How many miles per gallon does a 1983 Chevy Blazer get?
The typical 1983 Chevy Blazer delivers MPG in the mid-teens to low 20s, with the exact figure depending on engine and drivetrain. In practice, most drivers report around 15–18 mpg in mixed driving, and highway efficiency climbs for the smaller V6 model while V8s run lower overall.
This article explores the likely fuel economy by configuration, explains the factors that influence efficiency on a vintage SUV, and offers context for interpreting the era’s numbers. Real-world results vary with maintenance, load, and driving style.
Typical fuel economy by configuration
Below is a snapshot of estimated EPA-era ranges for common 1983 Blazer configurations. Use these as rough guidelines rather than precise figures for any individual vehicle.
- 4.3L V6, 2WD: approximately 16–18 mpg city and 20–22 mpg highway (roughly 18–20 mpg combined).
- 4.3L V6, 4WD: roughly 15–17 mpg city and 19–21 mpg highway (about 17–19 mpg combined).
- 5.0L V8, 2WD: around 14–16 mpg city and 18–21 mpg highway (about 16–19 mpg combined).
- 5.7L V8, 2WD: about 12–14 mpg city and 17–20 mpg highway (roughly 15–18 mpg combined).
- 5.7L V8, 4WD: roughly 11–13 mpg city and 16–19 mpg highway (about 14–17 mpg combined).
These figures reflect the era’s EPA estimates and typical road conditions; actual mileage depends on maintenance, transmission type, axle ratio, tire size, payload, and how aggressively the vehicle is driven.
What affects mileage on a vintage Blazer?
Several factors influence fuel economy for a 1983 Blazer, including engine condition, transmission, gearing, 2WD vs 4WD operation, aerodynamics (roof racks, accessory modifications), tire type and inflation, payload, and driving style. Restored or well-maintained examples can perform closer to the higher end of ranges, while older, neglected ones may fall short.
Historical context and how to use these numbers
Fuel economy ratings in the early 1980s were less standardized than today, with variations by testing method and option packages. Use these ranges as historical context when evaluating restoration projects, classic car classifieds, or owner anecdotes. For a specific Blazer, track fuel purchases over several fill-ups to compute a real-world average more reliable than published estimates.
Summary
The 1983 Chevy Blazer’s mpg is engine- and drivetrain-dependent, but most examples land in the mid-teens to low 20s under favorable highway conditions. For the common 4.3L V6 2WD configuration, expect roughly 16–18 mpg in city driving and 20–22 mpg on the highway, with V8 variants typically lower in city cycles. When assessing a vintage SUV, the best estimate comes from consistent, real-world driving logs rather than box scores from four decades ago.
What is the gas mileage on a 1983 Chevy Blazer?
The looks are not deceiving: the 2.8-liter V-6, the biggest of the three available engines, is expected to give the Blazer a 23-mpg EPA mileage rating (with a manual transmission). That's a lot better than the 15 mpg of the bigger brothers.
How much is a 1983 Chevy Blazer worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $21,133 for a 1983 Chevrolet K10 Blazer Silverado in good condition with average spec.
What year Blazer to stay away from?
Years to avoid for the Chevy Blazer include 1994, 2000, and 2001 due to widespread engine and fuel system problems. Additionally, the 2021, 2022, and 2023 models should be approached with caution because of various electrical, engine, and electronic issues.
Classic Blazer (1983–2005)
- 1994: Considered by some to be the worst year due to numerous engine problems, with high complaint and recall numbers.
- 2000: Logged a high number of complaints and recalls, with issues including fuel gauge problems, transmission failures, and powertrain issues.
- 2001: Experienced engine and ignition problems caused by a faulty distributor.
- 2002: Prone to coolant leaks and intake manifold gasket failures, which could lead to long-term engine damage if unaddressed.
Modern Blazer (2019–present)
- 2021: Has been flagged by sources like Consumer Reports as an SUV to avoid, though specific issues are less detailed in the provided snippets.
- 2022: Common problems reported by owners include electrical system failures (dashboard/display issues, power loss), and issues with the service brakes.
- 2023: Recalls and owner-reported problems include engine issues (cylinder head, head gasket) and problems with the in-car electronics, like the display freezing.
- 2024: Is predicted by some sources to be less reliable than the average new car.
How many miles per gallon does a 1983 240d get?
The 1983 Mercedes-Benz 240D typically gets about 28 MPG combined (28 city, 34 highway). However, depending on driving conditions, maintenance, and transmission, fuel economy can range from approximately 25 MPG to over 30 MPG. A well-tuned manual transmission model is reported to achieve up to 35 MPG, while an automatic version gets around 28 MPG.
You can watch this video for a retro review of the 1983 Mercedes-Benz 240D, which discusses its fuel economy: 50sMotorWeekYouTube · Oct 14, 2021
- Combined: Approximately 282828 MPG.
- City: Around 282828 MPG.
- Highway: Around 343434 MPG.
- Manual Transmission: A well-tuned manual can achieve up to 353535 MPG.
- Automatic Transmission: An automatic version gets about 282828 MPG.
