What is the gas mileage on a 1973 Ford Courier?
Gas mileage for the 1973 Ford Courier varies by configuration; typical mixed-driving figures fall roughly from the mid-teens up to the upper-20s miles per gallon depending on engine, transmission, gearing, and payload.
The 1973 Ford Courier was Ford’s compact pickup built for the North American market, largely based on Mazda’s small-pickup designs. For that year, it commonly used inline-four engines around 1.8 to 2.0 liters, with 4-speed manuals or an optional automatic, and most units were two-wheel drive with some markets offering 4WD. Because EPA-era testing and ratings for small pickups weren’t always standardized or preserved in the way today, real-world mileage varied widely based on maintenance, driving style, and how heavily the truck was loaded.
Gas mileage by configuration
Below are approximate ranges drawn from historical reports and owner experiences. Actual mileage depends on the exact engine, transmission, and condition of the vehicle.
- 1.8-liter inline-four, 2WD, 4-speed manual: roughly 18–22 mpg city, 25–28 mpg highway
- 2.0-liter inline-four, 2WD, 4-speed manual: roughly 17–21 mpg city, 24–27 mpg highway
- 1.8–2.0-liter with automatic transmission (2WD): roughly 16–20 mpg city, 23–26 mpg highway
- 4WD configurations (any engine/drivetrain): roughly 15–19 mpg city, 22–25 mpg highway
These ranges illustrate typical experiences from that era; actual mileage varied with payload, road conditions, and how well the truck was maintained.
Real-world considerations
To maximize fuel economy on a vintage Courier, keep the engine well-tuned, maintain proper tire pressure, and ensure regular maintenance of fuel, ignition, and emissions systems. Payload and driving habits (speed, acceleration, idling) had a strong influence on mileage in everyday use.
Summary
The 1973 Ford Courier did not have a single, universal mpg figure. In practice, mixed-driving mileage typically ranged from the mid-teens to the upper-20s mpg, with lower numbers for 4WD and automatic configurations. For a precise estimate, identify the exact engine and drivetrain of the individual truck and consult historical data or owner-maintained records for that configuration.
What was the average mpg in the 1970s?
Average fuel economy for all vehicles has increased from 12.0 miles per gallon (mpg) in 1970 to 16.9 mpg in 2000, a 29.0% increase.
What is the best engine for the Ford Courier?
diesel engine
What Ford Transit Courier is best? The best Ford Transit Courier is the diesel engine which comes with a manual 6-speed gearbox. That's because the diesel van has much greater torque levels making it more suited to a commercial vehicle.
How many miles per gallon does a 1972 Ford Thunderbird get?
You didn't see too many on the road. Not as prestigious as a Mark IV, but it certainly shared a lot of design elements. Wish we still had it! Got about 12-13 MPG as I recall.
What are the common problems with Ford couriers?
Common Ford Transit Courier Problems and Effective Solutions
- Engine Troubles: Symptoms like rough idling, stalling, or power loss.
- Transmission and Gearbox Problems: Hard shifting, slipping gears, and unusual noises.
- Electrical Issues: Problems with lights, warning signals, and power to accessories.
