Chevrolet Celebrity
21.3 MPG The 1989 Chevrolet Celebrity is EPA-rated at 21.3 MPG combined (19 city / 26.3 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 704 gallons, $2254 a year in fuel, or $0.150 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–1989 run it averages 21.6 MPG, falling by 1.3 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 | $0.117 | $1174 | $1761 | $2347 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.141 | $1408 | $2113 | $2817 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.150 | $1502 | $2254 | $3005 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.164 | $1643 | $2465 | $3286 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.188 | $1878 | $2817 | $3756 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.211 | $2113 | $3169 | $4225 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.235 | $2347 | $3521 | $4695 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 21.3 MPG | 19 | 26.3 | $2917 | 418 | 3 |
| 1988 | 21.5 MPG | 18.8 | 26.8 | $2900 | 415 | 4 |
| 1987 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $2963 | 425 | 4 |
| 1986 | 20.8 MPG | 18 | 26.2 | $3017 | 430 | 6 |
| 1985 | 22.1 MPG | 19.4 | 27 | $2989 | 419 | 9 |
| 1984 | 22.6 MPG | 19.7 | 27.6 | $3006 | 415 | 9 |
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 Chevrolet Celebrity ranks 161 on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Dodge Spirit (21.5), Lincoln MKZ AWD (21.5), Mazda 626/MX-6 (21.5), Plymouth Acclaim (21.5), Dodge Stratus (21.6).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 418 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Chevrolet Celebrity get?
The 1989 Chevrolet Celebrity is rated at 21.3 MPG combined by the EPA — 19 city and 26.3 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 21.6 MPG, ranging from 19 to 26 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Chevrolet Celebrity cost in fuel per year?
At 21.3 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 704 gallons — roughly $2254 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.150 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1989 model is $2917.
Has the Chevrolet Celebrity become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 22.6 MPG in 1984 to 21.3 in 1989. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Chevrolet Celebrity efficient for its class?
It ranks 161 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG. That is 5.9 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.