Buick Skyhawk Wagon
25.5 MPG The 1989 Buick Skyhawk Wagon is EPA-rated at 25.5 MPG combined (22.5 city / 31 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 588 gallons, $1882 a year in fuel, or $0.125 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–1989 run it averages 24.7 MPG, improving by 2 MPG over 6 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 | $0.098 | $980 | $1471 | $1961 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.118 | $1176 | $1765 | $2353 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.125 | $1255 | $1882 | $2510 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.137 | $1373 | $2059 | $2745 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.157 | $1569 | $2353 | $3137 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.176 | $1765 | $2647 | $3529 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.196 | $1961 | $2941 | $3922 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 25.5 MPG | 22.5 | 31 | $2450 | 349 | 2 |
| 1988 | 25.5 MPG | 22 | 31.3 | $2450 | 349 | 4 |
| 1987 | 24.8 MPG | 21.8 | 30 | $2525 | 359 | 4 |
| 1986 | 24.5 MPG | 21.5 | 29.3 | $2563 | 365 | 4 |
| 1985 | 24.5 MPG | 21.7 | 29.2 | $2558 | 364 | 6 |
| 1984 | 23.5 MPG | 20.8 | 28.9 | $2663 | 380 | 8 |
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 76 small station wagons models tracked here, the Buick Skyhawk Wagon ranks 35 on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Suzuki Esteem Wagon (25.7), Audi A4 allroad quattro (26), Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback (26), Nissan Sentra Wagon (26), Saturn SW (26.3).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 349 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.2 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Buick Skyhawk Wagon get?
The 1989 Buick Skyhawk Wagon is rated at 25.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 22.5 city and 31 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 24.7 MPG, ranging from 21 to 27 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Buick Skyhawk Wagon cost in fuel per year?
At 25.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 588 gallons — roughly $1882 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.125 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1989 model is $2450.
Has the Buick Skyhawk Wagon become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 23.5 MPG in 1984 to 25.5 in 1989 — an improvement of 2 MPG, or 9% across 6 model years.
Is the Buick Skyhawk Wagon efficient for its class?
It ranks 35 of 76 in the Small Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG. That is 4.0 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.