36/100
1985Subcompact CarsRegular

1985 Ford Mustang

EPA ID: 1225
17
City MPG
19
Combined MPG
19MPG· Below Avg
24
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 1985 Ford Mustang achieves an EPA-estimated 19 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2.3L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a manual 5-spd, this subcompact cars features Rear-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 1985 Mustang produces approximately 468 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 Mustang has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $3,150, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $5,000 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 ClassSubcompact Cars
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine2.3L 4-cyl
AspirationTurbocharged
TransmissionManual 5-spd
Drive TypeRear-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions468 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$3,150
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $5,000

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
19.6
Impact vs EPA
$-80
/ 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
$568/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
$12,500
36.7%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$13,816
40.5%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$7,375
21.6%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.2%
Total 5-Year Cost$34,091

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #07E064000·2007-10-15
critical
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.

Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.

Campaign #92V063000·1992-09-29
critical
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

THE PLASTIC SLEEVE IN THE FRONT SAFETY BELT TONGUE ASSEMBLY WHICH RETAINS THE LOCK BAR CAN DETERIORATE FROM PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT AND BECOME DISPLACED, CAUSING THE TONGUE TO DETACH FROM THE SAFETY BELT WEBBING.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: IF THE TONGUE DETACHES FROM THE SAFETY BELT WEBBING, THESAFETY BELT WOULD NOT ATTACH TO ITSELF, RESULTING IN INCREASED RISK OF INJURYTO THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: FORD WILL REPAIR THE SAFETY BELTS EXPERIENCING THIS CONDITION REGARDLESS OF VEHICLE AGE OR CONDITION.

Campaign #85V068000·
advisory
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

BRAKE BOOSTER REAR SHELLS MAY HAVE REDUCED WALL THICKNESSES WHICH COULD CAUSE THE SHELL TO BREAK. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: REPEATED BRAKE USE COULD CAUSE THE SHELL TO CRACK AND THE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY TO COME APART. SERVICE BRAKES CAPABILITY WOULD BE TOTALLY LOST WITHOUT WARNING AND COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence:

Remedy: INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY.

Loading live complaint data...

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 Ford Mustang configurations.

View Model History

Similar 1985 Subcompact Cars Alternatives

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$3,150
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $5,000

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

Efficiency Breakdown

City17 MPG
Highway24 MPG
Combined19 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

93.5 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 116 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 7.8 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.