Against 177 other V6 cars rated 1985–1987, the El Camino trails their 18.5 mpg average by 1 mpg, about $118 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 5.7L 8-cyl (1984), does 21 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5L 8-cyl Hybrid (1985), 16: $571 a year apart.
Every Chevrolet El Camino 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 | 18 / 26 | 1984–1984 | $1,829 | |
| 3.8L 6-cyl Hybrid | 15 / 22 | 1984–1984 | $2,133 | |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 15.3 / 21.3 | 1985–1987 | $2,133 | |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 15 / 19 | 1984–1984 | $2,259 | |
| 5L 8-cyl | 15 / 20.5 | 1986–1987 | $2,259 | |
| 5L 8-cyl Hybrid | 14 / 20 | 1985–1985 | $2,400 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1987) | $0.183 |
| Fuel per year | $2,194 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,970 |
| Against other V6 cars, 1985–1987 | +$118 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,594 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1987 Chevrolet El Camino gives up 4.5 mpg in town: 20 on the highway against 15.5 in the city, $557 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1987) | 15.5 mpg | $2,477 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +4.5 mpg (29%) | Typical for its type |
How the El Camino changed over the years
The El Camino peaked in 1984 at 18.7 mpg (16 city, 22.3 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1985 at 17 — 1.7 mpg apart, or $206 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1987 car does 17.5.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | 15.5 / 20 | 2 | $2,194 | |
| 1986 | 15 / 21.5 | 2 | $2,194 | |
| 1985 | 14.5 / 21 | 2 | $2,259 | |
| 1984 | 16 / 22.3 | 3 | $2,053 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
- Fuel profile built from your actual mileage and local prices
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- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
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How we count
This page rests on 9 EPA ratings of the Chevrolet El Camino — 6 engines across 1984–1987. 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 $3,594. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1987 Chevrolet El Camino get?
17.5 mpg combined, 15.5 city and 20 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the El Camino has averaged 17.8 mpg.
Is the 1987 El Camino more efficient than the 1986?
About the same: 17.5 against 17.5 mpg combined.
Which El Camino year has the best gas mileage?
The 1984, at 18.7 mpg combined (16 city, 22.3 highway).
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