Ford Laser
24.5 MPG The 1989 Ford Laser is EPA-rated at 24.5 MPG combined (22 city / 27 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 612 gallons, $1959 a year in fuel, or $0.131 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–1989 run it averages 25.2 MPG, falling by 2 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 | $0.102 | $1020 | $1531 | $2041 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.122 | $1224 | $1837 | $2449 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.131 | $1306 | $1959 | $2612 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.143 | $1429 | $2143 | $2857 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.163 | $1633 | $2449 | $3265 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.184 | $1837 | $2755 | $3673 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.204 | $2041 | $3061 | $4082 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 24.5 MPG | 22 | 27 | $2550 | 363 | 2 |
| 1988 | 24.5 MPG | 22 | 27 | $2550 | 363 | 2 |
| 1987 | 24 MPG | 22.5 | 27.5 | $2600 | 370 | 2 |
| 1986 | 24 MPG | 22.5 | 27.5 | $2600 | 370 | 2 |
| 1985 | 27.7 MPG | 25.7 | 30.7 | $2267 | 322 | 3 |
| 1984 | 26.5 MPG | 25 | 28.5 | $2350 | 335 | 2 |
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 Ford Laser ranks 86 on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Acura RSX (24.7), Audi A3 Cabriolet quattro (25), Audi A4 Cabriolet (25), Ford Escort ZX2 (25), Lexus RC 300 (25).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 363 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.4 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Ford Laser get?
The 1989 Ford Laser is rated at 24.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 22 city and 27 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 25.2 MPG, ranging from 24 to 30 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Ford Laser cost in fuel per year?
At 24.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 612 gallons — roughly $1959 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.131 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1989 model is $2550.
Has the Ford Laser become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 26.5 MPG in 1984 to 24.5 in 1989. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Ford Laser efficient for its class?
It ranks 86 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG. That is 0.3 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.