Against 250 other 4-cyl cars rated 1999–2001, the SW beats their 24.5 mpg average by 2.5 mpg, about $145 a year.
Every Saturn SW engine, compared
The Saturn SW 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4-cyl | 23.8 / 34.1 | 1993–2001 | $1,386 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2001) | $0.119 |
| Fuel per year | $1,422 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,110 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1999–2001 | −$145 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,233 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2001 Saturn SW gives up 11 mpg in town: 34 on the highway against 23 in the city, $541 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2001) | 23 mpg | $1,670 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 34 mpg | $1,129 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +11 mpg (48%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the SW changed over the years
The SW peaked in 1999 at 28 mpg (24 city, 34 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2001 at 27 — 1 mpg apart, or $51 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2001 car does 27.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 23 / 34 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2000 | 23 / 33 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 1999 | 24 / 34 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 1998 | 24 / 34 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 1997 | 24 / 34 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 1996 | 24 / 35 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 1995 | 24 / 36 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 1994 | 24 / 34 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 1993 | 24 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 9 EPA ratings of the Saturn SW — 1 engine across 1993–2001. 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 $2,233. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2001 Saturn SW get?
27 mpg combined, 23 city and 34 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1993 the SW has averaged 27.7 mpg.
Is the 2001 SW more efficient than the 2000?
About the same: 27 against 27 mpg combined.
Which SW year has the best gas mileage?
The 1999, at 28 mpg combined (24 city, 34 highway).
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