Saturn SL MPG by year — every rating on record

The Saturn SL 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 48 configurations for this nameplate, most recently a Compact 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 SL placed highest in 1994 at #4 of 53, and lowest in 1998 at #11 of 47. It spent 12 of its 12 ranked years in the top half of its class.

Every configuration on record

All 48 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 SL fuel costs over a year

At the EPA's 11,500 miles a year, the 2002 Saturn SL 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 $250 more than the average new vehicle over five years.

How it compares with other Compact Cars

Across the 498 nameplates EPA classifies as Compact Cars, the median best combined rating is 26 mpg. At 29 mpg the Saturn SL is 3 mpg better the median, which is worth about $160 a year at $3.50 a gallon.

• All Compact 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.