Against 357 other V6 cars rated 1999–2001, the Lumina beats their 18.8 mpg average by 2.2 mpg, about $214 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1990, the 2.5L 4-cyl (1990–1992), does 21 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.4L 6-cyl (1996), 19: $192 a year apart.
Every Chevrolet Lumina 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 | 18 / 25.7 | 1990–1992 | $1,829 | |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 18 / 26 | 1993–1993 | $1,829 | |
| 3.1L 6-cyl | 17.3 / 25.1 | 1990–2001 | $1,892 | |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 17 / 24 | 1996–1996 | $2,021 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Dodge Avenger gets 20 mpg, the Buick Century 21 mpg and the Dodge Stratus 21.5 mpg, next to 21 mpg for the 2001 Lumina.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2001) | $0.152 |
| Fuel per year | $1,829 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,145 |
| Against other V6 cars, 1999–2001 | −$214 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,113 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2001 Chevrolet Lumina gives up 8 mpg in town: 26 on the highway against 18 in the city, $656 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2001) | 18 mpg | $2,133 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8 mpg (44%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Lumina changed over the years
The Lumina peaked in 2001 at 21 mpg (18 city, 26 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1995 at 18 — 3 mpg apart, or $304 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2000 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1999 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1998 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1997 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1996 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1995 | 17 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1994 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1993 | 17.5 / 25.5 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1992 | 17.5 / 25 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1991 | 17.5 / 25 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1990 | 17.5 / 24.5 | 2 | $1,873 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 16 EPA ratings of the Chevrolet Lumina — 4 engines across 1990–2001. 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 $3,113. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2001 Chevrolet Lumina get?
21 mpg combined, 18 city and 26 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1990 the Lumina has averaged 20.4 mpg.
Is the 2001 Lumina more efficient than the 2000?
About the same: 21 against 21 mpg combined.
Which Lumina year has the best gas mileage?
The 2001, at 21 mpg combined (18 city, 26 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Lumina get better gas mileage than the Dodge Avenger?
Yes: 21 mpg for the 2001 Lumina against 20 for the 2000 Dodge Avenger, about $91 a year less to run.
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