How many miles per gallon does a 1989 Ford E350 get?
Expect roughly 11–13 mpg combined for typical driving with the common 5.8L V8, and about 8–11 mpg if you’re carrying a heavy payload or using the larger 7.5L (460) V8. Real-world mileage varies widely based on engine, load, maintenance, and driving style.
What affects fuel economy on the 1989 E-350
Several variables influence the mileage you’ll see from a 1989 E-350, given its age, design, and the range of configurations Ford offered at the time.
- Engine choice (5.8L V8 vs. 7.5L 460 V8) and its torque characteristics
- Payload and gross vehicle weight, including cargo and passengers
- Transmission type and gearing, plus overall drivetrain configuration
- Vehicle maintenance and condition (tune-up, fuel system, air filters, tires)
- Tire size and inflation, which affect rolling resistance
- Driving habits and route characteristics (city stop-and-go vs. steady highway cruising)
In short, mpg is a function of engine choice, payload, and condition—older vans vary widely in efficiency based on how they’re used and cared for.
Estimated mpg by configuration
Below are approximate ranges based on common setups reported by owners and typical highway driving. These figures are for reference; actual results can differ significantly.
- 5.8L V8 (351 Windsor) with automatic transmission, light to moderate payload, two-wheel drive: combined roughly 11–13 mpg; highway around 14–17 mpg; city about 9–11 mpg.
- 5.8L V8 with heavier payload or less favorable conditions: combined roughly 10–12 mpg; highway 12–15 mpg; city 8–10 mpg.
- 7.5L V8 (460) option, typical heavy-duty configuration: combined about 8–11 mpg; highway 10–13 mpg; city 6–9 mpg.
- Less common configurations (e.g., lighter-duty setups or unusually low payloads): combined in the low teens under favorable highway conditions, with variability high.
These ranges illustrate how engine size and payload interact to shape fuel economy. A well-maintained 5.8L E-350 that carries little cargo will generally outperform a heavily loaded or older 7.5L-equipped unit on highway miles.
Maintenance tips to maximize mpg
Even for a vintage van, small maintenance practices can improve efficiency and longevity.
- Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure for load and speed.
- Use the appropriate grade of motor oil and follow the service schedule.
- Regularly tune the engine, replace spark plugs, and seal vacuum hoses to prevent leaks.
- Reduce dead weight and remove unnecessary accessories when possible.
- Plan efficient trips and avoid prolonged idling and aggressive acceleration.
Implementing these steps can yield modest but meaningful gains in a 1989 E-350’s fuel economy and overall drivability.
Summary
The 1989 Ford E-350’s mpg varies widely by engine and load. With the common 5.8L V8, expect around 11–13 mpg combined under typical conditions, while the 7.5L V8 can drop to roughly 8–11 mpg, especially when carrying heavy cargo. Real-world results depend on maintenance, payload, and driving habits. For vintage work vans, practical planning around weight and routes remains key to efficiency.
