Saturn SW
26.3 MPG The 2001 Saturn SW is EPA-rated at 26.3 MPG combined (22.7 city / 32.7 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 570 gallons, $1825 a year in fuel, or $0.122 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1993–2001 run it averages 26.3 MPG, essentially flat across 9 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 | $0.095 | $951 | $1426 | $1901 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.114 | $1141 | $1711 | $2281 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.122 | $1217 | $1825 | $2433 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.133 | $1331 | $1996 | $2662 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.152 | $1521 | $2281 | $3042 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.171 | $1711 | $2567 | $3422 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.190 | $1901 | $2852 | $3802 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 26.3 MPG | 22.7 | 32.7 | $2367 | 338 | 3 |
| 2000 | 26.7 MPG | 22.7 | 33 | $2333 | 333 | 3 |
| 1999 | 26.8 MPG | 23 | 33 | $2325 | 333 | 4 |
| 1998 | 26 MPG | 22.8 | 32.3 | $2400 | 342 | 4 |
| 1997 | 26.5 MPG | 22.8 | 32.3 | $2350 | 336 | 4 |
| 1996 | 26.5 MPG | 22.5 | 32.8 | $2350 | 336 | 4 |
| 1995 | 26.5 MPG | 22.5 | 33 | $2350 | 336 | 4 |
| 1994 | 25.8 MPG | 22.3 | 31.5 | $2425 | 346 | 4 |
| 1993 | 25.8 MPG | 22 | 31.8 | $2425 | 346 | 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 76 small station wagons models tracked here, the Saturn SW ranks 30 on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Ford Escort Wagon (26.5), Mercury Tracer Wagon (26.5), Toyota Corolla Wagon (26.5), Volkswagen Jetta Wagon (26.5), Honda HR-V AWD (27).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 338 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.1 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Saturn SW get?
The 2001 Saturn SW is rated at 26.3 MPG combined by the EPA — 22.7 city and 32.7 highway. Across all 9 model years in the database it averages 26.3 MPG, ranging from 24 to 28 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Saturn SW cost in fuel per year?
At 26.3 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 570 gallons — roughly $1825 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.122 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2001 model is $2367.
Has the Saturn SW become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 26.3 MPG today against 25.8 in 1993 — essentially flat across 9 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Saturn SW efficient for its class?
It ranks 30 of 76 in the Small Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG. That is 3.2 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.