Pontiac Firefly
37 MPG The 1994 Pontiac Firefly is EPA-rated at 37 MPG combined (34.5 city / 40.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 405 gallons, $1297 a year in fuel, or $0.086 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1985–1994 run it averages 37.2 MPG, falling by 2 MPG over 10 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 | $0.068 | $676 | $1014 | $1351 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.081 | $811 | $1216 | $1622 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.086 | $865 | $1297 | $1730 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.095 | $946 | $1419 | $1892 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.108 | $1081 | $1622 | $2162 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.122 | $1216 | $1824 | $2432 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.135 | $1351 | $2027 | $2703 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 37 MPG | 34.5 | 40.5 | $1700 | 243 | 2 |
| 1993 | 37 MPG | 34 | 40 | $1700 | 243 | 2 |
| 1992 | 36.5 MPG | 34.5 | 39.5 | $1725 | 246 | 2 |
| 1991 | 36.5 MPG | 34 | 40 | $1725 | 246 | 2 |
| 1990 | 37 MPG | 35 | 40 | $1700 | 243 | 2 |
| 1989 | 37.5 MPG | 35 | 40.5 | $1675 | 239 | 4 |
| 1988 | 36.5 MPG | 34 | 40 | $1725 | 245 | 2 |
| 1987 | 36.5 MPG | 34 | 39.5 | $1725 | 245 | 2 |
| 1986 | 38 MPG | 35.5 | 42 | $1650 | 235 | 2 |
| 1985 | 39 MPG | 36.5 | 43 | $1625 | 229 | 2 |
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 Firefly ranks 7 on current figures, against a class average of 24.1 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Mitsubishi Mirage (39), Honda Prelude (44), Geo Metro XFI (47), Toyota Mirai (72), MINI Cooper SE Hardtop 2 door (110).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 243 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 3.6 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Pontiac Firefly get?
The 1994 Pontiac Firefly is rated at 37 MPG combined by the EPA — 34.5 city and 40.5 highway. Across all 10 model years in the database it averages 37.2 MPG, ranging from 33 to 42 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Pontiac Firefly cost in fuel per year?
At 37 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 405 gallons — roughly $1297 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.086 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1994 model is $1700.
Has the Pontiac Firefly become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 39 MPG in 1985 to 37 in 1994. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Pontiac Firefly efficient for its class?
It ranks 7 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.1 MPG. That is 12.9 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.