Against 263 other 4-cyl cars rated 1992–1994, the Shadow trails their 24 mpg average by 2 mpg, about $145 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1987, the 2.2L 4-cyl (1987–1994), does 25 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3L 6-cyl (1992–1994), 20.3: $356 a year apart.
Every Dodge Shadow engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 22.1 / 29.7 | 1987–1994 | $1,536 | |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 21 / 31 | 1991–1991 | $1,536 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 17.7 / 24.7 | 1992–1994 | $1,892 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1994) | $0.145 |
| Fuel per year | $1,745 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,725 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1992–1994 | +$145 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,655 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1994 Dodge Shadow gives up 6 mpg in town: 26 on the highway against 20 in the city, $443 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1994) | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6 mpg (30%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Shadow changed over the years
The Shadow peaked in 1991 at 25 mpg (21 city, 31 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1994 at 22 — 3 mpg apart, or $209 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1994 car does 22.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 20 / 26 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1993 | 20.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 1992 | 20.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1991 | 21 / 31 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1990 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1989 | 21 / 31 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1988 | 22 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1987 | 22 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
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How we count
This page rests on 11 EPA ratings of the Dodge Shadow — 3 engines across 1987–1994. 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 $2,655. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1994 Dodge Shadow get?
22 mpg combined, 20 city and 26 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 19 to 25. Across every year since 1987 the Shadow has averaged 23.7 mpg.
Is the 1994 Shadow more efficient than the 1993?
No: 22 against 23.5 mpg combined, about $111 a year more to run.
Which Shadow year has the best gas mileage?
The 1991, at 25 mpg combined (21 city, 31 highway).
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