44/100
1987Compact CarsRegular

1987 Buick Skyhawk

EPA ID: 3178
22
City MPG
25
Combined MPG
25MPG· Average
29
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 1987 Buick Skyhawk achieves an EPA-estimated 25 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2L 4-cylinder engine paired with a automatic 3-spd, this compact cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 1987 Skyhawk produces approximately 355 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 Skyhawk performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,400, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $1,250 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
Engine2L 4-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic 3-spd
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions355 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,400
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $1,250

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
24.7
Impact vs EPA
+$27
/ 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
$547/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
42.7%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$10,500
32.0%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$7,900
24.1%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.2%
Total 5-Year Cost$32,800

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #06E043000·2006-10-18
critical
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Campaign #87V184000·1987-12-17
critical
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

THE FUEL FEED AND/OR RETURN HOSE/PIPE ASSEMBLIES COULD CRACK OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK INTO THE UNDERHOOD AREA.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE, WITHOUT PRIORWARNING, AND CAUSE INJURY TO OCCUPANTS.

Remedy: REPLACE BOTH FUEL FEED AND RETURN HOSE/PIPE ASSEMBLIES.

Campaign #86V128000·1986-09-18
critical
Component: PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL

PARKING BRAKE LEVER MECHANISMS MAY NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE WHEN APPLIED AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 105. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: VEHICLE COULD UNEXPECTEDLY ROLL AWAY UNCONTROLLED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence:

Remedy: REPLACE PARKING BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY.

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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 Skyhawk configurations.

View Model History

Similar 1987 Compact Cars Alternatives

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,400
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $1,250

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

Efficiency Breakdown

City22 MPG
Highway29 MPG
Combined25 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

71.1 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 88 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 5.9 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.