Saturn SC MPG by year — every rating on record

The Saturn SC has a combined EPA fuel economy rating for 12 model years, from 1991 to 2002. Across those years its best rated version returned 29 mpg (1996) and its thirstiest returned 24 mpg (1991). The EPA record holds 44 configurations for this nameplate, most recently a Subcompact Cars.

Year-by-year EPA ratings

Where it has stood in its class

Ranked against every other nameplate the EPA filed under the same class that year. The Saturn SC placed highest in 2001 at #4 of 37, and lowest in 1991 at #28 of 73. It spent 12 of its 12 ranked years in the top half of its class.

Every configuration on record

All 44 configurations EPA lists for this nameplate, newest first.

How the rating has moved between model years

Comparing the best-rated configuration of each year. 3 of 4 year-over-year steps improved the top rating.

What SC fuel costs over a year

At the EPA's 11,500 miles a year, the 2002 Saturn SC burns 397 to 442 gallons depending on configuration. Below is what that costs at three pump prices, and how much more the thirstiest configuration costs than the most efficient one.

EPA’s own estimate for the 2002 model year is $2,150 to $2,400 a year in fuel, or $750 more than the average new vehicle over five years.

How it compares with other Subcompact Cars

Across the 461 nameplates EPA classifies as Subcompact Cars, the median best combined rating is 24 mpg. At 29 mpg the Saturn SC is 5 mpg better the median, which is worth about $289 a year at $3.50 a gallon.

• All Subcompact Cars rankings — every nameplate in the class, best to worst.

Other Saturn nameplates

Every Saturn model compared → — all nameplates ranked by best combined rating, with what each one costs a year.