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

Typically, a 1987 Ford Ranger gets roughly 20–25 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain.

The question hinges on a range of factors from engine choice to transmission and whether the truck is driven 2WD or 4WD. In 1987, Rangers could be equipped with a two main powertrains—the 2.3-liter inline-four and the 2.9-liter V6—paired with manual or automatic transmissions and offered in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. As a result, fuel economy varied widely, and real-world mileage depended on maintenance, payload, driving conditions, and driving style.

Engine and drivetrain options in 1987

The 1987 Ranger lineup centered on two relatively simple powerplants and multiple drivetrain choices. The variation in transmissions and drive layout is a major reason for the MPG spread seen in this model year.

The following outlines representative fuel economy ranges by engine and drivetrain for 1987 Rangers:

• 2.3 L inline-four, 2WD, manual: roughly 24–28 mpg on the highway; combined mileage typically in the low to mid-20s.


• 2.3 L inline-four, 2WD, automatic: roughly 22–25 mpg combined.


• 2.9 L V6, 2WD: roughly 19–23 mpg combined.


• 2.9 L V6, 4WD: roughly 17–21 mpg combined.

These figures reflect typical EPA-era estimates and real-world results can vary based on vehicle condition, load, and driving habits.

What affects real-world mileage on a vintage Ranger

Engine condition and maintenance

Age, wear, and how well the engine has been maintained can significantly influence miles per gallon. A well-tuned engine with fresh spark plugs, proper ignition timing, and clean fuel injectors tends to perform closer to its rating.

Payload and aerodynamics

Carrying a heavy payload or towing can lower mpg, while stock seating and closed windows at highway speeds help preserve efficiency. Even minor changes in tire type and inflation can shift mileage results.

Driving style and terrain

Aggressive acceleration, frequent stopping, and hilly terrain will generally reduce mpg. Highway driving at steady speeds tends to yield better efficiency for these trucks.

Maximizing effectiveness of a 1987 Ranger today

Owners seeking the best possible fuel economy from a 1987 Ranger should focus on routine maintenance, proper tire inflation, light payloads, and conservative driving habits. A well-kept 2.3 L 2WD manual configuration typically offers the strongest efficiency potential among common 1987 Ranger setups.

Summary

In short, a 1987 Ford Ranger’s mileage varies widely by configuration. Four-cylinder, 2WD versions typically sit in the low to mid-20s mpg, with highway figures edging toward the upper 20s. V6-powered models, especially in 4WD layouts, generally fall in the upper teens to low 20s mpg. Real-world results depend on maintenance, payload, and driving style, so individual trucks may fall outside these ranges.

Is the 1987 Ford Ranger reliable?

The 1987 Ford Ranger is considered reliable, especially with its 4-cylinder engine and manual transmission, though the 2.9L V6 can be prone to head gasket failure and the automatic transmission is less durable. With proper maintenance, these trucks can last a long time, with some owners reporting 200,000 to over 250,000 miles. However, as an older vehicle, rust can be an issue, and certain components may require frequent repairs due to age.
 
You can watch this video to learn about potential issues with the Ford Ranger's engines: 57sAutoMotivateYouTube · Feb 7, 2021
Reliability factors:

• Engines: The 4-cylinder engine is generally considered very reliable, while the 2.9L V6 has a reputation for head gasket issues. 
• Transmissions: Manual transmissions are more reliable than automatics, which are prone to failure if stressed. 
• Longevity: Well-maintained Rangers can last for a very long time. Some models have been reported to last over 250,000 miles, and a lifespan of 200,000 to 300,000 miles is common. 
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance is key to longevity, and repairs are often inexpensive and straightforward due to the truck's basic design. 
• Common issues: Be aware of potential rust and specific problems like the 2.9L V6 head gasket failure or the automatic transmission weakness. 

This video discusses the reliability of Ford Ranger's engines and common problems: 57sKy's_GarageYouTube · Mar 15, 2024

How much is a 1987 Ford Ranger worth?

1987 Ford Ranger base price starts at $6,793 to $13,062.

How many miles per gallon does a 1987 300d get?

A 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300D typically gets about 24–26 mpg in the city and 28–30 mpg on the highway, with an overall average around 25 mpg. Real-world fuel economy can vary based on driving conditions, maintenance, and driving habits, with some owners reporting slightly higher or lower numbers.
 
This video is a review of the 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 TD Turbo, which discusses its fuel efficiency: 48sMotorWeekYouTube · May 15, 2022
Typical MPG breakdown

• City: 23–25 mpg
• Highway: 28–30 mpg
• Average: 25 mpg 

Factors that affect MPG

• Maintenance: A well-maintained engine with properly adjusted valves can achieve better mileage. 
• Driving conditions: A mix of city and highway driving will result in a lower average, while consistent highway driving at moderate speeds will yield higher results. 
• Climate control: Using the air conditioning will slightly decrease fuel economy. 
• Tire pressure: Proper tire inflation can help optimize mileage. 

How to improve MPG

• Ensure the vehicle is properly maintained, with regular service and valve adjustments. 
• Drive at consistent, moderate speeds on the highway (55–65 mph) for the best results. 
• Avoid aggressive driving and unnecessary idling. 
• Check tire pressure regularly to ensure it is within the recommended range. 

Troubleshooting low MPG

• If you are getting significantly less than 23 mpg, there may be an issue with the engine or fuel system.
• Low mileage could be a symptom of a problem like a clogged fuel filter, an issue with the injection pump, or poor engine compression.
• Make sure the cooling system is functioning correctly, as a cracked head can occur if the engine overheats, which can be a costly repair. 

How many miles per gallon does a 1986 Ford Ranger get?

The 1986 Ford Ranger's mileage depends on the engine and drivetrain, with the most common gasoline model (2.0L 4-cylinder with manual transmission) achieving around 20 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. A rare, diesel-powered version could achieve approximately 42 MPG on the highway.
 

• Gasoline: The 2.0L engine with a 5-speed manual transmission gets approximately 20 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. 
• Diesel: The short-lived 1986 2.3L diesel engine offered exceptional fuel economy, with the potential for around 42 MPG on the highway.