Against 281 other 4-cyl cars rated 1991–1993, the IMPULSE sits right on their 23.9 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 1.6L 4-cyl (1990–1991), does 26 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2L 4-cyl (1984–1989), 21.4: $317 a year apart.
Every Isuzu IMPULSE engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 23 / 30.5 | 1990–1991 | $1,477 | |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 21 / 29 | 1992–1993 | $1,600 | |
| 1.9L 4-cyl | 19 / 26 | 1986–1986 | $1,745 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 18.8 / 25.4 | 1984–1989 | $1,794 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1993) | $0.133 |
| Fuel per year | $1,600 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,000 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1991–1993 | −$7 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,740 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1993 Isuzu IMPULSE gives up 8 mpg in town: 29 on the highway against 21 in the city, $505 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1993) | 21 mpg | $1,829 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 29 mpg | $1,324 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8 mpg (38%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the IMPULSE changed over the years
The IMPULSE peaked in 1991 at 26 mpg (23 city, 30 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1989 at 21 — 5 mpg apart, or $352 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1993 car does 24. The biggest single-year change came in 1990: 21 to 26 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1992 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1991 | 23 / 30 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 1990 | 23 / 31 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 1989 | 19 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1988 | 19 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1987 | 18 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1986 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1985 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1984 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 |
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
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How we count
This page rests on 10 EPA ratings of the Isuzu IMPULSE — 4 engines across 1984–1993. 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 $2,740. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1993 Isuzu IMPULSE get?
24 mpg combined, 21 city and 29 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the IMPULSE has averaged 22.9 mpg.
Is the 1993 IMPULSE more efficient than the 1992?
About the same: 24 against 24 mpg combined.
Which IMPULSE year has the best gas mileage?
The 1991, at 26 mpg combined (23 city, 30 highway).
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