Against 299 other 4-cyl cars rated 1987–1989, the Laser beats their 23.8 mpg average by 1.2 mpg, about $77 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 1.5L 4-cyl (1984–1985), does 28.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.6L 4-cyl (1986–1989), 24.5: $220 a year apart.
Every Ford Laser engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 26.5 / 32 | 1984–1985 | $1,347 | |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 22.5 / 27.5 | 1986–1989 | $1,567 |
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 | $2,433 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1989 Ford Laser gives up 4 mpg in town: 27 on the highway against 23 in the city, $248 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1989) | 23 mpg | $1,670 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +4 mpg (17%) | Typical for its type |
How the Laser changed over the years
The Laser peaked in 1985 at 30 mpg (27 city, 35 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1987 at 24 — 6 mpg apart, or $320 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1989 car does 25. The biggest single-year change came in 1986: 30 to 24 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 23 / 27 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1988 | 23 / 27 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1987 | 22 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1986 | 22 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1985 | 27 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 1984 | 26 / 29 | 1 | $1,422 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 6 EPA ratings of the Ford Laser — 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 $2,433. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1989 Ford Laser get?
25 mpg combined, 23 city and 27 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Laser has averaged 25.8 mpg.
Is the 1989 Laser more efficient than the 1988?
About the same: 25 against 25 mpg combined.
Which Laser year has the best gas mileage?
The 1985, at 30 mpg combined (27 city, 35 highway).
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