Against 164 other V8 cars rated 1994–1996, the Caprice beats their 15.4 mpg average by 3.6 mpg, about $473 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 4.3L 6-cyl (1985–1993), does 19.4 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.8L 6-cyl Hybrid (1984), 17: $280 a year apart.
Every Chevrolet Caprice engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 16.4 / 24 | 1985–1993 | $1,979 | |
| 4.3L 8-cyl | 16 / 24 | 1994–1996 | $2,021 | |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 16 / 23.5 | 1984–1992 | $2,043 | |
| 5L 8-cyl | 15.3 / 22.7 | 1986–1993 | $2,110 | |
| 5L 8-cyl Hybrid | 15 / 23.2 | 1985–1992 | $2,133 | |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 15 / 20 | 1984–1984 | $2,259 | |
| 3.8L 6-cyl Hybrid | 15 / 19 | 1984–1984 | $2,259 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Hyundai Sonata gets 19.8 mpg, the Lincoln Continental 18 mpg and the Cadillac Deville 18 mpg, next to 19 mpg for the 1996 Caprice.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1996) | $0.168 |
| Fuel per year | $2,021 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,105 |
| Against other V8 cars, 1994–1996 | −$473 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,421 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1996 Chevrolet Caprice gives up 8 mpg in town: 24 on the highway against 16 in the city, $800 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1996) | 16 mpg | $2,400 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 24 mpg | $1,600 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8 mpg (50%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Caprice changed over the years
The Caprice peaked in 1985 at 19.3 mpg (16.3 city, 24 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1991 at 16.5 — 2.8 mpg apart, or $337 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1996 car does 19.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 16 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1995 | 16 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1994 | 16 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1993 | 15.5 / 24 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 1992 | 15.3 / 23.7 | 3 | $2,098 | |
| 1991 | 14 / 21.5 | 2 | $2,327 | |
| 1990 | 15.7 / 23 | 3 | $2,053 | |
| 1989 | 15.7 / 23 | 3 | $2,053 | |
| 1988 | 16 / 23.5 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 1987 | 16 / 23.5 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 1986 | 16 / 23 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 1985 | 16.3 / 24 | 3 | $1,990 | |
| 1984 | 16 / 21.7 | 3 | $2,098 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 28 EPA ratings of the Chevrolet Caprice — 7 engines across 1984–1996. 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 $3,421. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice get?
19 mpg combined, 16 city and 24 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Caprice has averaged 18.6 mpg.
Is the 1996 Caprice more efficient than the 1995?
About the same: 19 against 19 mpg combined.
Which Caprice year has the best gas mileage?
The 1985, at 19.3 mpg combined (16.3 city, 24 highway).
Does the Caprice get better gas mileage than the Hyundai Sonata?
About the same: 19 mpg for the 1996 Caprice against 19.8 for the 1997 Hyundai Sonata.
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