Lotus · 1984–2004 · Gas
Lotus Esprit MPG by year
The EPA has rated 19 model years of the Lotus Esprit, from 1984 to 2004. The most fuel-efficient year is the 1987, at 19 MPG combined in its best configuration. The best 2004 model is 14% more efficient than the best 1984 model (16 vs. 14 MPG). The 2004 model is 11% less efficient than the median two-seater that year (16 vs. 18 MPG).
Combined MPG by model year
- Esprit, 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 Esprit model year
| Year | Type | Best combined | City / Hwy | Class median | Range | Configs | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Gas | 16 MPG | 14 / 21 | 18 | — | 1 | $3,703 |
| 2003 | Gas | 16 MPG | 14 / 21 | 17 | — | 1 | $3,703 |
| 2002 | Gas | 16 MPG | 14 / 21 | 17.5 | — | 1 | $3,703 |
| 2001 | Gas | 19 MPG | 15 / 27 | 19.5 | — | 1 | $3,118 |
| 2000 | Gas | 16 MPG | 14 / 21 | 18.5 | — | 1 | $3,703 |
| 1999 | Gas | 15 MPG | 13 / 20 | 18 | — | 1 | $3,950 |
| 1998 | Gas | 16 MPG | 14 / 21 | 16.5 | — | 1 | $3,703 |
| 1997 | Gas | 16 MPG | 14 / 21 | 19 | — | 1 | $3,703 |
| 1995 | Gas | 19 MPG | 15 / 25 | 18 | — | 1 | $3,118 |
| 1994 | Gas | 19 MPG | 15 / 25 | 18 | — | 1 | $3,118 |
| 1993 | Gas | 19 MPG | 15 / 25 | 18 | — | 1 | $3,118 |
| 1992 | Gas | 19 MPG | 15 / 25 | 17 | — | 1 | $3,118 |
| 1991 | Gas | 19 MPG | 15 / 25 | 18 | — | 1 | $3,118 |
| 1990 | Gas | 19 MPG | 15 / 25 | 18 | — | 1 | $3,118 |
| 1989 | Gas | 19 MPG lowest 17 |
15 / 25 | 18 | — | 3 | $3,118 |
| 1988 | Gas | 18 MPG | 15 / 25 | 19 | — | 1 | $3,292 |
| 1987 | Gas | 19 MPG | 16 / 24 | 17.5 | — | 1 | $2,447 |
| 1985 | Gas | 14 MPG | 11 / 18 | 18.5 | — | 1 | $3,321 |
| 1984 | Gas | 14 MPG | 11 / 18 | 18.5 | — | 1 | $3,321 |
Fuel cost uses today's default prices for every year so model years compare like for like. Sort any column.
Compare Esprit model years
See how much a newer Esprit would save over an older one.
Models similar to the Lotus Esprit
Frequently asked questions
Which Lotus Esprit year has the best fuel economy?
The 1987 Lotus Esprit, rated up to 19 MPG combined. At 15,000 miles a year with $3.10/gal regular gas, that works out to about $2,447 a year.
Which Lotus Esprit year has the worst fuel economy?
The 1999 model, whose most efficient version is rated 15 MPG combined (about $3,950 a year to fuel).
What is the fuel economy of the latest Lotus Esprit?
The 2004 Lotus Esprit is rated up to 16 MPG combined.