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1987 Chevrolet Spectrum

US · Subcompact Cars

The 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.

Engine
Varies by configuration: 1.5L 4-cylinder (FFS), 1.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged (FFS,TRBO)
Transmission
Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Economy
27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km) to 33 mpg (7.1 L/100 km) combined
Generic outline for this body type. An illustration, not a photograph.
Specifications at a Glance

Key Figures

Units:
Engine / Powertrain
1.5L 4-cylinder (FFS), 1.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged (FFS,TRBO)
Combined Economy
27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km) to 33 mpg (7.1 L/100 km) combined
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
Automatic, Manual
Market: US·Switch units to convert the figures shown.
Compare 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum ↗

Engine

Engine
SpecificationValueSource
EngineVaries by configuration: 1.5L 4-cylinder (FFS), 1.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged (FFS,TRBO)
Displacement1.5 L
Cylinders4
AspirationTurbocharged
Fuel typeGasoline

Transmission and drivetrain

Transmission and drivetrain
SpecificationValueSource
TransmissionVaries by configuration: Automatic, Manual
Gears3 to 5
DrivetrainFWD

Fuel economy and range

Fuel economy and range
SpecificationValueSource
Combined27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km) to 33 mpg (7.1 L/100 km)
City24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) to 31 mpg (7.6 L/100 km)
Highway30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km) to 37 mpg (6.4 L/100 km)

Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.

Trims and configurations

3 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 8, 2026.

  • 88V046000: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

    THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION VALVE MAY PROVIDE INADEQUATE AIR FLOW UNDER LOW ENGINE LOAD CONDITIONS.

    Remedy: THE PCV VALVE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW VALVE.

    Reported March 29, 1988. View on NHTSA

  • 88V036000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

    PERFORATION OF THE FUEL TANK OR THE ATTACHED FUEL FEED PIPE DUE TO CORROSION OF THE TANK OR FUEL FEED PIPE MATERIALS.

    Remedy: THE FUEL TANK WILL BE REPLACED ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES.

    Reported March 23, 1988. View on NHTSA

Data sources

Source checked: October 22, 2026

Data verified: October 23, 2026

Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.

Related vehicles

  • 1.5L 4-cylinder ((FFS)) · FWD
    34 mpg (6.9 L/100 km) to 29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km)

  • Varies by configuration: 1.5L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 1.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged ((FFS,TRBO)) · FWD
    33 mpg (7.1 L/100 km) to 27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km)

Frequently asked questions

What engine does the 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum have?

Varies by configuration: 1.5L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 1.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged ((FFS,TRBO)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.

What is the fuel economy of the 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum?

Combined fuel economy is 27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km) to 33 mpg (7.1 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.

Is the 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?

Drivetrain: FWD.

Are there recalls for the 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 8, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.