1988 Ford ThunderbirdFuel Economy & MPG Ratings
Gasoline Compact CarsRear-Wheel Drive
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City
18
MPG
Highway
25
MPG
Combined
21
MPG
Real-World MPG
Based on 1 owner report via EPA fueleconomy.gov
19.0MPG average-9.6% vs EPA label
EPA combined: 21 MPG · Owner reported avg: 19.0 MPG
Driving mix: City 84% / Highway 16%
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov “Your MPG” owner submissions. Real-world results vary by driver behavior, conditions, and equipment.
Owner reported MPG for this vehicle averages 19.0 real world MPG based on 1 owner report. EPA combined rating is 21 MPG.
Trim Comparison
Automatic 4-spd
Regular
City
18
Hwy
25
Comb
21
Fuel cost: $3,200/yr
Manual 5-spd
Regular
City
16
Hwy
24
Comb
19
Fuel cost: $3,550/yr
Automatic 4-spd
Regular
City
16
Hwy
24
Comb
19
Fuel cost: $3,550/yr
Automatic 4-spd
Regular
City
15
Hwy
21
Comb
17
Fuel cost: $3,950/yr
| Trim | Engine | City | Hwy | Combined | Fuel Cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Manual 5-spd | Regular | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,200
Based on gasoline at $3.67/gal, 15,000 miles/year
5-Year Fuel Savings
$-4,000
vs. average new vehicle
EPA Fuel Economy Score: -1/10
GHG Score: -1/10
Environment
- CO₂ Tailpipe Emissions
- 423 g/mile
- Annual Petroleum Consumption
- 14.2 barrels
Specifications
- Engine
- 5L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- 4-speed Automatic
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Body Style
- Sedan
- GVWR
- Class 1 (≤6,000 lbs)
Source: EPA fuel economy data & NHTSA vPIC. Specifications reflect the most common trim configuration.
Engine & Efficiency Details
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
- Engine Size
- 3.8L, 6-cylinder
- Induction Type
- Port Fuel Injection
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Annual Fuel Cost by State
Prices as of week ending May 18, 2026 · Source: EIA
National AvgEPA default
$4.490/gal$3,207/yr
California
$5.957/gal$4,255/yr
Texas
$3.888/gal$2,777/yr
Florida
$4.136/gal$2,954/yr
New York
$4.522/gal$3,230/yr
Ohio
$4.510/gal$3,221/yr
Washington
$5.591/gal$3,994/yr
Colorado
$4.618/gal$3,299/yr
Minnesota
$4.344/gal$3,103/yr
Massachusetts
$4.448/gal$3,177/yr
| State | Gas Price | Annual Cost | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| National AvgEPA default | $4.490/gal | $3,207/yr | — |
| California | $5.957/gal | $4,255/yrHIGHEST | +$1,048 |
| Texas | $3.888/gal | $2,777/yrLOWEST | $-430 |
| Florida | $4.136/gal | $2,954/yr | $-253 |
| New York | $4.522/gal | $3,230/yr | +$23 |
| Ohio | $4.510/gal | $3,221/yr | +$14 |
| Washington | $5.591/gal | $3,994/yr | +$787 |
| Colorado | $4.618/gal | $3,299/yr | +$92 |
| Minnesota | $4.344/gal | $3,103/yr | $-104 |
| Massachusetts | $4.448/gal | $3,177/yr | $-30 |
Calculated at 15,000 miles/year (EPA standard assumption) using 21 MPG combined. Regular gasoline prices. Actual costs vary.
Related
Ford Thunderbird MPG History
See how this model's fuel economy changed by year