Against 299 other 4-cyl cars rated 1987–1989, the Courier trails their 23.8 mpg average by 3.8 mpg, about $307 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 2L 4-cyl (1984–1987), does 21.3 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.2L 4-cyl (1988–1989), 20: $117 a year apart.
Every Ford Courier engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 19.7 / 24.3 | 1984–1987 | $1,803 | |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 18 / 23 | 1988–1989 | $1,920 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1989) | $0.160 |
| Fuel per year | $1,920 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,600 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1987–1989 | +$307 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,990 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1989 Ford Courier gives up 5 mpg in town: 23 on the highway against 18 in the city, $463 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1989) | 18 mpg | $2,133 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 23 mpg | $1,670 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +5 mpg (28%) | Typical for its type |
How the Courier changed over the years
The Courier peaked in 1984 at 22 mpg (21 city, 25 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1989 at 20 — 2 mpg apart, or $175 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1989 car does 20.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 18 / 23 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1988 | 18 / 23 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1987 | 19 / 24 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1986 | 19 / 24 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1984 | 21 / 25 | 1 | $1,745 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
- Fuel profile built from your actual mileage and local prices
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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 5 EPA ratings of the Ford Courier — 2 engines across 1984–1989. 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 $2,990. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1989 Ford Courier get?
20 mpg combined, 18 city and 23 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Courier has averaged 20.8 mpg.
Is the 1989 Courier more efficient than the 1988?
About the same: 20 against 20 mpg combined.
Which Courier year has the best gas mileage?
The 1984, at 22 mpg combined (21 city, 25 highway).
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