Against 299 other 4-cyl cars rated 1987–1989, the I-Mark beats their 23.8 mpg average by 9.2 mpg, about $449 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 1.5L 4-cyl (1986–1989), does 33.3 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.8L 4-cyl (1984–1985), 29: $171 a year apart.
Every Isuzu I-Mark 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 | 31.3 / 37.3 | 1986–1989 | $1,153 | |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 27 / 32 | 1984–1985 | $1,324 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1989) | $0.097 |
| Fuel per year | $1,164 |
| Fuel over five years | $5,820 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1987–1989 | −$449 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,083 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1989 Isuzu I-Mark gives up 6 mpg in town: 37 on the highway against 31 in the city, $201 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1989) | 31 mpg | $1,239 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 37 mpg | $1,038 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6 mpg (19%) | Typical for its type |
How the I-Mark changed over the years
The I-Mark peaked in 1984 at 35 mpg (33 city, 38 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1985 at 23 — 12 mpg apart, or $573 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1989 car does 33. The biggest single-year change came in 1985: 35 to 23 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 31 / 37 | 1 | $1,164 | |
| 1988 | 31 / 37 | 1 | $1,164 | |
| 1987 | 31 / 37 | 1 | $1,164 | |
| 1986 | 32 / 38 | 1 | $1,129 | |
| 1985 | 21 / 26 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1984 | 33 / 38 | 1 | $1,097 |
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 Isuzu I-Mark — 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 $2,083. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1989 Isuzu I-Mark get?
33 mpg combined, 31 city and 37 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the I-Mark has averaged 31.8 mpg.
Is the 1989 I-Mark more efficient than the 1988?
About the same: 33 against 33 mpg combined.
Which I-Mark year has the best gas mileage?
The 1984, at 35 mpg combined (33 city, 38 highway).
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