What engine is in a 1975 Ford Maverick?
The engine most commonly found in a 1975 Ford Maverick is the 2.3-liter inline-four as the standard powerplant, with an optional 2.8-liter V6 available on certain trims.
Contextual note: The Maverick was Ford's compact offering, built on Pinto-based underpinnings. For 1975, Ford leaned on a small-displacement four as the baseline, with the V6 serving as a higher-torque alternative for buyers who needed more grunt on the highway. Although early Mavericks could be equipped with a V8 in some configurations, that setup was not a common 1975 configuration. If you own or inspect a Maverick, engine identification often begins with the VIN and engine code on the block and fender tag.
Engine options for the 1975 Maverick
The following engines are the two main options associated with the 1975 Maverick, along with a note about any rare V8 configurations:
- 2.3-liter inline-four (the Lima family) — the standard powerplant for most 1975 Mavericks, valued for economy and simplicity.
- 2.8-liter V6 — an optional upgrade that offered more mid-range torque for those who drove primarily in mixed conditions or on highways.
- Historically, a 302-cubic-inch V8 option appeared on some Mavericks earlier in the model's run, but it was not a common 1975 configuration.
In short, the 1975 Maverick's typical engine lineup centers on the 2.3L inline-4 and the 2.8L V6, with V8s reserved for rare, non-standard cases.
Notes for owners and collectors
To confirm the exact factory engine in a specific 1975 Maverick, check the vehicle's VIN-derived build sheet, the engine stamping on the block, or the original window sticker. These documents reflect the factory-installed powertrain for that car.
Summary
The 1975 Ford Maverick was commonly equipped with a 2.3-liter inline-four as standard, with an optional 2.8-liter V6. V8 options exist in some early Maverick configurations but were not typical for the 1975 year. For precise confirmation, verify the engine via the car's documentation and engine tags.
