Chevrolet Prizm
29.3 MPG The 2002 Chevrolet Prizm is EPA-rated at 29.3 MPG combined (26 city / 34.3 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 512 gallons, $1638 a year in fuel, or $0.109 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1998–2002 run it averages 28.4 MPG, improving by 1.6 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 | $0.085 | $853 | $1280 | $1706 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.102 | $1024 | $1536 | $2048 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.109 | $1092 | $1638 | $2184 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.119 | $1195 | $1792 | $2389 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.137 | $1365 | $2048 | $2730 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.154 | $1536 | $2304 | $3072 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.171 | $1706 | $2560 | $3413 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 29.3 MPG | 26 | 34.3 | $2133 | 304 | 3 |
| 2001 | 29.3 MPG | 26 | 34.3 | $2133 | 304 | 3 |
| 2000 | 28 MPG | 25.3 | 32.3 | $2233 | 318 | 3 |
| 1999 | 27.7 MPG | 25 | 32 | $2250 | 322 | 3 |
| 1998 | 27.7 MPG | 25.3 | 32 | $2250 | 322 | 3 |
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 Chevrolet Prizm ranks 40 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Audi A4 (30), BMW 330i (30), BMW 430i Gran Coupe (30), Mazda 3 4-Door 2WD (30), Mercedes-Benz CLA250 (30).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 304 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.6 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Chevrolet Prizm get?
The 2002 Chevrolet Prizm is rated at 29.3 MPG combined by the EPA — 26 city and 34.3 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 28.4 MPG, ranging from 26 to 31 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Chevrolet Prizm cost in fuel per year?
At 29.3 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 512 gallons — roughly $1638 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.109 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2002 model is $2133.
Has the Chevrolet Prizm become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 27.7 MPG in 1998 to 29.3 in 2002 — an improvement of 1.6 MPG, or 6% across 5 model years.
Is the Chevrolet Prizm efficient for its class?
It ranks 40 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 2.7 better 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.