Against 299 other 4-cyl cars rated 1987–1989, the Starion trails their 23.8 mpg average by 5.8 mpg, about $520 a year.
Every Mitsubishi Starion engine, compared
The Mitsubishi Starion was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.6L 4-cyl | 16.5 / 22.2 | 1984–1989 | $2,076 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1989) | $0.178 |
| Fuel per year | $2,133 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,665 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1987–1989 | +$520 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $4,050 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1989 Mitsubishi Starion gives up 6 mpg in town: 22 on the highway against 16 in the city, $655 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1989) | 16 mpg | $2,400 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 22 mpg | $1,745 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6 mpg (38%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Starion changed over the years
The Starion peaked in 1986 at 19 mpg (17 city, 22 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1989 at 18 — 1 mpg apart, or $112 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1989 car does 18.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1988 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1987 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1986 | 17 / 22 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1985 | 17 / 22 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1984 | 17 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 |
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 Mitsubishi Starion — 1 engine 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 $4,050. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1989 Mitsubishi Starion get?
18 mpg combined, 16 city and 22 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Starion has averaged 18.5 mpg.
Is the 1989 Starion more efficient than the 1988?
About the same: 18 against 18 mpg combined.
Which Starion year has the best gas mileage?
The 1986, at 19 mpg combined (17 city, 22 highway).
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