How many miles per gallon does a 1989 Ford f350 get?
In short, the fuel economy of a 1989 Ford F-350 varies by engine and setup: gasoline models typically average about 10–12 mpg combined, while diesel models often achieve 14–18 mpg combined, depending on load and gearing.
The 1989 F-350 offered a range of powertrains, from a large gasoline V8 to diesel options. Axle ratios, transmissions, towing, and overall vehicle condition heavily influence real-world fuel economy on these heavy-duty pickups.
Gasoline-powered F-350 mpg ranges
Typical mileage for gasoline-powered F-350s centers on the 7.5-liter V8, with results sensitive to gearing and payload.
- 7.5 L (460 cid) V8 gasoline: roughly 10–12 mpg combined, with highway runs often in the 12–15 mpg range and city driving lower depending on stop-and-go use.
Gasoline F-350s from this era were relatively thirsty, especially when towing or carrying heavy loads.
Diesel-powered F-350 mpg ranges
Diesel variants generally offered better efficiency, particularly on long highway trips or with lighter loads.
- 6.9 L IDI diesel: commonly about 14–18 mpg combined; highway values around 18–20 mpg with light towing, lower with heavy loads.
- 7.3 L IDI diesel: commonly about 15–18 mpg combined; highway around 18–22 mpg depending on gearing and payload.
Diesel engines in these trucks typically delivered better long-range fuel economy, especially on highway drives, but results varied with condition and configuration.
How to measure mpg on a 1989 F-350 today
To determine your own truck’s fuel economy, use real-world driving data and precise tracking.
- Before starting a fuel-economy test, fill the tank to full and record the odometer reading.
- Drive normally to accumulate a meaningful number of miles and avoid short trips that skew results.
- Fill the tank again and note the gallons used and miles driven since the last fill.
- Calculate mpg as miles driven divided by gallons used, and repeat for several tanks to average out variation.
Averaging across multiple tanks helps account for variations in load, speed, and weather, giving a more accurate picture of a vintage F-350’s efficiency.
Summary
The 1989 Ford F-350’s fuel economy varied widely by engine and configuration. Gasoline models with the 7.5-liter V8 typically achieved roughly 10–12 mpg combined, while diesel variants such as the 6.9L IDI and 7.3L IDI commonly reached 14–18 mpg combined, with highway figures often higher than city figures. For an exact figure, consult your specific truck’s maintenance history and perform multiple tankful measurements under similar driving conditions.
