Daihatsu Charade
31 MPG The 1992 Daihatsu Charade is EPA-rated at 31 MPG combined (29.3 city / 34 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 484 gallons, $1548 a year in fuel, or $0.103 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1988–1992 run it averages 31.8 MPG, falling by 3 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 | $0.081 | $806 | $1210 | $1613 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.097 | $968 | $1452 | $1935 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.103 | $1032 | $1548 | $2065 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.113 | $1129 | $1694 | $2258 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.129 | $1290 | $1935 | $2581 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.145 | $1452 | $2177 | $2903 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.161 | $1613 | $2419 | $3226 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | 31 MPG | 29.3 | 34 | $2033 | 289 | 3 |
| 1991 | 31 MPG | 29.3 | 34 | $2033 | 289 | 3 |
| 1990 | 31.3 MPG | 29.3 | 34.7 | $2000 | 285 | 3 |
| 1989 | 31.7 MPG | 29.7 | 34.7 | $1983 | 282 | 3 |
| 1988 | 34 MPG | 32 | 38 | $1850 | 261 | 1 |
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 Daihatsu Charade ranks 20 on current figures, against a class average of 24.1 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Audi A3 (32), MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 door (32), MINI Cooper Hardtop 4 door (32), MINI Cooper S Hardtop 2 door (32), MINI Cooper S Hardtop 4 door (32).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 289 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Daihatsu Charade get?
The 1992 Daihatsu Charade is rated at 31 MPG combined by the EPA — 29.3 city and 34 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 31.8 MPG, ranging from 27 to 34 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Daihatsu Charade cost in fuel per year?
At 31 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 484 gallons — roughly $1548 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.103 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1992 model is $2033.
Has the Daihatsu Charade become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 34 MPG in 1988 to 31 in 1992. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Daihatsu Charade efficient for its class?
It ranks 20 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.1 MPG. That is 6.9 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.