How many miles per gallon did a 1986 Chevy Sprint get?
The 1986 Chevy Sprint—an economy-minded hatchback built as a badge-engineered Suzuki Swift—typically delivered around 40–45 miles per gallon in mixed driving, with highway mileage generally higher and city mileage lower depending on transmission and tuning.
Overview of the Sprint’s economy
The Sprint was GM’s U.S. version of the Suzuki Swift, designed to be affordable to run and easy to maintain. In the mid-1980s, its lightweight design and small-displacement engines were calibrated to maximize miles-per-gallon for urban commuting and longer trips alike.
Fuel economy by configuration
Different transmissions and engine options affected fuel economy. The following figures reflect common configurations used in 1986 Sprint models.
- Manual transmission (usually a 5-speed) with the 1.3-liter engine: approximately 40–45 miles per gallon combined; city around 38–43 mpg, highway around 50–54 mpg.
- Automatic transmission (if installed) with the 1.3-liter engine: approximately 36–40 miles per gallon combined; city around 34–38 mpg, highway around 46–50 mpg.
Note: Real-world results vary; highway mileage tends to be higher than city driving, and automatics typically yield lower overall economy than manual transmissions for this model.
Historical context and practical takeaways
In the era when the Sprint was on sale, fuel economy was a key selling point for subcompacts facing competition from both domestic rivals and imports. For many buyers, the Sprint offered a practical balance of modest purchase price, low running costs, and sufficient performance for city-to-suburban travel.
Factors that can affect mpg today
Even for preserved or well-maintained examples, several variables influence actual mileage: engine wear, tire condition and inflation, driving style, payload, and climate control usage can all push mpg up or down from the listed ranges.
Practical guidance for owners and historians
To maximize fuel economy on a 1986 Sprint, owners tend to emphasize regular maintenance, proper tire inflation, and mindful driving habits—especially with the manual transmission—while acknowledging that older technology inherently yields less precise mileage figures than modern vehicles.
Summary
The 1986 Chevy Sprint generally achieved about 40–45 mpg in mixed driving, with better highway efficiency and somewhat lower city efficiency. Transmission choice (manual vs. automatic), engine condition, and driving style all shaped the actual miles-per-gallon realized by individual owners. Despite age-related variability, the Sprint remains a notable example of mid-1980s automotive emphasis on economical operation.
How much is a 1986 Chevy worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $11,300 for a 1986 Chevrolet C10 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1986 Chevrolet C10 1/2 Ton? The highest selling price of a 1986 Chevrolet C10 1/2 Ton at auction over the last three years was $85,050.
How fuel efficient was the Chevy Sprint?
It got 60 MPG. Used it to commute on adding 200 miles a day. Oil changes every 30 days.
How many miles per gallon did the 86 Chevy Sprint get?
The 1986 Chevy Sprint had impressive fuel economy, with the Sprint ER model rated at 44 mpg city / 53 mpg highway and the Sprint Plus at 44 mpg city / 50 mpg highway. These figures were achieved using a small 3-cylinder engine, a manual transmission, and a lightweight design.
This video reviews the 1986 Chevrolet Sprint 4dr and compares it to the Cavalier Z24: 1mJosucarsnewsYouTube · Nov 28, 2022
- Sprint ER: Rated at 44 mpg city and 53 mpg highway.
- Sprint Plus: Rated at 44 mpg city and 50 mpg highway.
- Features: The high MPG was due to a 3-cylinder engine, manual transmission, and light weight.
- Note: The Sprint Turbo model had a different rating of 32 mpg city / 43 mpg highway.
How many miles per gallon did a 1985 Chevy Sprint get?
The 1985 Chevrolet Sprint had a combined fuel economy of 39 mpg in the city and 47 mpg on the highway, though some specific models achieved higher ratings, such as the Sprint ER which had an EPA-rated 55 mpg for city driving. These figures were based on the car's standard 1.0L, 48 horsepower engine.
You can watch this video to see a review of the 1988 Chevy Sprint Turbo: 20sAuto Obscure GarageYouTube · May 18, 2025
- Standard Model: Achieved around 39 mpg city / 47 mpg highway.
- Sprint ER Model: Was the most fuel-efficient version, with an EPA rating of 55 mpg in city driving.
- Engine: The standard engine was a 1.0L, 3-cylinder with 48 horsepower.
