Against 295 other 4-cyl cars rated 1985–1987, the Somerset trails their 24.7 mpg average by 3.2 mpg, about $231 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1985, the 2.5L 4-cyl (1985–1987), does 24 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3L 6-cyl (1985–1987), 20: $320 a year apart.
Every Buick Somerset 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 / 30.3 | 1985–1987 | $1,600 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 17.3 / 24.7 | 1985–1987 | $1,920 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1987) | $0.149 |
| Fuel per year | $1,786 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,930 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1985–1987 | +$231 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,850 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1987 Buick Somerset gives up 9 mpg in town: 27 on the highway against 18 in the city, $711 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1987) | 18 mpg | $2,133 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (50%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Somerset changed over the years
The Somerset peaked in 1985 at 22.5 mpg (19.5 city, 27.5 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1987 at 21.5 — 1 mpg apart, or $79 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1987 car does 21.5.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | 18 / 27 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 1986 | 19 / 28 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1985 | 19.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,707 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 6 EPA ratings of the Buick Somerset — 2 engines across 1985–1987. 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 $2,850. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1987 Buick Somerset get?
21.5 mpg combined, 18 city and 27 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 20 to 23. Across every year since 1985 the Somerset has averaged 22 mpg.
Is the 1987 Somerset more efficient than the 1986?
About the same: 21.5 against 22 mpg combined.
Which Somerset year has the best gas mileage?
The 1985, at 22.5 mpg combined (19.5 city, 27.5 highway).
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