Against 303 other 4-cyl cars rated 1986–1988, the Nova beats their 24.3 mpg average by 4.7 mpg, about $256 a year.
Every Chevrolet Nova engine, compared
The Chevrolet Nova was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 25.8 / 33.3 | 1985–1988 | $1,333 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1988) | $0.110 |
| Fuel per year | $1,324 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,620 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1986–1988 | −$256 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,163 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1988 Chevrolet Nova gives up 7 mpg in town: 33 on the highway against 26 in the city, $313 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1988) | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 33 mpg | $1,164 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (27%) | Typical for its type |
How the Nova changed over the years
The Nova peaked in 1988 at 29 mpg (26 city, 33 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1987 at 28 — 1 mpg apart, or $47 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 26 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 1987 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 1986 | 26 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 1985 | 26 / 34 | 1 | $1,324 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
- Fuel profile built from your actual mileage and local prices
- Fuel tracker: what you really spend, month by month
- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
- Compare any two cars on total cost, not sticker price
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
How we count
This page rests on 4 EPA ratings of the Chevrolet Nova — 1 engine across 1985–1988. 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 $2,163. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1988 Chevrolet Nova get?
29 mpg combined, 26 city and 33 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1985 the Nova has averaged 28.8 mpg.
Is the 1988 Nova more efficient than the 1987?
Yes: 29 against 28 mpg combined, about $47 a year less to run.
Which Nova year has the best gas mileage?
The 1988, at 29 mpg combined (26 city, 33 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Mark ForCar as a preferred source and our data shows up first in your Google results. One click, no account.