How many miles per gallon does a 1989 Ford Econoline 350 get?
Most 1989 Ford Econoline 350 cargo vans achieve roughly 12–15 miles per gallon combined, with highway fuel economy often higher—around 15–18 mpg under lighter loads. The exact figure varies by engine, transmission, payload, maintenance, and driving conditions.
Understanding what affects fuel economy on a vintage Econoline
The economy of a 1989 Econoline 350 isn’t a single number. It depends on the engine choice, the weight the van carries, how it’s maintained, and where you’re driving. In practice, many owners report that highway efficiency improves when the van isn’t heavily loaded, while city driving and towing or carrying a full GVWR can push mpg downward.
- Keep in mind that the Econoline 350 offered several gasoline engines, and mileage varies by configuration.
- There were also diesel options in some markets, which typically deliver better highway efficiency but can still show wide variation based on load and maintenance.
- Official EPA numbers from the late 1980s are not always readily available for every trim; most modern references rely on vintage brochures and owner reports.
The ranges below reflect common real-world observations for the gasoline and diesel configurations that appeared in 1989 E-Series 350s. They are approximate and can vary by vehicle condition and setup.
Engine options and typical mpg ranges
To give you a sense of what a 1989 Econoline 350 might deliver, here are the typical mpg ranges reported for the main powertrains. Use these as rough benchmarks rather than exact grades.
- 4.9 L inline-six (I6) — City: 12–14 mpg; Highway: 16–18 mpg; Combined: ~14–15 mpg.
- 5.0 L V8 — City: 11–13 mpg; Highway: 15–17 mpg; Combined: ~13–15 mpg.
- 5.8 L V8 — City: 10–12 mpg; Highway: 14–16 mpg; Combined: ~12–14 mpg.
- 7.5 L V8 — City: 9–11 mpg; Highway: 12–14 mpg; Combined: ~11–13 mpg.
- Diesel options (e.g., 6.9 L IDI, and related diesels in some markets) — City: 11–13 mpg; Highway: 15–18 mpg; Combined: ~14–16 mpg.
Notes on the above figures: they are educated estimates derived from vintage literature and owner experience. Real-world results depend heavily on load, maintenance, driving style, and climate. For example, towing, heavy cargo, or worn spark plugs and timing can drag mpg downward, while steady highway cruising with a lighter load can push it upward.
Additional context on engine choices
Older Econolines ranged from smaller six-cylinder options to large V8s. The larger engines provide more payload and power but typically sip more fuel. Diesel variants, when present, often deliver better highway mileage but may have different maintenance costs and availability of parts today.
Practical tips to maximize mpg on a 1989 Econoline 350
Owners and restorers looking to squeeze more miles per gallon from a 1989 Econoline 350 can adopt several time-honored practices. The following tips apply to vintage vans as well as modern ones, with the caveat that some maintenance tasks may require gear and know-how specific to older engines.
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure and ensure proper wheel alignment. Underinflated or misaligned tires waste fuel and wear tires unevenly.
- Lighten the load where possible. Remove unnecessary cargo and avoid carrying extra ballast beyond the GVWR.
- Maintain the engine and drivetrain: regular tune-ups, spark plug replacement, and a clean fuel system help maintain efficient combustion and fuel delivery.
- Use the correct octane and keep the fuel system clean. For older engines, using the recommended fuel grade and avoiding ethanol-heavy blends when possible can help performance and efficiency.
- Adopt smooth driving habits: steady speeds on highways, gradual acceleration, and anticipating stops reduce fuel use compared with frequent stops and rapid acceleration.
- Check weatherproofing and aerodynamic drag: removing unnecessary roof racks or accessories can slightly improve highway efficiency, especially at higher speeds.
In practice, these measures can yield modest gains, especially given the age of the vehicle and its drivetrain. Maintenance and careful driving remain your best levers for improving fuel economy on a 1989 Econoline 350.
Summary
The 1989 Ford Econoline 350 does not have a single figure for miles per gallon. Most examples fall in the low-to-mid teens MPG range overall, with highway mileage generally higher than city driving. Engine choice, payload, and upkeep drive the variability. For planning purposes, estimate roughly 12–15 mpg combined, with possible higher highway numbers for lighter loads and smaller powertrains, and lower figures for heavy cargo and larger V8s. Practical maintenance and mindful driving can help edge the figure upward, but don’t expect modern fuel economy figures from a 35+ year old van.
