Chevrolet · 1985–1988 · Gas

Chevrolet Spectrum MPG by year

The EPA has rated 4 model years of the Chevrolet Spectrum, from 1985 to 1988. The most fuel-efficient year is the 1985, at 35 MPG combined in its best configuration. The best 1988 model is 6% less efficient than the best 1985 model (33 vs. 35 MPG). The 1988 model is 38% more efficient than the median subcompact car that year (33 vs. 24 MPG).

Most efficient year198535 MPG combined
Latest (1988)33 MPG$1,409/yr to fuel
First rated (1985)35 MPG$1,329/yr at today's prices
Model years rated410 configurations

Combined MPG by model year

  • Spectrum, most efficient version
  • Range across configurations
  • Class median

Shaded band: range across that year's configurations. Class median: same-year models in the same class, rated in MPG. Click a point to open that model year; the table below lists every value.

Every Spectrum model year

YearTypeBest combinedCity / HwyClass medianRangeConfigsFuel / yr
1988 Gas 33 MPG
lowest 27
31 / 37 24 — 3 $1,409
1987 Gas 33 MPG
lowest 27
31 / 37 24 — 3 $1,409
1986 Gas 34 MPG
lowest 29
32 / 38 24 — 2 $1,368
1985 Gas 35 MPG
lowest 30
32 / 39 24 — 2 $1,329

Fuel cost uses today's default prices for every year so model years compare like for like. Sort any column.

Compare Spectrum model years

See how much a newer Spectrum would save over an older one.

Models similar to the Chevrolet Spectrum

Frequently asked questions

Which Chevrolet Spectrum year has the best fuel economy?

The 1985 Chevrolet Spectrum, rated up to 35 MPG combined. At 15,000 miles a year with $3.10/gal regular gas, that works out to about $1,329 a year.

Which Chevrolet Spectrum year has the worst fuel economy?

The 1987 model, whose most efficient version is rated 33 MPG combined (about $1,409 a year to fuel).

What is the fuel economy of the latest Chevrolet Spectrum?

The 1988 Chevrolet Spectrum is rated up to 33 MPG combined.

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