The allure of classic American cars is undeniable. From roaring engines to iconic designs, these vehicles capture a spirit of freedom and power. However, a trip down memory lane also brings us face-to-face with a less glamorous aspect: fuel economy, or rather, the distinct lack thereof. In an era where gas efficiency wasn’t a primary concern, many of the most celebrated American automobiles were also some of the Worst Mpg Cars ever produced. Let’s take a look at some of these iconic gas guzzlers that, while rich in history and style, are notoriously thirsty at the pump.
Chevrolet Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette, an American icon since its 1953 debut, rapidly achieved legendary status, especially throughout the 1960s. Production numbers soared from a modest 1,000 units annually to around 27,000, reflecting its surging popularity. The second-generation Corvette of this era presented buyers with a range of powerful engine options, including several high-performance variants. The 1960 model, a prime example of early Corvette engineering, featured a robust V8 engine that, while delivering thrilling performance, was estimated to achieve a mere 13 to 14 mpg. This figure firmly places the early Corvette among the worst mpg cars of its time, a testament to the era’s focus on power over fuel efficiency.
Pontiac Grand Prix
The Pontiac Grand Prix, a model that graced American roads from its inception in 1962 all the way through 2008, is another example of a classic car not known for its fuel efficiency. The initial generation Grand Prix models were equipped with substantial V8 engines, with displacement options spanning from 6.4L to a massive 7.0L. These engines, while delivering impressive power and performance for the time, contributed to the Grand Prix earning a spot among the worst mpg cars. The subsequent second-generation Grand Prix, introduced in 1968, further amplified this trend by offering an even larger 7.5L premium V8 engine. Depending on the specific engine choice, drivers of the Grand Prix could expect to average around 10 to 14 mpg, highlighting its position as a gas-guzzling classic.
Pontiac Bonneville
The Pontiac Bonneville, introduced in 1957 and named after the famed Bonneville Salt Flats, embodied a blend of luxury and performance. This Pontiac model, drawing its name from the land speed record mecca, was equipped with powerful V8 engines characteristic of the muscle car era. Offering five different engine options ranging from a 6.4L to a massive 7.5L, the Bonneville prioritized power and presence over fuel conservation. During the 1960s, these V8 engines were rumored to deliver an average fuel economy of approximately 10 mpg, solidifying the Bonneville’s reputation as one of the worst mpg cars of its time. Although Pontiac attempted to improve fuel efficiency in later years, even the 1988 model, with a downsized engine, still only managed a reported 11.5 mpg, underscoring the Bonneville’s legacy of less-than-stellar gas mileage.
Dodge Viper
The Dodge Viper, unleashed onto the automotive scene in 1992, represented a bold step beyond the muscle cars of the 1960s. With a starting price of $50,000, this highly sought-after sports car was produced in limited numbers initially, with only 155 units sold between 1992 and 1993. In a dramatic move, the Viper eschewed the traditional V8 engine in favor of a massive V10, showcasing a commitment to raw power. This 8.0L V10 engine generated an impressive 400 horsepower, but fuel economy was clearly not a priority. The original Dodge Viper achieved around 11 mpg in city driving and 20 mpg on the highway. This fuel consumption, combined with a 22-gallon fuel tank, meant frequent trips to the gas station, especially for drivers inclined to enjoy the Viper’s performance capabilities. The Viper’s thirst for fuel firmly placed it among the worst mpg cars of the modern era, appealing to enthusiasts who valued power and excitement above all else.
Pontiac GTO
The Pontiac GTO, introduced in 1963, is widely credited with igniting the muscle car craze. Named after a prestigious European racing series, the GTO, despite its Italian-inspired name, was pure American muscle. Available in both hardtop and convertible versions from 1964 to 1967, the Pontiac GTO offered powerful V8 engine options, ranging from 6.4L to 6.6L, delivering between 335 and 360 horsepower depending on the configuration. However, this performance came at a significant cost in fuel efficiency. True to its racing heritage, the Pontiac GTO averaged a dismal 10.3 mpg, making it a quintessential example of the worst mpg cars from the muscle car era. Fuel economy was clearly secondary to power and performance in the GTO’s design philosophy.
Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang, launched by the Ford Motor Company in 1964, tapped into the spirit of the 1950s intermediate-sized muscle cars to become the quintessential sports car of the 1960s. The highly anticipated Mustang exceeded expectations, selling an astounding 22,000 units on its first day and reaching one million sales within its first two years. The Ford Mustang has since evolved through numerous iterations over more than three decades, with advancements in technology and, to a degree, fuel efficiency. However, the original 1960s pony cars were not paragons of fuel economy. These iconic Mustangs, with their powerful engines and spirited performance, typically achieved an average of around 10 mpg, firmly establishing them among the worst mpg cars of their generation. Despite their thirst for gasoline, the original Mustangs remain highly collectible and beloved for their style and performance.
GMC Hummer
The GMC Hummer stands apart from the 1960s muscle car era, earning its place as one of the more recent vehicles recognized for its exceptionally poor fuel economy. Originally engineered by AM General for the United States Army, the Hummer was introduced to the civilian market in 1992, bringing military-grade ruggedness to everyday roads. In 1999, General Motors acquired the Hummer brand, subsequently releasing three models: the H1, H2, and H3. Across all Hummer models and model years, fuel economy remained consistently low. For instance, the 2002 Hummer model was rated at a mere 9.6 mpg, highlighting its status as one of the worst mpg cars available in the early 2000s. With the introduction of the new EV Hummer, there is hope that this iconic nameplate can shed its gas-guzzling legacy and embrace a more sustainable future.
Dodge Challenger
Dodge entered the muscle car fray in 1970 with the introduction of the Challenger, their answer to the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. While the Challenger arrived slightly after the peak of the 1960s muscle car boom, it fully embraced the same principles of powerful engines and bold styling. The base Challenger models offered either an I6 or V8 engine, while the upgraded Challenger R/T boasted a 6.3L “Magnum” V8, producing 335 horsepower. Even more potent R/T engine options included a 375 hp 7.2L Magnum, a 390 hp 7.2L Six-Pack, and the top-of-the-line 7.0L Hemi, delivering a formidable 425 hp. However, drivers of these original era Challengers reported fuel economy figures ranging from a meager 8 to 10 mpg. This poor gas mileage firmly positioned the Dodge Challenger among the worst mpg cars of its time, appealing to drivers who prioritized raw power over fuel efficiency.
Dodge Charger
Following the Challenger’s lead, Dodge continued its commitment to powerful V8 engines with the second generation of the Dodge Charger. The second-gen Charger, produced from 1968 to 1970, epitomized the final years of the cheap gas era, prioritizing performance and style above all else. The 1969 Dodge Charger R/T came equipped with a massive 7.2L V8 engine producing 431 horsepower. While this powerful engine perfectly complemented the Charger’s aggressive design, fuel economy was a significant drawback. Drivers of the second-generation Charger were fortunate to achieve double-digit mpg figures even with careful driving, with reported average fuel economy around 8.7 mpg. This made the Dodge Charger another prominent example of the worst mpg cars of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro was conceived as Chevrolet’s direct competitor to the Ford Mustang, debuting in 1966. The first generation Camaro, manufactured in the U.S. from 1966 to 1969, embodied all the defining characteristics of the 1960s muscle car era, including, most notably, exceptionally poor fuel economy. The base Camaro was powered by a 140 hp, 3.8L I6 engine paired with a Saginaw three-speed manual transmission. However, performance-oriented buyers quickly gravitated towards the higher-performance SS and Z/28 trims, which featured significantly more powerful, and considerably thirstier, V8 engines. Owners of these original generation Camaros have reported fuel economy ranging from a dismal 5.5 mpg at the low end to 9.2 mpg at the higher end. This wide range and generally low figures firmly place the first-generation Chevrolet Camaro among the worst mpg cars of the muscle car era, despite its enduring popularity and iconic status.
The Enduring Appeal of Low MPG American Cars
It’s undeniable that these cars with the worst mpg won’t win any awards for fuel efficiency, and they certainly won’t be kind to your wallet at today’s gas prices. However, for muscle car aficionados and those drawn to automotive nostalgia, these models possess an undeniable charm that transcends mere practicality. Whether it’s their striking visual appeal or the unmistakable rumble of their gas-guzzling V8 engines, there’s a captivating quality to these American classics that keeps them on the road. Even if it means frequent stops at the gas station, the experience of driving these iconic, albeit inefficient, machines remains a powerful draw for car enthusiasts worldwide.
