34/100
1990Compact CarsRegular

1990 Volvo 780

EPA ID: 6778
16
City MPG
18
Combined MPG
18MPG· Below Avg
20
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 1990 Volvo 780 achieves an EPA-estimated 18 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 16 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2.3L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a automatic 4-spd, this compact cars features Rear-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 1990 780 produces approximately 494 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 780 has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $3,300, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $5,750 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
Engine2.3L 4-cyl
AspirationTurbocharged
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
Drive TypeRear-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions494 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$3,300
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $5,750

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
17.6
Impact vs EPA
+$69
/ 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
$741/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
$19,600
44.1%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$14,583
32.8%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$9,860
22.2%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
0.9%
Total 5-Year Cost$44,443

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #97V166000·1998-03-06
advisory
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO LIMITED SPACE AND VARIATIONS IN THE ASSEMBLY OF THE CABLES, CHAFING OF THE INSULATION OF THE CABLES FEEDING THE SEAT HEATER, POWER SEAT MOTORS AND SEAT BELT WARNING INDICATOR SITUATED UNDER THE FRONT SEAT, CAN OCCUR.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: THIS CHAFING CAN LEAD TO A LOW OHM SHORT CIRCUIT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CABLE HARNESSES AND, IF NECESSARY, CORRECT OR REPLACE THESE CABLES.

Campaign #91V010000·1991-03-01
critical
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

IF CONDITIONS OF HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURE, OVERFILLING OF THE FUEL TANK, AND INSUFFICIENT TORQUE ON THE SENDING UNIT LOCK RING EXIST SIMULTANEOUSLY, FUEL SEEPAGE MAY OCCUR FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: FUEL SEEPAGE COULD RESULT IN FIRE IN THE PRESENCE OF ANIGNITION SOURCE.

Remedy: RETORQUE SENDING UNIT LOCK RING; REPLACE LOCK RING GASKET IF FUEL SEEPAGE IS DETECTED. NOTE: THE ONLY 940 MODEL SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL IS THE 940SE.

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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 Volvo 780 configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$3,300
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $5,750

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

Efficiency Breakdown

City16 MPG
Highway20 MPG
Combined18 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

98.7 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 122 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 8.2 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.