Buick Riviera
19 MPG The 1999 Buick Riviera is EPA-rated at 19 MPG combined (16 city / 25 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 789 gallons, $2526 a year in fuel, or $0.168 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–1999 run it averages 19.2 MPG, improving by 2.7 MPG over 15 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.132 | $1316 | $1974 | $2632 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.158 | $1579 | $2368 | $3158 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.168 | $1684 | $2526 | $3368 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.184 | $1842 | $2763 | $3684 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.211 | $2105 | $3158 | $4211 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.237 | $2368 | $3553 | $4737 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.263 | $2632 | $3947 | $5263 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 19 MPG | 16 | 25 | $4050 | 468 | 1 |
| 1998 | 19 MPG | 16 | 25 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
| 1997 | 19.5 MPG | 16.5 | 25 | $3575 | 456 | 2 |
| 1996 | 20 MPG | 16.5 | 26 | $3500 | 445 | 2 |
| 1995 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3100 | 444 | 1 |
| 1993 | 20 MPG | 17 | 25 | $3100 | 444 | 1 |
| 1992 | 19 MPG | 16 | 24 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
| 1991 | 19 MPG | 16 | 24 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
| 1990 | 19 MPG | 16 | 25 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
| 1989 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3100 | 444 | 1 |
| 1988 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3100 | 444 | 1 |
| 1987 | 19 MPG | 16 | 25 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
| 1986 | 20 MPG | 17 | 27 | $3100 | 444 | 1 |
| 1985 | 18 MPG | 15.8 | 22.3 | $3888 | 513 | 4 |
| 1984 | 16.3 MPG | 14.2 | 20.8 | $3992 | 562 | 6 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 261 midsize cars models tracked here, the Buick Riviera ranks 205 on current figures, against a class average of 27.3 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme (19.5), Chrysler Cirrus (19.7), Acura RL (20), Audi RS 5 Sportback (20), BMW 550i (20).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 468 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.0 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Buick Riviera get?
The 1999 Buick Riviera is rated at 19 MPG combined by the EPA — 16 city and 25 highway. Across all 15 model years in the database it averages 19.2 MPG, ranging from 15 to 21 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Buick Riviera cost in fuel per year?
At 19 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 789 gallons — roughly $2526 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.168 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1999 model is $4050.
Has the Buick Riviera become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 16.3 MPG in 1984 to 19 in 1999 — an improvement of 2.7 MPG, or 17% across 15 model years.
Is the Buick Riviera efficient for its class?
It ranks 205 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.3 MPG. That is 8.3 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.