Skylark gives up 10 mpg in town: 28.5 on the highway against 18.5 in the city, $729 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1998) | 18.5 mpg | $2,076 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 28.5 mpg | $1,347 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +10 mpg (54%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Skylark changed over the years
The Skylark peaked in 1988 at 22.5 mpg (19 city, 27.5 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1995 at 21 — 1.5 mpg apart, or $122 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1998 car does 22.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 18.5 / 28.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1997 | 18.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1996 | 18.5 / 28 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1995 | 18 / 27 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 1994 | 18.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1993 | 18.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1992 | 18.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 1991 | 19 / 27 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 1990 | 19 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 1989 | 19.5 / 27 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1988 | 19 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 1987 | 18 / 27 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 1986 | 19 / 28 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1985 | 19.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 1984 | 18.5 / 26 | 2 | $1,786 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 30 EPA ratings of the Buick Skylark — 7 engines across 1984–1998. 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 $2,893. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1998 Buick Skylark get?
22 mpg combined, 18.5 city and 28.5 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 21 to 23. Across every year since 1984 the Skylark has averaged 21.8 mpg.
Is the 1998 Skylark more efficient than the 1997?
About the same: 22 against 22 mpg combined.
Which Skylark year has the best gas mileage?
The 1988, at 22.5 mpg combined (19 city, 27.5 highway).
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