Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight
20 MPG The 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight is EPA-rated at 20 MPG combined (16.5 city / 26 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 750 gallons, $2400 a year in fuel, or $0.160 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1989–1996 run it averages 19.8 MPG, essentially flat across 8 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 | $0.125 | $1250 | $1875 | $2500 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.150 | $1500 | $2250 | $3000 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.160 | $1600 | $2400 | $3200 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.175 | $1750 | $2625 | $3500 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.225 | $2250 | $3375 | $4500 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 20 MPG | 16.5 | 26 | $3500 | 445 | 2 |
| 1995 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3100 | 444 | 1 |
| 1994 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3100 | 444 | 1 |
| 1993 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3100 | 444 | 1 |
| 1992 | 19 MPG | 16 | 26 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
| 1991 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3100 | 444 | 1 |
| 1990 | 19 MPG | 16 | 25 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
| 1989 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3100 | 444 | 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 149 large cars models tracked here, the Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight ranks 52 on current figures, against a class average of 21.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Dodge Intrepid (20.3), Buick Park Avenue (20.5), Genesis G80 AWD (20.5), BMW 535i xDrive Gran Turismo (21), BMW 750i (21).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 445 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.7 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight get?
The 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight is rated at 20 MPG combined by the EPA — 16.5 city and 26 highway. Across all 8 model years in the database it averages 19.8 MPG, ranging from 19 to 21 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight cost in fuel per year?
At 20 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 750 gallons — roughly $2400 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.160 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1996 model is $3500.
Has the Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 20 MPG today against 20 in 1989 — essentially flat across 8 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight efficient for its class?
It ranks 52 of 149 in the Large Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 21.6 MPG. That is 1.6 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.