Cadillac Cimarron
20.5 MPG The 1988 Cadillac Cimarron is EPA-rated at 20.5 MPG combined (18 city / 26 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 732 gallons, $2341 a year in fuel, or $0.156 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–1988 run it averages 21.4 MPG, falling by 2.5 MPG over 5 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 | $0.122 | $1220 | $1829 | $2439 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.146 | $1463 | $2195 | $2927 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.156 | $1561 | $2341 | $3122 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.171 | $1707 | $2561 | $3415 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.195 | $1951 | $2927 | $3902 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.220 | $2195 | $3293 | $4390 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.244 | $2439 | $3659 | $4878 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 20.5 MPG | 18 | 26 | $3025 | 434 | 2 |
| 1987 | 22 MPG | 19.5 | 27 | $2850 | 408 | 4 |
| 1986 | 20.3 MPG | 17.8 | 24.3 | $3125 | 446 | 4 |
| 1985 | 21.1 MPG | 18.6 | 25.5 | $2994 | 427 | 8 |
| 1984 | 23 MPG | 19.5 | 28.5 | $2725 | 389 | 4 |
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 Cadillac Cimarron ranks 178 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Acura TLX Type-S (21), BMW 325i (21), BMW 650i Gran Coupe (21), Daewoo Nubira (21), Genesis G70 AWD (21).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 434 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Cadillac Cimarron get?
The 1988 Cadillac Cimarron is rated at 20.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 18 city and 26 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 21.4 MPG, ranging from 17 to 25 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Cadillac Cimarron cost in fuel per year?
At 20.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 732 gallons — roughly $2341 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.156 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1988 model is $3025.
Has the Cadillac Cimarron become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 23 MPG in 1984 to 20.5 in 1988. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Cadillac Cimarron efficient for its class?
It ranks 178 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 6.1 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.