MPGTerminal
43/100
1985Compact CarsRegular

1985 Buick Skylark

EPA ID: 257
21
City MPG
24
Combined MPG
24MPG· Average
29
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 1985 Buick Skylark achieves an EPA-estimated 24 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine paired with a automatic 3-spd, this compact cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 1985 Skylark produces approximately 370 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Skylark performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,500, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $1,750 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassCompact Cars
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine2.5L 4-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic 3-spd
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions370 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,500
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $1,750

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
24.0
Impact vs EPA
+$2
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$554/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$14,000
42.1%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$10,938
32.9%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$7,900
23.8%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.2%
Total 5-Year Cost$33,238

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #84V132000·1984-10-23
advisory
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:SPRINGS

THE THROTTLE LINKAGE MAY BIND BECAUSE DURING NORMAL OPERATION, THE THROTTLE BODY CASE MAY INTERFERE WITH THE LINKAGE. THIS INTERFERENCE COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM CLOSING EVEN THOUGH THE DRIVER HAS REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence:

Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT VEHICLES AND IMPROVE THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR LINKAGE AND THROTTLE BODY CASING IF NEEDED, AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Buick Skylark configurations.

View Model History

Similar 1985 Compact Cars Alternatives

1985 BMW 5 Series

2.4L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive

24MPG
City: 21Hwy: 28$3,400/yr

1985 Buick Skyhawk

1.8L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

24MPG
City: 21Hwy: 29$2,500/yr

1985 Buick Skyhawk

2L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

24MPG
City: 22Hwy: 27$2,500/yr

1985 Buick Somerset Regal

2.5L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

24MPG
City: 21Hwy: 29$2,500/yr

1985 Cadillac Cimarron

2L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

24MPG
City: 21Hwy: 29$2,500/yr

1985 Cadillac Cimarron

2L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

24MPG
City: 22Hwy: 27$2,500/yr

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,500
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $1,750

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City21 MPG
Highway29 MPG
Combined24 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

74.1 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 92 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 6.2 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.