Against 299 other 4-cyl cars rated 1987–1989, the LANCER beats their 23.8 mpg average by 1.2 mpg, about $77 a year.
Every Dodge LANCER engine, compared
The Dodge LANCER 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 21.4 / 30.8 | 1985–1989 | $1,548 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1989) | $0.128 |
| Fuel per year | $1,536 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,680 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1987–1989 | −$77 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,520 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1989 Dodge LANCER gives up 10 mpg in town: 31 on the highway against 21 in the city, $590 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1989) | 21 mpg | $1,829 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 31 mpg | $1,239 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +10 mpg (48%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the LANCER changed over the years
The LANCER peaked in 1986 at 26 mpg (22 city, 32 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1987 at 24 — 2 mpg apart, or $123 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1989 car does 25.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 21 / 31 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1988 | 22 / 31 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1987 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1986 | 22 / 32 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 1985 | 21 / 31 | 1 | $1,600 |
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 5 EPA ratings of the Dodge LANCER — 1 engine across 1985–1989. 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 $2,520. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1989 Dodge LANCER get?
25 mpg combined, 21 city and 31 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1985 the LANCER has averaged 24.8 mpg.
Is the 1989 LANCER more efficient than the 1988?
About the same: 25 against 25 mpg combined.
Which LANCER year has the best gas mileage?
The 1986, at 26 mpg combined (22 city, 32 highway).
Mark ForCar as a preferred source and our data shows up first in your Google results. One click, no account.