Back in the day, when gas prices were unbelievably low, fuel efficiency wasn’t even a blip on the radar for most car buyers. This era of cheap gasoline paved the way for the rise of iconic muscle cars and powerful machines, many of which are now legendary for their performance – and equally notorious for being among the Cars With The Worst Mpg ever produced. While the roar of a V8 and the thrill of raw power are undeniable, the reality of modern gas prices makes owning these gas-guzzling classics a pricey affair. Let’s dive into some of the historic American cars that are infamous for their thirst for fuel.
Chevrolet Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette, since its debut in 1953, swiftly ascended to legendary status, especially throughout the 1960s. Initially produced in limited numbers, annual production ramped up dramatically to approximately 27,000 units. The second generation of this iconic sports car offered a range of potent engine choices, including several high-performance variants. The 1960 Corvette, a prime example of this era, was equipped with a fuel-hungry V8 engine that delivered exhilarating performance but only managed to achieve around 13 to 14 mpg. This combination of power and poor fuel economy firmly places it among the cars with the worst mpg of its time.
Pontiac Grand Prix
Introduced in 1962, the Pontiac Grand Prix enjoyed a long production run spanning until 2008. The first generation models were characterized by their robust V8 engines, available in various displacements from 6.4L to a massive 7.0L. The subsequent generation, launched in 1968, further amplified the V8’s capacity, offering a staggering 7.5L option. Depending on the specific engine configuration, the Grand Prix was estimated to deliver an average fuel economy of just 10 to 14 mpg. This makes the early Pontiac Grand Prix another classic example of cars with the worst mpg, prioritizing power and style over fuel efficiency.
Pontiac Bonneville
The Pontiac Bonneville, named after the famed Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, where numerous land speed records have been set, debuted in 1957. This Pontiac model cleverly blended luxury and performance, featuring a muscle-car-era V8 engine with five distinct options ranging from 6.4L to a monstrous 7.5L. In the 1960s, these V8 engines were rumored to average around a mere 10 mpg. While Pontiac attempted to improve fuel efficiency in 1977 by downsizing the engine in response to the 1970s gas embargo, even the 1988 model’s reported 11.5 mpg could hardly be considered economical. The Bonneville, especially in its early iterations, firmly deserves its place on the list of cars with the worst mpg.
Dodge Viper
Photo Credit: artistmac
The original Dodge Viper, unleashed in 1992 with a price tag of $50,000, was an immediate sensation. Only 155 of these highly sought-after sports cars were sold in its initial two years. Taking the muscle car ethos a step further, the Viper boldly bypassed the V8 and opted for a V10 engine. This 8.0L V10 churned out 400 hp but only managed around 11 mpg in city driving and 20 mpg on the highway. With a 22-gallon fuel tank, frequent gas station visits were practically guaranteed, especially given the Viper’s undeniable invitation to spirited driving. The Dodge Viper, while offering exhilarating performance, is undoubtedly among the cars with the worst mpg in more modern times.
Pontiac GTO
The Pontiac GTO, revealed in 1963, is widely credited with igniting the muscle car craze. Featuring a potent V8 engine and named after a European racing designation, the GTO initially sparked controversy among FIA racing purists but quickly won over American muscle car enthusiasts. Available as both a hardtop and convertible from 1964 to 1967, the Pontiac GTO could be equipped with either a 6.4L or 6.6L V8, producing between 335 and 360 hp depending on the chosen options. However, fuel economy remained consistently poor regardless of upgrades. True to its racing-inspired DNA, the GTO averaged a dismal 10.3 mpg, cementing its reputation as one of the cars with the worst mpg from the muscle car era.
Ford Mustang
First presented by Ford Motor Company in 1964, the Ford Mustang drew inspiration from the mid-sized muscle cars of the 1950s to become the quintessential sports car of the ’60s. 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. Since its inception, the Ford Mustang has evolved through numerous iterations over decades. While modern Mustangs have seen improvements in technology and fuel efficiency (albeit marginal in some cases), the original ’60s pony cars were far from fuel-efficient. These iconic first-generation Mustangs typically clocked in at around 10 mpg, firmly placing them among the cars with the worst mpg of their generation.
GMC Hummer
The Hummer stands apart from the ’60s muscle car trend, earning its place as a more recent entrant among the cars with the worst mpg. Initially manufactured by AM General for the U.S. Army, the Hummer was introduced to the civilian market in 1992. In 1999, General Motors acquired the Hummer brand name and rights. GM subsequently launched three Hummer models: the H1, H2, and H3. Production volumes remained relatively low across all models, and notoriously poor gas mileage was a consistent characteristic, regardless of the model year. For instance, the 2002 Hummer model was rated at a mere 9.6 mpg. There’s hope that the new EV Hummer will significantly rectify the fuel economy shortcomings of its predecessors.
Dodge Challenger
Dodge unveiled the Challenger in 1970 as its contender against the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. Although it arrived slightly after the peak of the ’60s muscle car era, the Challenger fully embraced the same fundamental principles. The base Challenger offered either an I6 or V8 engine, while the upgraded Challenger R/T could be equipped with a 6.3L “Magnum” V8, rated at 335 hp. Optional R/T engines included the 375 hp 7.2L Magnum, the 390 hp 7.2L Six-Pack, and the formidable 425 hp 7.0L Hemi. Owners of these original-era Challengers reported fuel economy figures as low as 8 to 10 mpg, solidifying its place among the cars with the worst mpg of that time.
Dodge Charger
Photo Credit: Rex Gray
Following the Challenger, Dodge continued its commitment to powerful V8s with the second generation of the Dodge Charger. Available from 1968 to 1970, the second-gen Charger thrived during the final years of affordable gasoline. The 1969 Dodge Charger R/T boasted a massive 7.2L V8 producing 431 hp. While this powerful engine perfectly complemented the Charger’s aggressive aesthetics, fuel economy was far from a priority. Drivers were fortunate to achieve double-digit mpg figures even with careful throttle management, with the second-generation Charger generally reported to achieve around 8.7 mpg. This firmly places it among the cars with the worst mpg of its era.
Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro was initially conceived as Chevrolet’s response to the Ford Mustang in 1966. The first generation of the Camaro, produced in the U.S. from 1966 to 1969, embodied all the characteristics that later became synonymous with ’60s muscle cars – including 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. As buyers opted for higher-performance packages like the SS and Z/28, the engine was upgraded to a (very) thirsty V8. Owners of the original generation Camaro have reported mpg figures ranging from a dismal 5.5 mpg to a slightly less-awful 9.2 mpg. This wide range, with even the higher end remaining below 10 mpg, clearly marks the original Camaro as one of the cars with the worst mpg.
American Cars With the Worst MPG Still Hold a Special Appeal
Undeniably, these cars with the lowest mpg won’t be kind to your wallet at the gas pump. However, for muscle car aficionados and those drawn to nostalgia, many of these models possess an allure that transcends practical considerations. Whether it’s their striking visual appeal or the captivating rumble of their fuel-guzzling V8 engines, there’s an enduring charm to these American classics that keeps them on the roads today – even if it’s just for short cruises with frequent refueling stops. The legacy of these cars with the worst mpg serves as a reminder of a time when power and style took precedence, and while fuel efficiency is paramount in modern vehicles, these classics continue to capture the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide.
