1985 rankings
Cheapest 1985 Vehicles to Fuel
Every 1985 model ranked by estimated annual fuel cost: gas, hybrid, plug-in and electric.
Fuel costs assume 15,000 miles a year at $3.10/gal regular, $3.95/gal premium and 18¢/kWh. Each model is shown in its most efficient configuration.
Top 15
Annual fuel cost (lower is better)Full list
| # | Model | Class | Type | Combined | Range | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honda Civic | Two-Seater | Gas | 43 MPG | — | $1,081 |
| 2 | Chevrolet Sprint | Subcompact Car | Gas | 42 MPG | — | $1,107 |
| 3 | Pontiac Firefly | Subcompact Car | Gas | 42 MPG | — | $1,107 |
| 4 | Suzuki SA 310 | Subcompact Car | Gas | 42 MPG | — | $1,107 |
| 5 | Isuzu 750C/I-Mark | Subcompact Car | Gas | 35 MPG | — | $1,329 |
| 6 | Chevrolet Spectrum | Subcompact Car | Gas | 35 MPG | — | $1,329 |
| 7 | Dodge Colt | Subcompact Car | Gas | 34 MPG | — | $1,368 |
| 8 | Mitsubishi Mirage | Subcompact Car | Gas | 34 MPG | — | $1,368 |
| 9 | Ford Escort Diesel | Compact Car | Diesel | 40 MPG | — | $1,388 |
| 10 | Nissan Sentra Diesel | Subcompact Car | Diesel | 40 MPG | — | $1,388 |
| 11 | Mercury Lynx Diesel | Compact Car | Diesel | 40 MPG | — | $1,388 |
| 12 | Ford Escort | Compact Car | Gas | 33 MPG | — | $1,409 |
| 13 | Plymouth Colt | Subcompact Car | Gas | 33 MPG | — | $1,409 |
| 14 | Mercury Lynx | Compact Car | Gas | 33 MPG | — | $1,409 |
| 15 | Toyota Tercel | Wagon | Gas | 32 MPG | — | $1,453 |
| 16 | Renault Alliance/Encore | Compact Car | Gas | 32 MPG | — | $1,453 |
| 17 | Toyota Corolla Diesel | Compact Car | Diesel | 36 MPG | — | $1,542 |
| 18 | Chevrolet Chevette Diesel | Subcompact Car | Diesel | 36 MPG | — | $1,542 |
| 19 | Pontiac 1000 Diesel | Subcompact Car | Diesel | 36 MPG | — | $1,542 |
| 20 | Dodge Charger | Subcompact Car | Gas | 30 MPG | — | $1,550 |
| 21 | Nissan Sentra | Subcompact Car | Gas | 30 MPG | — | $1,550 |
| 22 | Subaru Sedan | Compact Car | Gas | 30 MPG | — | $1,550 |
| 23 | Nissan Pulsar/Pulsar-NX | Subcompact Car | Gas | 30 MPG | — | $1,550 |
| 24 | Ford Laser | Subcompact Car | Gas | 30 MPG | — | $1,550 |
| 25 | Mazda GLC | Subcompact Car | Gas | 30 MPG | — | $1,550 |
| 26 | Plymouth Turismo | Subcompact Car | Gas | 30 MPG | — | $1,550 |
| 27 | Dodge Omni | Compact Car | Gas | 30 MPG | — | $1,550 |
| 28 | Plymouth Horizon | Compact Car | Gas | 30 MPG | — | $1,550 |
| 29 | Volkswagen Golf/GTI Diesel | Compact Car | Diesel | 35 MPG | — | $1,586 |
| 30 | Volkswagen Jetta Diesel | Compact Car | Diesel | 35 MPG | — | $1,586 |