How many miles per gallon does a 1987 Ford e350 get?

Approximately 9–14 miles per gallon overall, with highway mileage often in the 12–16 mpg range depending on engine choice and condition.

The 1987 Ford E-350 is a heavy, rear-wheel-drive full-size van from Ford's Econoline lineup. With multiple V8 engine options and varying payloads, fuel economy for this vintage vehicle varies widely. There is no single EPA figure for every unit from that year, so owners and historians describe a range rather than a precise number. Reliability, maintenance history, and driving conditions all play a big role in actual performance.

Engine options and their impact on fuel economy

Below are the most common engines offered in the 1987 E-350 and the approximate mileage ranges reported by owners under typical mixed driving conditions.

• 5.0L V8 (302 cubic inches) — roughly 9–12 mpg in city driving and 14–16 mpg on the highway, depending on load and gearing.


• 5.8L V8 (351W) — roughly 8–11 mpg city and 12–15 mpg highway.


• 7.5L V8 (460 cubic inches) — roughly 7–10 mpg city and 11–14 mpg highway.

These figures are approximate and can vary widely based on transmission type, axle ratio, maintenance, payload, and how aggressively the van is driven. Older engines with wear or heavy loads tend to cluster toward the lower end of these ranges.

Other factors that influence mpg in a vintage Econoline

Several practical elements shape real-world fuel economy for a 1987 E-350, including drivetrain configuration, maintenance history, and driving style. Heavier payloads, inflated or oversized tires, and engines that aren’t running efficiently can significantly reduce miles per gallon. Conversely, consistent maintenance, proper tire inflation, and careful driving can help improve overall efficiency for a vehicle of this era.

Summary

For a 1987 Ford E-350, expect a broad range of roughly 9–14 mpg overall, with highway performance typically around 12–16 mpg depending on engine and condition. The 5.0L, 5.8L, and 7.5L V8 options each carry their own approximate ranges, and real-world mileage is heavily influenced by payload, maintenance, and driving habits. When evaluating or maintaining one of these vintage vans, plan for variability and focus on keeping the engine and drivetrain well-tuned to maximize efficiency.

What is the gas mileage on a 1989 Ford f350?

Although the rings were worn out, it still achieved 12.5 to 13 MPG on the highway unless towing heavy trailers on mountain grades. The worst mileage recorded was about 11 MPG while towing a 12K lb fifth-wheel trailer.

What is the gas mileage on a 1988 Ford Econoline E350?

'88, E350, 460.. 32' Jamboree w/ Chevy Tracer toad, 6.5-7.5 mpg at 60 mph.

How many miles per gallon does a Ford E350 get?

The Ford E-350 MPG varies significantly by model year, engine, and driving conditions, ranging from 10-13 MPG for older gas models to around 13 MPG combined for newer passenger models, while diesel versions can achieve about 15-16 MPG mixed. For example, a 2010 model gets an estimated 11 MPG city/15 MPG highway, while older V10 gas engines often see 10-13 MPG. 
You can watch this video to see a real-world fuel economy test of a Ford E-350 with a V10 engine: 1mJohn Drives AnythingYouTube · Jan 4, 2023
Factors affecting MPG

• Engine: Gas engines (like the V10) generally have lower MPG than diesel engines.
• Model Year: Newer models have different ratings than older ones. For instance, a 2010 model is rated at 13 MPG combined. 
• Driving Conditions: City driving, heavy loads, and highway speeds will all impact fuel efficiency. 
• Tire Size and Gearing: Modifications like larger tires and different axle ratios can lower MPG. 

This video discusses the fuel economy of a V10 Ford E-350 on a road trip: 52sJohn Drives AnythingYouTube · Apr 16, 2020
Examples of real-world MPG

• Older models: 10 MPG for some V10s, depending on the setup. 
• Diesel models: 15-16 MPG for mixed city/highway driving with a 7.3L diesel. 
• Recent passenger models: 11 MPG city / 15 MPG highway for models like the 2010 E-350. 

Are Ford E-350 reliable?

The Ford E-350's reliability is generally considered good, with its strong chassis and powerful engines like the 7.3L Powerstroke diesel known for longevity and durability, but it can have specific issues, particularly with certain model years and features. Common concerns include potential leaks in the secondary coolant cores on newer models and problems with ball joints, engine issues, and rust on older 1998-2004 models. Overall, maintenance, especially on the drivetrain, is crucial for its long-term reliability. 
Strengths

• Powertrain: Older 7.3L Powerstroke diesel engines are known for their longevity and ability to last for hundreds of thousands of miles when well-maintained. 
• Durability: The E-350 is built to be a workhorse and is considered reliable and dependable, capable of handling heavy loads and towing. 
• Longevity: With proper care and maintenance, many owners have reported their E-350s lasting for up to 300,000 miles or more. 
• Fleet Proven: Many E-350s are used in commercial fleets, which means they are built to withstand rigorous use. 

Potential Weaknesses and Common Issues

• Coolant Leaks: Newer models (4th generation) are prone to leaks in the aluminum lines for the rear heated coolant core, often linked to electrolysis. 
• Engine and Transmission: Some older models, particularly those between 1998 and 2004, have been known to have engine and transmission problems. 
• Front Suspension: The front suspension on older Super Duty models can have issues, with ball joint failure being a known problem. 
• Rust: Older models are susceptible to rust, especially in areas with heavy road salt use. 
• Fuel Economy: Diesel engines can be expensive to maintain and fuel-thirsty, though they may be cost-effective for high-mileage commercial use. 

Maintenance and Longevity Tips

• Regular Fluid Changes: Stick to a consistent maintenance schedule for fluids and filters. 
• Address Electrolysis: If you have a newer model with the dual coolant cores, be proactive about checking for and preventing electrolysis. 
• Clean Regularly: Wash off salt and other road grime regularly to prevent rust. 
• Consider a Mechanic: For diesel engines, it's crucial to have a qualified mechanic who can handle the complex components, as repairs can be costly.