1988 · Compact Car · Gas
1988 Ford Thunderbird MPG & fuel economy
The 1988 Ford Thunderbird is a compact car offered in 4 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version returns 21 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway) on regular gasoline. Across the lineup, combined ratings range from 17 to 21 MPG. That's up 2 MPG from the 1987 model. Among 47 compact cars rated for 1988, it ranks 28th for lowest fuel cost. At 15,000 miles a year with $3.10/gal regular gas, it costs about $2,214 a year to fuel.
What will it cost you?
Your mileage and prices are saved and used across the site.
Fuel average
The 1988 Ford Thunderbird's fuel average is 8.9 km/L (11.2 L/100 km), or 21 MPG combined: 7.7 km/L in the city and 10.6 km/L on the highway.
| MPG | km/L | L/100 km | |
|---|---|---|---|
| City | 18 | 7.7 | 13.1 |
| Highway | 25 | 10.6 | 9.4 |
| Combined | 21 | 8.9 | 11.2 |
How it ranks among 1988 Compact Cars
Full class ranking →Annual fuel cost at 15,000 miles and default prices; shorter bars cost less.
Thunderbird MPG across model years
Full history →4 EPA-rated configurations
| Configuration | Type | City | Hwy | Combined | Range | Your cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RWD · 3.8L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic Thunderbird |
Gas | 18 MPG | 25 MPG | 21 MPG | — | $2,214 |
| RWD · 2.3L 4-cyl turbo · 5-speed manual Thunderbird |
Gas | 16 MPG | 24 MPG | 19 MPG | — | $2,447 |
| RWD · 5.0L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic Thunderbird |
Gas | 16 MPG | 24 MPG | 19 MPG | — | $2,447 |
| RWD · 2.3L 4-cyl turbo · 4-speed automatic Thunderbird |
Gas | 15 MPG | 21 MPG | 17 MPG | — | $2,735 |
Specs (most efficient configuration)
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Engine / motor
- 3.8L 6-cyl
- Transmission
- 4-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Passenger volume
- 92 cu ft
- Cargo volume
- 15 cu ft
- Tailpipe CO₂
- 423 g/mi
1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. rivals
Compare the 1988 Thunderbird
With any other car from any year, including other Thunderbird model years. Type a year to jump, e.g. "2015 Accord".
Frequently asked questions
What is the gas mileage of the 1988 Ford Thunderbird?
Up to 21 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway); ratings range from 17 to 21 MPG depending on configuration.
What fuel does the 1988 Ford Thunderbird use?
Regular gasoline.
What is the fuel average in km/L for the 1988 Ford Thunderbird?
The 1988 Ford Thunderbird's fuel average is 8.9 km/L (11.2 L/100 km), or 21 MPG combined: 7.7 km/L in the city and 10.6 km/L on the highway.
How much does it cost to fuel the 1988 Ford Thunderbird per year?
About $2,214 at 15,000 miles a year with $3.10/gal regular gas, or $14.76 per 100 miles. Use the calculator on this page to plug in your own mileage and prices.