How many miles per gallon does a 1966 Dodge Polara get?
There isn’t a single miles-per-gallon figure for a 1966 Dodge Polara. Depending on the engine and drivetrain, most owners saw mixed driving fuel economy in the low to mid-teens, with highway trips often yielding higher numbers in the upper teens to low twenties for lighter configurations.
During the 1966 model year, the Polara offered several V8 choices and various transmission setups, all contributing to wide variation in efficiency. Because EPA-style fuel economy ratings were not standardized the same way they are today, the best guide comes from historical reports, owner experiences, and the mechanical characteristics of each setup. The following section outlines the main engine options and their typical ranges.
Engine options and typical fuel economy
Engine choices in the 1966 Polara strongly influenced efficiency. The list below covers the primary V8 options and the approximate mpg ranges you might expect under common conditions.
- 273 cu in V8 (2-barrel or 4-barrel): approximately City 14–16 mpg; Highway 20–23 mpg; Combined about 17–19 mpg.
- 318 cu in V8 (2-barrel): approximately City 14–15 mpg; Highway 20–22 mpg; Combined about 17–19 mpg.
- 383 cu in V8 (4-barrel): approximately City 12–14 mpg; Highway 17–20 mpg; Combined about 15–17 mpg.
Note: Real-world numbers vary with transmission choice (manual vs automatic), drivetrain condition, tire size, maintenance, and driving style. Large-block engines paired with automatics tend to sit at the lower end of these ranges, while careful driving and lighter configurations can push highway mileage higher.
Historical context and limitations
Official EPA-style fuel economy data for 1966-era cars was not standardized in the way modern ratings are, making precise numbers less comparable than today. Restoration projects and vintage-car dashboards often reveal a broad spectrum of observed mileage depending on how the car was tuned, the load carried, and the specifics of the drivetrain. The ranges above reflect typical real-world experience rather than a single official figure.
Summary
In short, a 1966 Dodge Polara does not have a single definitive MPG. Expect roughly 12–18 mpg in mixed driving, with highway efficiency commonly in the high teens to low twenties depending on engine and gearing. For enthusiasts, the Polara’s vintage charm and performance come with a trade-off in fuel economy that varies by configuration and condition.
Further context for enthusiasts
If you’re researching or restoring a 1966 Polara, document the exact engine, carburetion, and transmission configuration to estimate fuel economy more accurately. Real-world tests and period road tests can offer additional insight, but always remember that vintage driving habits and maintenance heavily influence the numbers.
How fuel efficient was the Polara?
These Polaras were criticized for low fuel economy, with owners of 383 cu in (6.3 L) cars achieving an average of 13.8 mpg‑US (17.0 L/100 km; 16.6 mpg‑imp).
How many miles per gallon does a 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado get?
For the sake of the record, our test covered 2769 miles used 3 quarts of oil (the car had only 75 miles on it when we got it), and averaged 12.3 mpg, with a best of 14.7 mpg recorded at a steady 60-65 mph. The Toronado's a truly outstanding car, and this first model is highly perfected.
How much is a Dodge Polara worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $22,300 for a 1964 Dodge Polara in good condition with average spec.
How much is a 1966 Dodge Polara worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $11,783 for a 1966 Dodge Polara in good condition with average spec.
