1988 Pontiac Sunburst (Manual 5-spd) MPG & Specs
Quick answer
The 1988 Pontiac Sunburst gets an EPA-estimated 31/37 MPG (city/highway) and 33 MPG combined, with an estimated $1,850/year fuel cost and 269.303 g/mi CO₂. Engine: 1.5 L 4-cyl.
The 1988 Pontiac Sunburst with the 1.5-liter 4-cylinder regular gasoline engine returns an EPA-estimated 31 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway, for a combined 33 MPG. This page summarizes the official EPA fuel-economy and emissions data for this configuration.
| Engine | 1.5 L 4-cyl |
| Transmission | Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel type | Regular Gasoline |
| Vehicle class | Subcompact Cars |
| MPG — city | 31 |
| MPG — highway | 37 |
| MPG — combined | 33 |
| Annual fuel cost* | $1,850 |
| CO₂ tailpipe | 269.303 g/mi |
| EPA GHG score | — |
How efficient is it?
With a combined 33 MPG, the 1988 Pontiac Sunburst sits in the good range for fuel economy. That is about 40% better than the typical Subcompact Cars of its era (24 MPG class average), making it one of the more efficient choices in its class.
Fuel economy and running costs
At about $1,850 per year in fuel (EPA estimate, 15,000 mi/yr), fuel is a major part of the cost of owning the 1988 Pontiac Sunburst. Over five years that is roughly $9,250 at today's prices — before insurance, maintenance, and depreciation.
Emissions
The 1988 Pontiac Sunburst emits approximately 269.303 grams of CO₂ per mile at the tailpipe. Lower emissions generally track higher fuel economy.
How to read these numbers
EPA figures come from standardized laboratory test cycles and are the same estimates shown on the vehicle's window sticker. Your real-world mileage depends on driving style, conditions, fuel grade, and maintenance. Use combined MPG and annual fuel cost to compare vehicles fairly.