1997 · Midsize Car · Gas
1997 Ford Thunderbird MPG & fuel economy
The 1997 Ford Thunderbird is a midsize car offered in 2 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version returns 19 MPG combined (16 city / 24 highway) on regular gasoline. Across the lineup, combined ratings range from 18 to 19 MPG. Efficiency is unchanged from the 1996 model. Among 39 midsize cars rated for 1997, it ranks 18th for lowest fuel cost. At 15,000 miles a year with $3.10/gal regular gas, it costs about $2,447 a year to fuel.
What will it cost you?
Your mileage and prices are saved and used across the site.
Fuel average
The 1997 Ford Thunderbird's fuel average is 8.1 km/L (12.4 L/100 km), or 19 MPG combined: 6.8 km/L in the city and 10.2 km/L on the highway.
| MPG | km/L | L/100 km | |
|---|---|---|---|
| City | 16 | 6.8 | 14.7 |
| Highway | 24 | 10.2 | 9.8 |
| Combined | 19 | 8.1 | 12.4 |
How it ranks among 1997 Midsize 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 →2 EPA-rated configurations
| Configuration | Type | City | Hwy | Combined | Range | Your cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RWD · 3.8L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic Thunderbird |
Gas | 16 MPG | 24 MPG | 19 MPG | — | $2,447 |
| RWD · 4.6L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic Thunderbird |
Gas | 15 MPG | 23 MPG | 18 MPG | — | $2,583 |
Specs (most efficient configuration)
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Engine / motor
- 3.8L 6-cyl
- Transmission
- 4-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Passenger volume
- 101 cu ft
- Cargo volume
- 15 cu ft
- Tailpipe CO₂
- 468 g/mi
1997 Ford Thunderbird vs. rivals
Compare the 1997 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 1997 Ford Thunderbird?
Up to 19 MPG combined (16 city / 24 highway); ratings range from 18 to 19 MPG depending on configuration.
What fuel does the 1997 Ford Thunderbird use?
Regular gasoline.
What is the fuel average in km/L for the 1997 Ford Thunderbird?
The 1997 Ford Thunderbird's fuel average is 8.1 km/L (12.4 L/100 km), or 19 MPG combined: 6.8 km/L in the city and 10.2 km/L on the highway.
How much does it cost to fuel the 1997 Ford Thunderbird per year?
About $2,447 at 15,000 miles a year with $3.10/gal regular gas, or $16.32 per 100 miles. Use the calculator on this page to plug in your own mileage and prices.