Pontiac Firebird/Formula
19.5 MPG The 1998 Pontiac Firebird/Formula is EPA-rated at 19.5 MPG combined (16.5 city / 25 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 769 gallons, $2462 a year in fuel, or $0.164 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1993–1998 run it averages 19.1 MPG, essentially flat across 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 | $0.128 | $1282 | $1923 | $2564 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.154 | $1538 | $2308 | $3077 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.164 | $1641 | $2462 | $3282 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.179 | $1795 | $2692 | $3590 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.205 | $2051 | $3077 | $4103 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.231 | $2308 | $3462 | $4615 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.256 | $2564 | $3846 | $5128 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 19.5 MPG | 16.5 | 25 | $3600 | 457 | 4 |
| 1997 | 19 MPG | 16 | 25.3 | $3700 | 469 | 4 |
| 1996 | 19 MPG | 16 | 25.3 | $3275 | 469 | 4 |
| 1995 | 18.9 MPG | 15.9 | 24.4 | $3786 | 473 | 7 |
| 1994 | 19 MPG | 16 | 24.8 | $3700 | 469 | 4 |
| 1993 | 19 MPG | 16 | 24.3 | $3700 | 469 | 4 |
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 Pontiac Firebird/Formula ranks 170 on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Saab 900 Convertible (19.8), Audi RS 5 (20), BMW 325i Convertible (20), BMW 325i/325is (20), BMW 650i Convertible (20).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 457 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.9 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Pontiac Firebird/Formula get?
The 1998 Pontiac Firebird/Formula is rated at 19.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 16.5 city and 25 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 19.1 MPG, ranging from 18 to 21 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Pontiac Firebird/Formula cost in fuel per year?
At 19.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 769 gallons — roughly $2462 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.164 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1998 model is $3600.
Has the Pontiac Firebird/Formula become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 19.5 MPG today against 19 in 1993 — essentially flat across 6 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Pontiac Firebird/Formula efficient for its class?
It ranks 170 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG. That is 4.7 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.