Against 263 other 4-cyl cars rated 1992–1994, the Colt beats their 24 mpg average by 7 mpg, about $361 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 1.4L 4-cyl (1984), does 34 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.5L 4-cyl (1985–1994), 30.8: $118 a year apart.
Every Dodge Colt engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4L 4-cyl | 31 / 37 | 1984–1984 | $1,129 | |
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 28.5 / 34.8 | 1985–1994 | $1,247 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1994) | $0.103 |
| Fuel per year | $1,239 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,195 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1992–1994 | −$361 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,014 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1994 Dodge Colt gives up 7 mpg in town: 35 on the highway against 28 in the city, $274 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1994) | 28 mpg | $1,371 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 35 mpg | $1,097 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (25%) | Typical for its type |
How the Colt changed over the years
The Colt peaked in 1985 at 34 mpg (31 city, 37 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1992 at 29 — 5 mpg apart, or $195 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1994 car does 31.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 28 / 35 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 1993 | 28 / 36 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 1992 | 27 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 1991 | 27 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 1990 | 27 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 1989 | 28 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 1988 | 29 / 35 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 1987 | 29 / 34 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 1986 | 31 / 37 | 1 | $1,164 | |
| 1985 | 31 / 37 | 1 | $1,129 | |
| 1984 | 31 / 37 | 1 | $1,129 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 11 EPA ratings of the Dodge Colt — 2 engines across 1984–1994. 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 $2,014. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1994 Dodge Colt get?
31 mpg combined, 28 city and 35 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Colt has averaged 31.1 mpg.
Is the 1994 Colt more efficient than the 1993?
About the same: 31 against 31 mpg combined.
Which Colt year has the best gas mileage?
The 1985, at 34 mpg combined (31 city, 37 highway).
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