51/100
1986Subcompact CarsRegular

1986 Plymouth Colt

EPA ID: 1880
28
City MPG
31
Combined MPG
31MPG· Excellent
35
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 1986 Plymouth Colt achieves an EPA-estimated 31 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 28 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine paired with a manual 5-spd, this subcompact cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 1986 Colt produces approximately 287 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 Colt performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $1,950, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would spend $1,000 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
Engine1.5L 4-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionManual 5-spd
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions287 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$1,950
5-Year Cost DeltaSpend $1,000

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
30.8
Impact vs EPA
+$13
/ 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
$479/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
43.5%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$8,468
29.5%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$7,375
25.7%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.4%
Total 5-Year Cost$28,743

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #95V103003·1995-12-13
critical
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.

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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 Plymouth Colt configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$1,950
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Spend $1,000

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

Efficiency Breakdown

City28 MPG
Highway35 MPG
Combined31 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

57.3 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 71 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 4.8 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.