Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
21 MPG The 1996 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is EPA-rated at 21 MPG combined (17 city / 27 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 1984–1996 run it averages 19.2 MPG, improving by 3.3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 21 MPG | 17 | 27 | $2950 | 423 | 1 |
| 1995 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3100 | 444 | 1 |
| 1994 | 19 MPG | 16 | 24.5 | $3275 | 469 | 2 |
| 1993 | 19 MPG | 16 | 25 | $3700 | 469 | 2 |
| 1992 | 18.5 MPG | 15.5 | 24 | $3800 | 481 | 2 |
| 1984 | 17.7 MPG | 15.3 | 22.3 | $3833 | 532 | 3 |
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 Ninety-Eight ranks 31 on current figures, against a class average of 21.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Audi A8 L (22), BMW 535i Gran Turismo (22), BMW 740Li (22), Cadillac XTS (22), Chevrolet Impala (22).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 423 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight get?
The 1996 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is rated at 21 MPG combined by the EPA — 17 city and 27 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 19.2 MPG, ranging from 16 to 21 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 1996 model is $2950.
Has the Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 17.7 MPG in 1984 to 21 in 1996 — an improvement of 3.3 MPG, or 19% across 6 model years.
Is the Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight efficient for its class?
It ranks 31 of 149 in the Large Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 21.6 MPG. That is 0.6 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.