Nissan Sentra Wagon
26 MPG The 1990 Nissan Sentra Wagon is EPA-rated at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 30.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 577 gallons, $1846 a year in fuel, or $0.123 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–1990 run it averages 26.8 MPG, falling by 4.1 MPG over 7 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 | $0.096 | $962 | $1442 | $1923 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.115 | $1154 | $1731 | $2308 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.123 | $1231 | $1846 | $2462 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.135 | $1346 | $2019 | $2692 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.154 | $1538 | $2308 | $3077 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.173 | $1731 | $2596 | $3462 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.192 | $1923 | $2885 | $3846 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 26 MPG | 23 | 30.5 | $2400 | 342 | 2 |
| 1989 | 26 MPG | 23 | 29.5 | $2400 | 342 | 2 |
| 1988 | 25.5 MPG | 23.5 | 29 | $2450 | 350 | 2 |
| 1987 | 25.5 MPG | 23 | 29 | $2450 | 350 | 2 |
| 1986 | 27.5 MPG | 25 | 31 | $2300 | 326 | 2 |
| 1985 | 26.8 MPG | 24.7 | 30.7 | $2350 | 334 | 6 |
| 1984 | 30.1 MPG | 27.7 | 34 | $2314 | 317 | 7 |
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 76 small station wagons models tracked here, the Nissan Sentra Wagon ranks 31 on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Saturn SW (26.3), Ford Escort Wagon (26.5), Mercury Tracer Wagon (26.5), Toyota Corolla Wagon (26.5), Volkswagen Jetta Wagon (26.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 342 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.1 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Nissan Sentra Wagon get?
The 1990 Nissan Sentra Wagon is rated at 26 MPG combined by the EPA — 23 city and 30.5 highway. Across all 7 model years in the database it averages 26.8 MPG, ranging from 24 to 36 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Nissan Sentra Wagon cost in fuel per year?
At 26 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 577 gallons — roughly $1846 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.123 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1990 model is $2400.
Has the Nissan Sentra Wagon become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 30.1 MPG in 1984 to 26 in 1990. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Nissan Sentra Wagon efficient for its class?
It ranks 31 of 76 in the Small Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG. That is 3.5 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.