What Ford motor lasts the longest?

Among Ford’s engines, the 7.3-liter Godzilla V8 used in the latest Super Duty trucks is widely regarded as the longest-lasting gasoline option, with the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel close behind in overall durability. Older modular engines such as the 4.6L and 5.4L have earned strong reputations for enduring high mileage when properly maintained.

Durability in an engine depends on design simplicity, materials, maintenance, operating conditions, and how the engine is used. This article examines the engines Ford is most commonly associated with longevity, spanning gasoline and diesel powertrains, and explains why some engines are known to endure longer than others.

How longevity is measured and why it matters

Longevity is typically assessed by miles or hours of operation, frequency of major repairs, and the ability to run reliably under demanding use (towing, heavy load, or commercial work). Diesel engines often show long-lasting durability due to robust bottom ends and slow-rev operation, while gasoline engines with simple designs and iron blocks can also rack up very high mileages when well cared for. Maintenance practices—oil quality and changes, coolant, filters, and timely repairs—play a decisive role in whether an engine reaches high mileages.

Long-lasting Ford engines: top contenders

Below are Ford engines that are frequently cited for strong, long-term reliability across different eras and use cases. The list highlights why these powertrains tend to endure and what to look for if durability is your priority.

• 7.3-liter Godzilla V8 (gasoline) — a modern, heavy-duty OHV pushrod engine used in Ford Super Duty pickups since 2020. Its iron block, simple design, and robust bottom end contribute to strong longevity under heavy-duty use.


• 6.7-liter Power Stroke Diesel — Ford’s current heavy‑duty diesel, known for durability in work trucks and fleets, with a design focused on long service intervals and reliability in demanding conditions.


• 4.6-liter Modular V8 and 5.4-liter Modular V8 (gasoline) — older but highly durable, widely deployed across multiple Ford trucks and SUVs from the late 1990s into the 2010s; families of engines known for simple maintenance and long service life when properly serviced.


• Inline-6 4.9-liter (300) — classic gasoline straight-six engine with a reputation for rugged durability and high mileage in older Ford trucks and vans; many examples remain on the road well beyond 200k miles.


• 6.8-liter V10 (gasoline) — a heavy-duty V10 used in certain Ford trucks and vans in earlier decades; known for toughness and long service life in appropriate duty cycles, though less common in modern lineups.

These engines illustrate a spectrum from simple, proven designs to purpose-built heavy-duty units. Real-world longevity depends on how the vehicle is used and how well maintenance is kept up over time.

Gasoline champion: 7.3L Godzilla and related modulars

The 7.3L Godzilla stands out today for its straightforward, durable architecture—an OHV V8 with a robust bottom end and iron block. The design emphasizes reliability in towing and heavy-duty applications, and owners often report high mileage with routine maintenance. The traditional modular 4.6L and 5.4L engines also earned reputations for longevity due to their simplicity and proven track records in millions of miles of service, particularly when head gaskets, timing components, and oil changes are kept up-to-date.

Diesel endurance: the 6.7L Power Stroke

In diesel form, the 6.7L Power Stroke is built for longevity under load, with features aimed at long service intervals and robust fuel and cooling systems. Diesel engines are typically favored for fleets and heavy use because they are designed to endure high torque and extended running hours. Regular diesel maintenance—fuel filters, oil and coolant care, and timely replaceables—helps maximize miles.

Classic durable options: the 4.6L/5.4L modular V8 and the 300 inline-6

For owners restoring or maintaining older Fords, the 4.6L and 5.4L modular V8s and the venerable 300 inline-6 remain benchmarks for durability. Their simpler, proven designs and abundance of replacement parts make them reliable candidates for high-mileage performance when proactively cared for, including timely gasket work and torqueing schedules common to these engines.

Durability in context: how to maximize life with any Ford engine

To optimize longevity, adhere to Ford’s maintenance schedules, use high-quality oils and filters, address coolant and cooling-system upkeep, and monitor for unusual noises, overheating, or oil consumption. Fleets and daily drivers alike benefit from proactive preventive maintenance, timely component replacements, and proper towing practices that reduce excessive strain on the engine.

Summary

In practical terms, the current Ford engine most commonly recognized for maximum longevity in gasoline duty is the 7.3-liter Godzilla, with the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel also demonstrating outstanding durability in heavy use. Older but proven reliability lies with the 4.6L and 5.4L modular V8s and the classic 300 inline-6, all of which can reach very high mileages when properly maintained. Across Ford’s lineup, there is a durable option for gasoline or diesel applications, but long life ultimately hinges on consistent maintenance, sensible use, and regular inspections throughout the vehicle’s lifetime.

What Ford engine to stay away from?

Ford engines to avoid include the 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesels, which had numerous issues like EGR cooler failures and injector problems, and the 5.4L Triton V8 known for spark plug and timing chain problems. Other engines to be cautious of are the 3.8L V6 due to head gasket failures and certain EcoBoost engines, especially early 1.0L and 1.6L models, which have faced issues like premature timing belt wear and overheating. 
You can watch this video to learn about some of the worst Ford engines ever made: 59sCar WisdomsYouTube · May 2, 2025
Engines with high failure rates 

• 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesel engines: These engines (2003-2007 and 2008-2010, respectively) are notorious for expensive problems, including head gasket failures, injector issues, and turbocharger failures. 
• 5.4L Triton V8: This engine (1997-2010) is infamous for spark plugs breaking during removal and cam phaser/timing chain issues. 
• 3.8L SX V6: From 1982 to 2008, this engine had issues with weak head bolts causing head gasket failures, and early versions were prone to coolant leaks. 

This video discusses the 5.4L Triton V8 in detail: 53sSeats & WheelsYouTube · Aug 10, 2025
Problematic EcoBoost engines

• 1.0L EcoBoost (early versions): Early models used a rubber timing belt in hot engine oil, which could degrade and clog the oil pickup, leading to oil starvation and engine damage. 
• 1.6L EcoBoost: This engine has been associated with overheating and coolant leaks. 
• 3.5L EcoBoost: Problems can include carbon buildup, premature timing chain wear, and water pump failures. 
• 2.7L EcoBoost: Early models (around 2016-2017) experienced issues with defective valve guides, excessive oil consumption, and leaking plastic oil pans. 

You can watch this video for more information about EcoBoost engine issues: 1mExoticCar PlayPlaceYouTube · Nov 15, 2025

Is the 5.0 or 3.5 EcoBoost better?

The better engine depends on your priorities: the 3.5L EcoBoost is better for low-end torque, speed, and towing due to its turbocharging, while the 5.0L V8 is often perceived as more reliable and better for high-RPM power, with a more traditional feel. For everyday driving, the EcoBoost is generally quicker, but the V8 can be more fuel-efficient on the highway. 
This video compares the performance and fuel economy of the 3.5L EcoBoost and 5.0L V8 engines: 41sGetty's GarageYouTube · May 28, 2024
3.5L EcoBoost

• Pros:
  • Faster: The twin-turbo V6 delivers significant torque at low RPMs, making it feel faster and more responsive, especially in city driving. 
  • Better for towing: It's often cited as the better engine for heavy towing due to its immense low-end torque, though it can consume more fuel when towing. 
  • Easier to modify: It is easier and cheaper to gain more horsepower through tuning compared to the naturally aspirated V8. 
• Cons:
  • Fuel economy: Real-world fuel economy can be lower than expected, especially if you frequently use the turbos for performance. 
  • Complexity: Turbochargers and intercoolers add complexity and potential points of failure compared to a naturally aspirated engine. 

5.0L Coyote V8

• Pros:
  • Reliability: Many argue that the naturally aspirated V8 is more reliable due to its simpler design with fewer parts. 
  • Sound and feel: It offers a traditional V8 sound and a more predictable, linear power delivery that some drivers prefer. 
  • Highway fuel economy: It can be more fuel-efficient than the EcoBoost during sustained highway driving. 
• Cons:
  • Less responsive at low RPMs: It can feel like a "dog" in city driving because it needs to be revved higher to make power, often requiring a downshift to accelerate quickly. 
  • Less torque: It generally has less low-end torque than the EcoBoost, making it feel less powerful off the line without downshifting. 

This video discusses the pros and cons of the 5.0L V8 engine: 56s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Feb 13, 2025
Which is right for you?

• Choose the 3.5L EcoBoost if you prioritize quick acceleration, responsive performance in traffic, or frequent heavy towing. 
• Choose the 5.0L V8 if you prefer a traditional engine feel, want potentially higher long-term reliability with simpler mechanics, or do a lot of sustained highway driving. 

Which Ford engine lasts the longest?

Diesel engines.
Ford trucks and SUVs with diesel engines will last much longer than their gasoline counterparts. Diesel engines are known for their longevity, frequently surpassing 400,000 miles. There are even reports of a Ford diesel engine making it to 1 million miles.

What kind of fuel mileage does the Ford 7.3 gas engine get?

The Ford 7.3L gas engine typically gets between 10-18 MPG, but this varies significantly based on driving conditions. Highway driving without a load can yield 13-18 MPG, while city and towing conditions often result in lower mileage, sometimes as low as 6-11 MPG. 
Factors influencing fuel mileage

• Driving Conditions: City driving or stop-and-go traffic will result in lower MPG, often in the 10-14 MPG range. 
• Towing and Hauling: Hauling a load significantly decreases fuel economy, with some drivers reporting 8-12 MPG or even less when towing heavy loads. 
• Gear Ratio: The rear-end gear ratio plays a major role, with lower numbers (like 3.55) often resulting in better highway mileage compared to higher numbers (like 4.30). 
• Driving Habits: Aggressive driving, such as rapid acceleration or high speeds, will reduce fuel efficiency. 
• Vehicle Configuration: Factors like the truck's size (e.g., crew cab vs. regular cab), bed length, and whether it's a dually or single rear wheel will also impact MPG. 
• Other Factors: Aftermarket modifications, wind resistance, and overall vehicle maintenance can also affect performance.