Saturn SL
27.3 MPG The 2002 Saturn SL is EPA-rated at 27.3 MPG combined (23.5 city / 34 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 549 gallons, $1758 a year in fuel, or $0.117 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1991–2002 run it averages 26.6 MPG, improving by 1.8 MPG over 12 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 | $0.092 | $916 | $1374 | $1832 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.110 | $1099 | $1648 | $2198 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.117 | $1172 | $1758 | $2344 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.128 | $1282 | $1923 | $2564 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.147 | $1465 | $2198 | $2930 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.165 | $1648 | $2473 | $3297 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.183 | $1832 | $2747 | $3663 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 27.3 MPG | 23.5 | 34 | $2288 | 327 | 4 |
| 2001 | 27.3 MPG | 23.5 | 34 | $2288 | 327 | 4 |
| 2000 | 27.3 MPG | 23.3 | 34 | $2288 | 327 | 4 |
| 1999 | 27.3 MPG | 23.3 | 33.8 | $2288 | 327 | 4 |
| 1998 | 26.5 MPG | 22.8 | 33.5 | $2350 | 336 | 4 |
| 1997 | 26.8 MPG | 22.8 | 33.3 | $2325 | 333 | 4 |
| 1996 | 26.8 MPG | 22.8 | 33 | $2338 | 333 | 4 |
| 1995 | 26.5 MPG | 22.5 | 33 | $2350 | 336 | 4 |
| 1994 | 25.8 MPG | 22.5 | 31.5 | $2425 | 346 | 4 |
| 1993 | 25.8 MPG | 22.3 | 32 | $2425 | 346 | 4 |
| 1992 | 25.8 MPG | 22.3 | 31.5 | $2425 | 346 | 4 |
| 1991 | 25.5 MPG | 22 | 31.5 | $2450 | 349 | 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 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Saturn SL ranks 67 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: BMW 320i (27.5), Pontiac Lemans (27.7), Acura ILX (28), BMW 330i xDrive (28), Ford Fiesta ST FWD (28).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 327 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.9 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Saturn SL get?
The 2002 Saturn SL is rated at 27.3 MPG combined by the EPA — 23.5 city and 34 highway. Across all 12 model years in the database it averages 26.6 MPG, ranging from 24 to 29 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Saturn SL cost in fuel per year?
At 27.3 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 549 gallons — roughly $1758 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.117 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2002 model is $2288.
Has the Saturn SL become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 25.5 MPG in 1991 to 27.3 in 2002 — an improvement of 1.8 MPG, or 7% across 12 model years.
Is the Saturn SL efficient for its class?
It ranks 67 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 0.7 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.