Against 325 other V6 cars rated 1997–1999, the Trans Sport sits right on their 18.9 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1990, the 3.4L 6-cyl (1996–1999), does 18.8 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.1L 6-cyl (1990–1995), 18: $90 a year apart.
Every Pontiac Trans Sport engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 16.3 / 23 | 1996–1999 | $2,043 | |
| 3.1L 6-cyl | 16.3 / 21 | 1990–1995 | $2,133 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Honda Passport gets 16.7 mpg, next to 18 mpg for the 1999 Trans Sport. The Trans Sport is the cheapest of them to run: $166 a year less than the Honda Passport.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1999) | $0.178 |
| Fuel per year | $2,133 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,665 |
| Against other V6 cars, 1997–1999 | +$101 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,405 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1999 Pontiac Trans Sport gives up 7 mpg in town: 23 on the highway against 16 in the city, $730 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1999) | 16 mpg | $2,400 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 23 mpg | $1,670 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (44%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Trans Sport changed over the years
The Trans Sport peaked in 1998 at 19 mpg (16 city, 23 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1999 at 18 — 1 mpg apart, or $112 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1999 car does 18.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1998 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1997 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1996 | 17 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1995 | 17 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1994 | 17 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1993 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1992 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1991 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1990 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 10 EPA ratings of the Pontiac Trans Sport — 2 engines across 1990–1999. 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 $3,405. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1999 Pontiac Trans Sport get?
18 mpg combined, 16 city and 23 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1990 the Trans Sport has averaged 18.3 mpg.
Is the 1999 Trans Sport more efficient than the 1998?
No: 18 against 19 mpg combined, about $112 a year more to run.
Which Trans Sport year has the best gas mileage?
The 1998, at 19 mpg combined (16 city, 23 highway).
Does the Trans Sport get better gas mileage than the Honda Passport?
Yes: 18 mpg for the 1999 Trans Sport against 16.7 for the 2000 Honda Passport, about $166 a year less to run.
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