Against 12 other 3-cyl cars rated 1990–1992, the Charade sits right on their 32.6 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1988, the 1L 3-cyl (1988–1992), does 34 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.3L 4-cyl (1989–1992), 32.5: $53 a year apart.
Every Daihatsu Charade engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1L 3-cyl | 32 / 38 | 1988–1992 | $1,129 | |
| 1.3L 4-cyl | 30.5 / 35.8 | 1989–1992 | $1,182 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1992) | $0.097 |
| Fuel per year | $1,164 |
| Fuel over five years | $5,820 |
| Against other 3-cyl cars, 1990–1992 | −$14 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $1,883 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1992 Daihatsu Charade gives up 5.5 mpg in town: 36.5 on the highway against 31 in the city, $187 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1992) | 31 mpg | $1,239 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 36.5 mpg | $1,052 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +5.5 mpg (18%) | Typical for its type |
How the Charade changed over the years
The Charade peaked in 1989 at 34 mpg (32 city, 38 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1992 at 33 — 1 mpg apart, or $35 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1992 car does 33.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | 31 / 36.5 | 2 | $1,164 | |
| 1991 | 31 / 36.5 | 2 | $1,164 | |
| 1990 | 31 / 36.5 | 2 | $1,164 | |
| 1989 | 32 / 38 | 2 | $1,129 | |
| 1988 | 32 / 38 | 1 | $1,129 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 9 EPA ratings of the Daihatsu Charade — 2 engines across 1988–1992. 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 $1,883. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1992 Daihatsu Charade get?
33 mpg combined, 31 city and 36.5 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 32 to 34. Across every year since 1988 the Charade has averaged 33.3 mpg.
Is the 1992 Charade more efficient than the 1991?
About the same: 33 against 33 mpg combined.
Which Charade year has the best gas mileage?
The 1989, at 34 mpg combined (32 city, 38 highway).
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