Against 237 other V8 cars rated 2000–2002, the Eldorado beats their 15.6 mpg average by 3.4 mpg, about $441 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 5.7L 8-cyl (1984–1985), does 20.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 4.5L 8-cyl (1988–1990), 17.3: $347 a year apart.
Every Cadillac Eldorado 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 | 17.5 / 26 | 1984–1985 | $1,873 | |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 15.1 / 24 | 1993–2002 | $2,110 | |
| 4.1L 8-cyl | 15 / 23.5 | 1986–1987 | $2,133 | |
| 4.9L 8-cyl | 15 / 23.5 | 1991–1992 | $2,133 | |
| 4.5L 8-cyl | 15 / 22.7 | 1988–1990 | $2,220 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Camry gets 22.3 mpg, the Honda Accord 23.3 mpg and the Toyota Prius 41 mpg, next to 19 mpg for the 2002 Eldorado. The Eldorado costs the most of them to run: $1,084 a year more than the Toyota Prius.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2002) | $0.168 |
| Fuel per year | $2,021 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,105 |
| Against other V8 cars, 2000–2002 | −$441 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,982 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2002 Cadillac Eldorado 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 (2002) | 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 Eldorado changed over the years
The Eldorado peaked in 1984 at 21 mpg (18 city, 26 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1990 at 17 — 4 mpg apart, or $430 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2002 car does 19.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 16 / 25 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2001 | 15 / 25 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2000 | 15 / 25 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1999 | 15 / 24 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1998 | 15 / 24 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1997 | 15 / 24 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1996 | 15 / 24 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1995 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1994 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1993 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1992 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1991 | 15 / 24 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1990 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1989 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1988 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1987 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1986 | 15 / 24 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1985 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1984 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 19 EPA ratings of the Cadillac Eldorado — 5 engines across 1984–2002. 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 $3,982. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2002 Cadillac Eldorado get?
19 mpg combined, 16 city and 25 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Eldorado has averaged 18.3 mpg.
Is the 2002 Eldorado more efficient than the 2001?
Yes: 19 against 18 mpg combined, about $112 a year less to run.
Which Eldorado year has the best gas mileage?
The 1984, at 21 mpg combined (18 city, 26 highway).
Does the Eldorado get better gas mileage than the Toyota Camry?
No: 19 mpg for the 2002 Eldorado against 22.3 for the 2003 Toyota Camry, about $299 a year more to run.
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