Against 291 other 4-cyl cars rated 1988–1990, the Celebrity trails their 23.7 mpg average by 2.2 mpg, about $166 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 4.3L 6-cyl (1984–1985), does 25.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.1L 6-cyl (1990), 20: $414 a year apart.
Every Chevrolet Celebrity 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 | 22 / 31.5 | 1984–1985 | $1,506 | |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 20.4 / 28.7 | 1984–1990 | $1,641 | |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 18 / 26 | 1986–1989 | $1,846 | |
| 3.1L 6-cyl | 17 / 27 | 1990–1990 | $1,920 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1990) | $0.149 |
| Fuel per year | $1,786 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,930 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1988–1990 | +$166 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,843 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1990 Chevrolet Celebrity gives up 9.5 mpg in town: 28 on the highway against 18.5 in the city, $705 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1990) | 18.5 mpg | $2,076 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 28 mpg | $1,371 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9.5 mpg (51%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Celebrity changed over the years
The Celebrity peaked in 1985 at 25 mpg (22 city, 30.5 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1990 at 21.5 — 3.5 mpg apart, or $250 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1990 car does 21.5. The biggest single-year change came in 1986: 25 to 22 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 18.5 / 28 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 1989 | 19.5 / 27 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1988 | 19.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 1987 | 18.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1986 | 19.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1985 | 22 / 30.5 | 2 | $1,536 | |
| 1984 | 20.5 / 29.5 | 2 | $1,600 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 14 EPA ratings of the Chevrolet Celebrity — 4 engines across 1984–1990. 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 $2,843. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1990 Chevrolet Celebrity get?
21.5 mpg combined, 18.5 city and 28 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 20 to 23. Across every year since 1984 the Celebrity has averaged 22.7 mpg.
Is the 1990 Celebrity more efficient than the 1989?
About the same: 21.5 against 22 mpg combined.
Which Celebrity year has the best gas mileage?
The 1985, at 25 mpg combined (22 city, 30.5 highway).
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