MPGTerminal
47/100
1986Compact CarsRegular

1986 Plymouth Horizon

EPA ID: 2039
24
City MPG
27
Combined MPG
27MPG· Average
30
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 1986 Plymouth Horizon achieves an EPA-estimated 27 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 24 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine paired with a manual 4-spd, this compact cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 1986 Horizon produces approximately 329 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 Horizon performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,200, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $250 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
Engine1.6L 4-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionManual 4-spd
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions329 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,200
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $250

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
26.4
Impact vs EPA
+$46
/ 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
$534/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
43.7%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$9,722
30.4%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$7,900
24.7%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.2%
Total 5-Year Cost$32,022

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #08E033000·2008-05-22
critical
Component: SUSPENSION

FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.

Campaign #91V056000·1991-08-30
critical
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR

REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM-TO-HANGER BRACKET PIVOT BOLTS MAY FAIL FROM STRESS CORROSION CRACKING POSSIBLY CAUSED BY PROCESSING DEVIATIONS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PIVOT BOLT.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: FAILURE OF BOLTS MAY RESULT IN PARTIAL SEPARATION OF THEREAR SUSPENSION FROM THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WITHOUTWARNING AND A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: REPLACE THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM-TO-HANGER BRACKET PIVOT BOLT WITH A PROPERLY PROCESSED BOLT.

Campaign #86V053000·1986-03-26
advisory
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

BATTERY CAP VENTS MAY BE PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY BLOCKED WITH PLASTIC FLASHING. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A BUILD UP OF INTERNAL GAS PRESSURE COULD OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN CASE RUPTURE, PARTICULARLY DURING POST CHARGING. SHOULD A PERSON BE IN THE VICINITY OF THE BATTERY WHEN THE CASE RUPTURES, THEY MAY BE INJURED BY THE RELEASED GASES AND/OR ACID.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence:

Remedy: REWORK BATTERIES BY PROBING BOTH VENT ORIFICES TO ELIMINATE ANY VENT OBSTRUCTION.

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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 Horizon configurations.

View Model History

Similar 1986 Compact Cars Alternatives

1986 Buick Skyhawk

1.8L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

27MPG
City: 23Hwy: 34$2,200/yr

1986 Dodge Omni

1.6L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

27MPG
City: 24Hwy: 30$2,200/yr

1986 Mazda 323

1.6L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

27MPG
City: 24Hwy: 31$2,200/yr

1986 Oldsmobile Firenza

1.8L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

27MPG
City: 23Hwy: 34$2,200/yr

1986 Pontiac Sunbird

1.8L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

27MPG
City: 23Hwy: 34$2,200/yr

1986 Toyota Camry

2L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

27MPG
City: 24Hwy: 31$2,200/yr

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,200
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $250

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

Efficiency Breakdown

City24 MPG
Highway30 MPG
Combined27 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

65.8 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 81 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 5.5 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.