Chevrolet Cavalier Convertible
20 MPG The 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier Convertible is EPA-rated at 20 MPG combined (17.5 city / 25.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 750 gallons, $2400 a year in fuel, or $0.160 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–1991 run it averages 21.5 MPG, falling by 3.5 MPG over 7 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 | $0.125 | $1250 | $1875 | $2500 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.150 | $1500 | $2250 | $3000 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.160 | $1600 | $2400 | $3200 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.175 | $1750 | $2625 | $3500 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.225 | $2250 | $3375 | $4500 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 20 MPG | 17.5 | 25.5 | $3100 | 444 | 2 |
| 1989 | 20 MPG | 17 | 25.5 | $3100 | 444 | 2 |
| 1988 | 20.5 MPG | 18 | 26 | $3025 | 434 | 2 |
| 1987 | 22.8 MPG | 20 | 27.8 | $2760 | 394 | 5 |
| 1986 | 21.6 MPG | 18.8 | 25.8 | $2940 | 418 | 5 |
| 1985 | 22 MPG | 19.4 | 26.5 | $2885 | 411 | 10 |
| 1984 | 23.5 MPG | 20.2 | 28.8 | $2667 | 381 | 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 229 subcompact cars models tracked here, the Chevrolet Cavalier Convertible ranks 158 on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am (20.3), BMW 325ci (20.5), BMW 328ci Convertible (20.5), BMW 330ci (20.5), Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 (20.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 444 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.7 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Chevrolet Cavalier Convertible get?
The 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier Convertible is rated at 20 MPG combined by the EPA — 17.5 city and 25.5 highway. Across all 7 model years in the database it averages 21.5 MPG, ranging from 18 to 26 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Chevrolet Cavalier Convertible cost in fuel per year?
At 20 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 750 gallons — roughly $2400 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.160 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1991 model is $3100.
Has the Chevrolet Cavalier Convertible become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 23.5 MPG in 1984 to 20 in 1991. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Chevrolet Cavalier Convertible efficient for its class?
It ranks 158 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG. That is 4.2 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.