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How many miles per gallon does a 1990 Ford f350 get?

In short, there isn’t a single MPG figure for a 1990 Ford F-350; fuel economy depends heavily on engine and configuration, but typical ranges are roughly 10–14 mpg for gasoline variants and 12–18 mpg for diesels, with highway numbers leaning toward the higher end when not fully loaded.


What affects MPG in a 1990 F-350


Fuel efficiency in a 1990 F-350 is influenced by drivetrain (2WD vs 4WD), axle ratios, engine type, transmission, payload, tires, and overall vehicle condition. Heavy-duty trucks like the F-350 prioritize torque and towing capability over efficiency, so real-world results vary widely between owners and use cases.


Engine options and their fuel economy ranges


Gasoline engines


Gasoline-powered F-350s offered a range of inline-six and V8 options. The following ranges reflect common, real-world experience across typical configurations.



  • Gasoline engines (examples include 4.9L I6, 5.0L and 5.8L V8, and the 7.5L V8): typically ~10–14 mpg combined, with highway figures often in the teens (roughly 13–16 mpg) under lighter loads and steady cruising, and city driving lower (around 8–12 mpg).


The figures above illustrate a broad spread because payload, tuning, and drive configuration drastically affect economy.


Diesel engines


Diesel options, notably the 6.9L IDI and the 7.3L IDI, generally deliver better fuel economy than gasoline variants in the same weight class.



  • Diesel engines (6.9L IDI and 7.3L IDI): commonly ~12–18 mpg combined, with highway ranges often around 15–20 mpg and city figures around 12–15 mpg, depending on load and condition.


Diesel setups can offer meaningful efficiency gains on long highway trips or when carrying heavy payloads.


Engine options in the 1990 Ford F-350


Gasoline engines


The gasoline lineup included inline-six and V8 options such as the 4.9L I6, 5.0L/5.8L V8, and the 7.5L V8, typically paired with manual or automatic transmissions and rear- or dual-axle configurations.


Diesel engines


Diesel options included the 6.9L IDI and the 7.3L IDI, known for their torque and endurance, often chosen for heavy towing and commercial use.


Summary


For potential buyers or owners, the key takeaway is that fuel economy for a 1990 F-350 varies widely by engine, drivetrain, and use. Gasoline models typically fall in the 10–14 mpg range in everyday driving, while diesel variants commonly reach 12–18 mpg, with higher highway efficiency possible when not heavily loaded. When evaluating a specific truck, look at the engine type, axle ratio, transmission, and condition, and consider real-world owner reports for a given configuration.

What is the fuel mileage on a 1990 Ford f350 460?


Typically, this engine achieves around 7-10 miles per gallon. The mileage does not fluctuate significantly, even when the vehicle is loaded. On average, you can expect the mileage to be about 8 miles per gallon.



How many miles per gallon does a 1990 Ford f350 diesel get?


It gets 10 MPG at 65 MPH, around 8 MPG at 70 MPH, and 75 MPH is the top speed.



How much is a 1990 Ford F350 worth?


The price for a 1990 Ford F-350 varies widely, from a low of about $1,262 for a project or lower-condition vehicle to as high as over $42,000 for a fully restored or exceptionally low-mileage model. For an average, good-condition truck, you can expect to pay around $19,917, but the final price depends heavily on the trim, mileage, condition, and any modifications.
 
Price by condition and trim

  • Average condition: Around $19,917 for a good condition truck with average specs. 
  • Low end: Prices can be as low as $1,262 for vehicles needing significant work. 
  • High end: Exceptionally well-maintained or modified trucks can fetch prices over $38,500. Some have even sold for as high as $42,000 at auction. 
  • Original MSRP: The original Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) ranged from approximately $15,177 to $21,108, depending on the trim. 

Factors influencing price
  • Condition: A truck in excellent, well-maintained condition will command a much higher price.
  • Mileage: Lower mileage generally leads to a higher price.
  • Trim: Different trim levels, such as XLT Lariat, had different original MSRPs. 
  • Modifications: Extensive or desirable modifications can increase the value. 



How many miles to the gallon does a Ford F350 get?


F-350 MPG varies significantly based on engine, gearing, and whether it's empty or towing, but real-world figures often range from 10-13 MPG for the 7.3L gas engine and 11-15 MPG for the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel when towing. Unloaded, the diesel can achieve around 20 MPG on the highway, while the gas engine might get 14-17 MPG.
 
This video discusses the fuel economy of the F-350 with different engines and gears: 27sCTech-reviewYouTube · Dec 7, 2024
Gas Engine (7.3L "Godzilla") 

  • Combined/City: Expect around 10−1110 minus 1110−11 MPG, but sometimes closer to 131313 MPG. 
  • Highway (unloaded): Around 14−1714 minus 1714−17 MPG, with some owners reporting up to 16.516.516.5 MPG at 707070 mph. 
  • Towing: Drops significantly, potentially to 10−1210 minus 1210−12 MPG with a heavy load. 

Diesel Engine (6.7L Power Stroke) 
  • Combined/City: Typically around 121212 MPG. 
  • Highway (unloaded): Up to 202020 MPG, though some drivers report 23−2523 minus 2523−25 MPG instantaneous on flat ground. 
  • Towing: Expect about 11.411.411.4 MPG when towing a 7,200-7,500 lb travel trailer at 707070 mph, or around 12.512.512.5 MPG when towing a 15,00015 comma 00015,000 lb load. 

Factors that influence MPG
  • Engine choice: The diesel engine is more efficient, especially for towing, while the gas engine has a lower upfront cost. 
  • Gearing: Different rear-end gear ratios will affect your mileage. Lower gears (like 4.304.304.30) can lead to higher RPMs and lower MPG. 
  • Driving habits: Aggressive acceleration and high speeds will significantly decrease fuel economy. 
  • Towing/Payload: Hauling heavy loads requires more work from the engine, leading to lower MPG. 
  • Tire choice: Aftermarket tires, especially larger or more aggressive ones, can lower MPG. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.