1996 Saturn SLFuel Economy & MPG Ratings
Gasoline Compact CarsFront-Wheel Drive
City
25
MPG
Highway
36
MPG
Combined
29
MPG
Real-World MPG
Based on 13 owner reports via EPA fueleconomy.gov
38.9MPG average+34.3% vs EPA label
EPA combined: 29 MPG · Owner reported avg: 38.9 MPG
Range: 33–46 MPG
Driving mix: City 31% / Highway 69%
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 38.9 real world MPG based on 13 owner reports. EPA combined rating is 29 MPG.
Trim Comparison
Manual 5-spd
Regular
City
25
Hwy
36
Comb
29
Fuel cost: $2,350/yr
Automatic 4-spd
Regular
City
23
Hwy
33
Comb
27
Fuel cost: $2,500/yr
Manual 5-spd
Regular
City
22
Hwy
32
Comb
26
Fuel cost: $2,600/yr
Automatic 4-spd
Regular
City
21
Hwy
31
Comb
25
Fuel cost: $2,700/yr
| Trim | Engine | City | Hwy | Combined | Fuel Cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual 5-spd | Regular | 25 | 36 | 29 | $2,350 |
| Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 23 | 33 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Manual 5-spd | Regular | 22 | 32 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 21 | 31 | 25 | $2,700 |
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,350
Based on gasoline at $3.67/gal, 15,000 miles/year
5-Year Fuel Savings
$250
vs. average new vehicle
EPA Fuel Economy Score: -1/10
GHG Score: -1/10
Environment
- CO₂ Tailpipe Emissions
- 306 g/mile
- Annual Petroleum Consumption
- 10.3 barrels
Specifications
- Engine
- 1.9L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- 4-speed Automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- 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
- 1.9L, 4-cylinder
- Induction Type
- Port Fuel Injection, Multi-Point 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$2,322/yr
California
$5.957/gal$3,081/yr
Texas
$3.888/gal$2,011/yr
Florida
$4.136/gal$2,139/yr
New York
$4.522/gal$2,339/yr
Ohio
$4.510/gal$2,333/yr
Washington
$5.591/gal$2,892/yr
Colorado
$4.618/gal$2,389/yr
Minnesota
$4.344/gal$2,247/yr
Massachusetts
$4.448/gal$2,301/yr
| State | Gas Price | Annual Cost | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| National AvgEPA default | $4.490/gal | $2,322/yr | — |
| California | $5.957/gal | $3,081/yrHIGHEST | +$759 |
| Texas | $3.888/gal | $2,011/yrLOWEST | $-311 |
| Florida | $4.136/gal | $2,139/yr | $-183 |
| New York | $4.522/gal | $2,339/yr | +$17 |
| Ohio | $4.510/gal | $2,333/yr | +$11 |
| Washington | $5.591/gal | $2,892/yr | +$570 |
| Colorado | $4.618/gal | $2,389/yr | +$67 |
| Minnesota | $4.344/gal | $2,247/yr | $-75 |
| Massachusetts | $4.448/gal | $2,301/yr | $-21 |
Calculated at 15,000 miles/year (EPA standard assumption) using 29 MPG combined. Regular gasoline prices. Actual costs vary.
Related
Saturn SL MPG History
See how this model's fuel economy changed by year