How many miles per gallon does a 1989 Ford F-150 get?
On average, a 1989 Ford F-150 gets about 12–20 miles per gallon, depending on engine, drivetrain and condition. Most 2WD models fall in the mid-teens, with 4x4 variants generally a touch lower.
In this article, we break down how the 1989 F-150's different engines and drive configurations affected fuel economy, and provide typical ranges you might have seen or measured on the road. The numbers below reflect common configurations from that era and are listed as approximate ranges since real-world results vary with maintenance, payload, terrain, and driving style.
Engine options and how they influence mileage
The 1989 F-150 offered several engine choices, with two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive options. The following sections outline typical mpg ranges for common configurations.
Two-wheel-drive configurations
- 4.9L inline-6 (300) with 2WD and manual transmission: roughly 15–17 mpg city, 20–22 mpg highway (combined around 18–19 mpg).
- 4.9L inline-6 (300) with 2WD and automatic transmission: roughly 14–16 mpg city, 19–21 mpg highway (combined around 17–19 mpg).
- 5.0L V8 (302 Windsor) with 2WD: roughly 14–16 mpg city, 18–20 mpg highway (combined around 16–18 mpg).
- 5.8L V8 (351W) with 2WD: roughly 12–14 mpg city, 17–19 mpg highway (combined around 14–16 mpg).
These figures illustrate how engine size and configuration influence city versus highway efficiency in typical 2WD trucks from the era.
Four-wheel-drive configurations
- 4.9L inline-6 (300) 4x4: roughly 14–16 mpg city, 18–20 mpg highway (combined around 16–18 mpg).
- 5.0L V8 (302 Windsor) 4x4: roughly 13–15 mpg city, 17–19 mpg highway (combined around 15–17 mpg).
- 5.8L V8 (351W) 4x4: roughly 11–13 mpg city, 16–18 mpg highway (combined around 14–15 mpg).
In general, four-wheel-drive versions carried a modest penalty in fuel economy due to additional drivetrain drag and heavier gearing, with the larger V8s showing the biggest drops.
Reality on the road: what affects your numbers
Actual miles per gallon in a 1989 F-150 depends on many factors beyond engine and drive type. Maintenance history (carburetion or early fuel-injection tune, timing, vacuum leaks), tire condition and pressure, payload, terrain (hills vs. flat roads), and driving habits all play a role. Restored or well-tuned vehicles can approach the higher end of the ranges above, while frequent heavy loads, city stop-and-go driving, or aging components can pull numbers down into the lower end.
Summary
The 1989 Ford F-150 offered a spectrum of mpg ranges tied to engine size and drive type. Expect roughly 12–20 mpg overall, with mid-teens common for many 2WD configurations and a bit lower for 4x4 setups. Real-world results vary, but understanding the engine and drivetrain configuration helps set a realistic expectation for this vintage pickup.
How much is a 1989 Ford F-150 worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $15,395 for a 1989 Ford F-150 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec.
How big is the gas tank on a 1989 Ford F-150?
19 Gal. Fuel Gas Tank For 1987-1989 Ford F-150 138/158/178 in. Wheelbase.
Which F-150 years are worth avoiding?
2004-2008
We recommend avoiding 2004-2008 F150 models due to spark plug ejection issues with the 5.4L V8 engine. The 2015-2016 models, while not bad, had some early aluminum body production quirks that Ford resolved in later years. Always research specific model years and have any used truck inspected before purchase.
How many miles per gallon does a 1989 Ford F-150 get?
A 1989 F-150's fuel economy varies by engine and configuration, but it typically gets around 10-15 mpg combined. The 4.9L inline-six engine is estimated to get around 12-13 mpg when stock, with the possibility of reaching higher if factors like maintenance, engine type, drivetrain (4x4), and tire size are optimized.
Factors affecting MPG
- Engine: The inline-six (4.9L) engine is generally considered durable but not designed for fuel efficiency.
- Drivetrain: A 4x4 model will have lower fuel economy than a 4x2.
- Transmission: Manual transmissions are generally more fuel-efficient than automatics.
- Tires: Larger tires (e.g., 33-inch) decrease MPG.
- Maintenance: A properly maintained truck with new spark plugs and fresh oil will get better mileage.
- Age and mileage: Older trucks with higher mileage will likely have lower fuel economy.
Tips for improving MPG
- Regular maintenance: Ensure the truck has new plugs, wires, and proper oil.
- Drive efficiently: Keep RPMs low, especially in the inline-six, and use the highest gear possible for highway driving.
- Remove unnecessary weight: Take out any extra weight you don't need for a given trip.
- Use an OBD-I code reader: Reading any diagnostic trouble codes can help identify and fix issues that might be impacting fuel economy.
- Consider a transmission splitter: A transmission splitter can provide an overdrive gear, which can improve fuel economy on the highway.
