Buick Skylark
22 MPG The 1998 Buick Skylark is EPA-rated at 22 MPG combined (18.5 city / 28.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 682 gallons, $2182 a year in fuel, or $0.145 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–1998 run it averages 21.8 MPG, improving by 0.9 MPG over 13 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 | $0.114 | $1136 | $1705 | $2273 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.136 | $1364 | $2045 | $2727 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.145 | $1455 | $2182 | $2909 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.159 | $1591 | $2386 | $3182 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.182 | $1818 | $2727 | $3636 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.205 | $2045 | $3068 | $4091 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.227 | $2273 | $3409 | $4545 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 22 MPG | 18.5 | 28.5 | $2825 | 405 | 2 |
| 1997 | 22 MPG | 18.5 | 27.5 | $2825 | 405 | 2 |
| 1996 | 22 MPG | 18.5 | 28 | $2825 | 405 | 2 |
| 1995 | 21 MPG | 18 | 27.3 | $2975 | 424 | 4 |
| 1994 | 22 MPG | 18.7 | 28 | $2833 | 405 | 3 |
| 1993 | 22 MPG | 18.5 | 27.5 | $2825 | 405 | 2 |
| 1992 | 21.5 MPG | 18.5 | 27.5 | $2900 | 415 | 2 |
| 1991 | 21.7 MPG | 19 | 27.3 | $2917 | 414 | 3 |
| 1990 | 22 MPG | 19.3 | 27.3 | $2833 | 406 | 3 |
| 1989 | 22.3 MPG | 20 | 27.3 | $2800 | 400 | 3 |
| 1988 | 23.3 MPG | 20 | 28.5 | $2700 | 385 | 4 |
| 1985 | 20.4 MPG | 17.9 | 25 | $3100 | 442 | 8 |
| 1984 | 21.1 MPG | 18.5 | 26.1 | $2975 | 424 | 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 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Buick Skylark ranks 144 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Cadillac ATS AWD (22.5), Chevrolet Corsica (22.5), Ford Contour (22.5), Mercury Mystique (22.5), Nissan Altima / Stanza (22.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 405 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.1 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Buick Skylark get?
The 1998 Buick Skylark is rated at 22 MPG combined by the EPA — 18.5 city and 28.5 highway. Across all 13 model years in the database it averages 21.8 MPG, ranging from 18 to 25 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Buick Skylark cost in fuel per year?
At 22 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 682 gallons — roughly $2182 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.145 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1998 model is $2825.
Has the Buick Skylark become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 21.1 MPG in 1984 to 22 in 1998 — an improvement of 0.9 MPG, or 4% across 13 model years.
Is the Buick Skylark efficient for its class?
It ranks 144 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 4.6 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.