Plymouth Reliant Wagon
23.3 MPG The 1988 Plymouth Reliant Wagon is EPA-rated at 23.3 MPG combined (21 city / 27.7 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 644 gallons, $2060 a year in fuel, or $0.137 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–1988 run it averages 22.6 MPG, improving by 0.7 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 | $0.107 | $1073 | $1609 | $2146 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.129 | $1288 | $1931 | $2575 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.137 | $1373 | $2060 | $2747 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.150 | $1502 | $2253 | $3004 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.172 | $1717 | $2575 | $3433 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.193 | $1931 | $2897 | $3863 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.215 | $2146 | $3219 | $4292 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 23.3 MPG | 21 | 27.7 | $2683 | 382 | 3 |
| 1987 | 22 MPG | 20 | 26 | $2833 | 406 | 3 |
| 1986 | 23 MPG | 21 | 26.3 | $2733 | 390 | 3 |
| 1985 | 22.3 MPG | 20.2 | 25.9 | $2832 | 404 | 11 |
| 1984 | 22.6 MPG | 20.3 | 26.1 | $2781 | 397 | 8 |
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 21 midsize-large station wagons models tracked here, the Plymouth Reliant Wagon ranks 1 on current figures, against a class average of 19.3 MPG.
Nothing in its class is rated higher — it leads the group.
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 382 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.7 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Plymouth Reliant Wagon get?
The 1988 Plymouth Reliant Wagon is rated at 23.3 MPG combined by the EPA — 21 city and 27.7 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 22.6 MPG, ranging from 19 to 26 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Plymouth Reliant Wagon cost in fuel per year?
At 23.3 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 644 gallons — roughly $2060 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.137 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1988 model is $2683.
Has the Plymouth Reliant Wagon become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 22.6 MPG in 1984 to 23.3 in 1988 — an improvement of 0.7 MPG, or 3% across 5 model years.
Is the Plymouth Reliant Wagon efficient for its class?
It ranks 1 of 21 in the Midsize-Large Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 19.3 MPG. That is 4.0 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.