Cheap High MPG Cars: 1983

14 thoughts on “Cheap High MPG Cars: 1983”

1. Ok, I need to know if these mpg rates are accurate. (I’m trying to settle an argument.) I owned a 1981 Ford Escort LX and I recall getting 49 MPG on the highway WITH air conditioning on and an autmatic trans. (I bought it in 1983 and owned it untill it “gave up the ghost” due to BAD mechanics whom I allowed to work on it.) What I am trying to find out is if my memory is faulty OR if these older “tin cans” got the MPG I remember? I had a friend-coworker who owned a Chevette and I recall he indicated similar mileage. If this was true then, what the hell happened?

   Thanks, and input/feedback would be welcomed! 😎

2. I dont know that I would trust these numbers…The claim that a 1983 Ford Courier got 40 MPG HYW, but the Ford Courier was replace with Ford Ranger in 1982. So i’d like to see the ’83 Courier?!?!

3. @ Trev – The Courier was a rebadged Mazda B2000 … if you look at the numbers, they’re similar. While the Courier was phased out in ’83, Ford might have submitted for EPA numbers as a hedge.

4. I’ve had a few high MPG cars in my time: 81 Izusu Diesel P/UP 35mpg, 84 Honda CRX 33/47mpg, 85 Nissan Sentra 29/42mpg, 94 Ford Escort Wagon (auto)28/38mpg.

   Currently I have a 94 Ford Escort Wagon (5 spd) 32/40mpg, 83 Mazda B2200 diesel 35/52.
   The 94 Escort Wagon was recently stolen. It was the car I liked the best because of comfort(space) and good mpg. Next best was the Sentra hatchback, as I could sleep in the back, i’m small. It handled well even after front end accident. And got good mpg. Shouldn’t of gotten rid of. She also had a removable sun roof, and rear wing windows you could open from the front while driving. Never really needed the a/c.

   I too am very ashamed with the auto manufactures getting worse MPG than in the eighties, than nineties too.

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6. I dont know where you got these figures, but almost ALL of them are greatly exagerrated. No way all these vehicles got in the 40’s, and as professional car guy I know what Im talking about.

7. @raggz – Are they greatly exaggerated? That’s an interesting thought … They’re EPA numbers.

   I’ve started to collect OEM marketing materials and magazine advertising from this period. The ads appear to back up these numbers, from what I’ve seen so far.

   Here’s an example …

   The most fuel-efficient Mazda GLC is listed at 36 city / 50 highway. I’m looking at a two-page full color advertisement for the 1984 Mazda GLC in the October 10, 1983 issue of Sports Illustrated.

   The advertisement shows 49 EST HWY MPG / 35 EST MPG.

   Crazy, eh?

   I will be producing a video about this in the near future … stay tuned …

8. I don’t know if these numbers are completely spot on. I have an 1988 horizon 2.2 auto with 76,000 miles and I get 24mpg city and 34 mpg hwy. I would love to get 40

9. @Madmatan – these are the original official unadulterated numbers (which may have been aggressively rated by the manufacturer). What’s your average highway cruising speed?

   It looks like the original 165/80-13 tire size is no longer available. A change in tires can effect mileage.

   One more thing to keep in mind … there was no ethanol content in gasoline back in those days. The little things can add up …

10. I’m not entirely sure if my speedo is right on. But I would say 55-65 depending on the speed limit. If I go 70 or higher I lose milage. It runs good. But it’s an old car so maybe a tune up would help improve milage. Do you think it can get better milage?

11. I think I lose milage too because its a automatic transmission and not a standard transmission.

12. @Madmatan – A tuneup couldn’t hurt. Spark plugs are cheap. 🙂 You could try switching to a synthetic oil. And it might be cool to swap for low-rolling-resistance tires, too (the next time you need tires) … need to find out if anything LLR is available that will fit the current wheels.

13. I would say that these ratings are right on! I bought a 1983 Plymouth Scamp pickup purely on the fact of it being listed on this website! It has a 2.2 with a 5 speed and is listed on this website as obtaining 28 city, 47 highway and that is what is also listed in the factory dealer brouchure that came with it! Not only do I get 28-29 all day long in the city with it, I have taken it on several out of state highway trecks and have gotten as high as 52mpg!!!! I found the trick to be staying at 55mph and some lucas in the tank and these cars still get what they claimed years ago. Thank you so much for this site as I would have never even known this car existed without it!

14. Great to hear, Uncle Rodge! Highway cruising speed is a huge factor, no doubt about that.