Against 177 other 4-cyl cars rated 1983–1985, the Citation trails their 25.4 mpg average by 2.9 mpg, about $195 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 2.5L 4-cyl (1984–1985), does 24.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.8L 6-cyl (1984–1985), 20: $353 a year apart.
Every Chevrolet Citation 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 | 21 / 30.5 | 1984–1985 | $1,567 | |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 17.5 / 24 | 1984–1985 | $1,920 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1985) | $0.142 |
| Fuel per year | $1,707 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,535 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1983–1985 | +$195 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,825 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1985 Chevrolet Citation gives up 8 mpg in town: 27.5 on the highway against 19.5 in the city, $573 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1985) | 19.5 mpg | $1,969 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 27.5 mpg | $1,396 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8 mpg (41%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Citation changed over the years
The Citation peaked in 1985 at 22.5 mpg (19.5 city, 27.5 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1984 at 22 — 0.5 mpg apart, or $38 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | 19.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 1984 | 19 / 27 | 2 | $1,745 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 4 EPA ratings of the Chevrolet Citation — 2 engines across 1984–1985. 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 $2,825. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1985 Chevrolet Citation get?
22.5 mpg combined, 19.5 city and 27.5 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 20 to 25. Across every year since 1984 the Citation has averaged 22.3 mpg.
Is the 1985 Citation more efficient than the 1984?
About the same: 22.5 against 22 mpg combined.
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