Daewoo Nubira
21 MPG The 2003 Daewoo Nubira is EPA-rated at 21 MPG combined (18.5 city / 25.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 714 gallons, $2286 a year in fuel, or $0.152 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1998–2003 run it averages 22.4 MPG, falling by 2.5 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 | $0.119 | $1190 | $1786 | $2381 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.143 | $1429 | $2143 | $2857 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.152 | $1524 | $2286 | $3048 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.190 | $1905 | $2857 | $3810 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.214 | $2143 | $3214 | $4286 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.238 | $2381 | $3571 | $4762 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 21 MPG | 18.5 | 25.5 | $2975 | 424 | 2 |
| 2002 | 22.5 MPG | 19 | 28.5 | $2775 | 395 | 2 |
| 2001 | 22.5 MPG | 19 | 28.5 | $2775 | 395 | 2 |
| 2000 | 22.5 MPG | 19.5 | 28 | $2775 | 395 | 2 |
| 1999 | 22.5 MPG | 19.5 | 28 | $2775 | 395 | 2 |
| 1998 | 23.5 MPG | 20.3 | 29 | $2663 | 379 | 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 Daewoo Nubira ranks 164 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chrysler LeBaron (21.3), Chrysler Sebring Convertible (21.3), Ford Tempo (21.3), Mercury Topaz (21.3), BMW 525i (21.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 424 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.4 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Daewoo Nubira get?
The 2003 Daewoo Nubira is rated at 21 MPG combined by the EPA — 18.5 city and 25.5 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 22.4 MPG, ranging from 20 to 25 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Daewoo Nubira cost in fuel per year?
At 21 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 714 gallons — roughly $2286 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.152 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2003 model is $2975.
Has the Daewoo Nubira become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 23.5 MPG in 1998 to 21 in 2003. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Daewoo Nubira efficient for its class?
It ranks 164 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 5.6 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.