How many miles per gallon does a Chevy Citation get?
The Chevy Citation’s fuel economy varies by year, engine, and transmission. In general, most Citations achieve roughly mid-20s miles per gallon in city driving and low- to mid-30s mpg on the highway.
The Chevrolet Citation was produced by GM from 1980 to 1985 as part of the X-body lineup, and it offered several engines and configurations that influenced efficiency. This article outlines typical ranges, factors that affect mpg, and how to determine the exact figure for a specific vehicle.
What affected the Citation's MPG
Several design and operating factors influenced how efficiently a Chevy Citation burned fuel. Below are the key elements that typically drive variations in mpg.
Engine and drivetrain options
The Citation came with different inline-4 engines (e.g., 2.0L and 2.5L) and, in some years, a 2.8L V6 option, paired with either a manual or automatic transmission. Each combination had different fuel economy characteristics.
- Engine size and type (2.0–2.5 L inline-4 vs. 2.8 L V6)
- Transmission choice (manual vs. automatic)
Because engine and transmission choices changed over the model years, mpg varied accordingly and is best treated as configuration-dependent rather than a single figure for all Citations.
Typical MPG ranges by configuration
Based on historical EPA data and owner reports, approximate ranges by configuration help set expectations when evaluating a specific Citation.
- 4-cylinder inline-4 (2.0–2.5 L) with either manual or automatic transmission: roughly 20–28 mpg in city driving and 28–38 mpg on the highway
- 2.8 L V6 option: roughly 18–25 mpg in city driving and 25–32 mpg on the highway
Actual fuel economy for a given car depends on maintenance, condition, driving style, and equipment (air conditioning, cargo, etc.).
How to determine the exact MPG for your Citation
To measure the precise fuel economy for your specific Chevy Citation, follow these practical steps and compare them to official figures.
- Identify the exact model year and the engine/transmission configuration of your Citation.
- Look up the EPA rating for that exact configuration (historical EPA data or owner manuals can help).
- Fill the gas tank to full and reset the trip odometer or note the starting mileage.
- Drive normally until you refill the tank, then record the miles driven and gallons used.
- Calculate MPG = miles driven / gallons used, and compare with the expected range for your configuration.
Keep in mind that real-world results can vary based on driving conditions, maintenance, and how fresh the fuel system and emissions controls are.
Summary
There is no single, universal miles-per-gallon figure for the Chevy Citation because mpg depended on the model year, engine, and transmission, as well as wear and driving behavior. Typical real-world ranges place city driving in the low to mid-20s mpg and highway driving in the low to mid-30s mpg, with variations by configuration. For accuracy, check the specific configuration’s EPA rating and track your own tank fills to determine your exact mpg.
What engine did the Chevy Citation have?
| Chevrolet Citation | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5 L Iron Duke I4 2.8 L LE2 V6 2.8 L LH7 HO V6 2.8 L LB6 MPFI V6 |
| Transmission | 3-speed TH-125 automatic 4-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 104.9 in (2,664 mm) |
Why was the Chevy Citation so popular?
The cars were design breakthroughs, and rightfully heralded for their clean and modern silhouettes, roomy cabins, spritely handling, and impressive fuel economy. The Citation especially impressed the media so well that Consumer Guide named it the best car of 1980.
What car gets 52 miles per gallon?
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius gets 52 MPG, keeping more money in your pocket and more miles on the road. Efficient has never looked this good. ✨🌎 #ToyotaTuesday #ToyotaTim #Prius #Hybrid.
Which car gets 70 MPG?
Several hybrid and diesel cars can achieve around 70 mpg, though it's often an official rating and can vary in real-world driving. Examples include the Vauxhall Corsa with a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine, which can get up to 70.6 mpg, and various hybrid models, including some versions of the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid and Toyota Prius, which can reach this level under ideal conditions.
Examples of cars with around 70 mpg
- Vauxhall Corsa (1.5-litre turbo diesel): Can achieve up to 70.6 mpg, making it one of the most fuel-efficient diesel cars available.
- Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: Early models were advertised with a claimed 70 mpg combined fuel economy.
- Toyota Prius: Various models can get close to 70 mpg, especially older non-plug-in hybrids which are cheaper on the used market. Plug-in hybrid versions can also run on electric power for short distances.
- Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid: Can achieve around 59 mpg combined.
Important considerations
- Official vs. real-world MPG: The 70 mpg figure is often an official rating that is achieved under specific testing conditions, and your real-world mileage may be lower or higher depending on your driving habits, the vehicle's condition, and road conditions.
- Hybrid vs. diesel: Both hybrid and diesel cars can achieve high MPG, but hybrids have the added benefit of electric-only driving for short distances, while some diesels can have higher upfront costs but offer impressive fuel economy on long-distance journeys.
- Age and model: Some of the models with the highest MPG ratings are older, so be sure to research specific model years when shopping.
- Type of driving: While hybrids and diesels can be very efficient, their fuel economy can vary significantly depending on whether you are driving in the city or on the highway.
