Against 188 other V6 cars rated 1986–1988, the Cimarron beats their 18.4 mpg average by 2.6 mpg, about $258 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 2L 4-cyl (1984–1987), does 24.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.8L 6-cyl (1985–1988), 20: $353 a year apart.
Every Cadillac Cimarron engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 21.5 / 29.5 | 1984–1987 | $1,567 | |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 17.5 / 24.5 | 1985–1988 | $1,920 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1988) | $0.152 |
| Fuel per year | $1,829 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,145 |
| Against other V6 cars, 1986–1988 | −$258 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,831 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1988 Cadillac Cimarron 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 (1988) | 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 Cimarron changed over the years
The Cimarron peaked in 1984 at 25 mpg (21 city, 31 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1988 at 21 — 4 mpg apart, or $293 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1988 car does 21. The biggest single-year change came in 1985: 25 to 22 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1987 | 20 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 1986 | 18.5 / 26 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 1985 | 20 / 25.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1984 | 21 / 31 | 1 | $1,536 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 8 EPA ratings of the Cadillac Cimarron — 2 engines across 1984–1988. 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 $2,831. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1988 Cadillac Cimarron get?
21 mpg combined, 18 city and 27 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Cimarron has averaged 22.3 mpg.
Is the 1988 Cimarron more efficient than the 1987?
No: 21 against 22.5 mpg combined, about $122 a year more to run.
Which Cimarron year has the best gas mileage?
The 1984, at 25 mpg combined (21 city, 31 highway).
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