Volkswagen Quantum Wagon
18.5 MPG The 1988 Volkswagen Quantum Wagon is EPA-rated at 18.5 MPG combined (16.5 city / 21 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 811 gallons, $2595 a year in fuel, or $0.173 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–1988 run it averages 21.8 MPG, falling by 6.9 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 | $0.135 | $1351 | $2027 | $2703 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.162 | $1622 | $2432 | $3243 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.173 | $1730 | $2595 | $3459 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.189 | $1892 | $2838 | $3784 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.216 | $2162 | $3243 | $4324 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.243 | $2432 | $3649 | $4865 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.270 | $2703 | $4054 | $5405 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 18.5 MPG | 16.5 | 21 | $3375 | 481 | 2 |
| 1987 | 18.5 MPG | 16.5 | 21 | $3375 | 481 | 2 |
| 1986 | 20.8 MPG | 18.5 | 23.5 | $3050 | 435 | 4 |
| 1985 | 25.7 MPG | 23 | 29 | $2650 | 369 | 3 |
| 1984 | 25.4 MPG | 23.4 | 28.5 | $2930 | 400 | 10 |
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 Volkswagen Quantum Wagon ranks 73 on current figures, against a class average of 29.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: BMW 325xi Sport Wagon (20), Infiniti EX35 (20), Mitsubishi Space Wagon (20), BMW 325i Sport Wagon (20.5), BMW 328i Sport Wagon (20.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 481 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.2 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volkswagen Quantum Wagon get?
The 1988 Volkswagen Quantum Wagon is rated at 18.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 16.5 city and 21 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 21.8 MPG, ranging from 18 to 33 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volkswagen Quantum Wagon cost in fuel per year?
At 18.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 811 gallons — roughly $2595 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.173 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1988 model is $3375.
Has the Volkswagen Quantum Wagon become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 25.4 MPG in 1984 to 18.5 in 1988. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Volkswagen Quantum Wagon efficient for its class?
It ranks 73 of 76 in the Small Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 29.6 MPG. That is 11.1 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.