1982: A Banner Year for High MPG Cars

7 comments ↓

#1 Frank Lee on 11.18.07 at 7:55 pm

Keep in mind that the EPA figures from that time period were very optimistic, and even the careful, sensible driver would have a tough time averaging what the EPA claimed. The next generation of EPA figures was, in my experience, very attainable. Don’t confuse them with the very latest EPA “adjustment” of economy figures, which I think rewards bad driving behavior by “legitimizing” the poor fuel economy gotten by driving like an azz.

#2 Mike Kamm on 10.06.08 at 11:06 am

Very well said Frank!

#3 Tim on 12.26.08 at 11:43 am

I would like to see any celebrity, 6000, century, or ciera have a 4.3 crammed under the hood. this engine was never put in these vehicles. I owned three or four of these. I also have a ‘82 rabbit diesel m5 and get no where near 59 mpg. where are you getting your info?

#4 mpg-o-editor on 12.26.08 at 11:54 am

@Tim Our condolences on having owned three or four of GM’s worst cars. We’re not pulling this stuff out of thin air … we work from the official stats.

FWIW, Wikipedia lists the 4.3L in the ‘82 Ciera and 6000.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oldsmobile_Ciera
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_6000

What kind of mileage are you getting on the highway in your Rabbit at 55 MPH?

#5 Bob L on 01.16.09 at 1:13 pm

The 4.3L in these cars was a completely different engine than the gas 4.3L. I do beleive it was based on a gas powered V8 Oldsmobile block like the 6.2L. I could be wrong though.

#6 Clif G on 02.18.09 at 8:14 pm

I had a 1982 1.5L Honda Civic Hatchback that I bought in 1991 when it had 150K miles on it (For $1100.00). I know at least for that model that the mileage listed is very much in the ballpark. Even after 10 years and 100K+ miles.

#7 Mike Davis on 05.25.09 at 11:24 pm

Buying a 82 Toyota pickup : )

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