What is the gas mileage on a 1976 Ford truck?
There isn’t a single mpg figure for all 1976 Ford trucks—the fuel economy depends on engine, drive layout and condition. In general, these vintage trucks delivered roughly 12–18 mpg combined, with highway figures higher and city driving lower.
Overview of engine options in 1976 Ford trucks
The 1976 Ford truck lineup offered a range of powertrains from economical inline-sixes to large V8s. The exact mileage depends on the engine, transmission, drivetrain, and gearing.
- Inline-6 engines (primarily the 250 cubic inch / 4.1 L)
- Small-block V8s (302 / 5.0 L)
- Mid-size V8s (360 / 5.9 L)
- Big-block V8s (429/460, optional in some trims)
These engine choices, combined with 2WD or 4x4 layouts and whether the truck had a manual versus an automatic transmission, produced a broad range of real-world mpg.
Inline-6 250 cubic inches
Typical fuel economy for a 2WD 250 inline-6 with a manual transmission was roughly 14–17 mpg in city driving and about 18–20 mpg on the highway. With an automatic, expect numbers toward the lower end of that range.
Small-block V8 302 (5.0 L)
For a 2WD 302-powered truck, city mileage commonly ran around 12–15 mpg, with highway figures around 16–19 mpg. An automatic transmission generally reduced highway efficiency by a notch or two compared with a manual.
Mid-size V8 360 (5.9 L)
2WD 360-powered trucks typically delivered roughly 11–13 mpg in city driving and 15–17 mpg on highways; 4x4 versions tended to be a bit lower.
Big-block V8s (429/460)
Big-block configurations in the 1976 lineup were less common and usually less fuel-efficient, with city mileage near 9–12 mpg and highway around 12–15 mpg, depending on gearing and weight.
Note: Real-world results vary widely; the above are approximate ranges based on historical EPA data and owner reports from the era, as well as modern restorations using similar setups.
Estimated mileage ranges by configuration
To give a practical sense of expectations, here are rough ranges by drivetrain and engine family for typical 1976 Ford trucks. Actual numbers depend on transmission and axle ratios, as well as vehicle condition and load.
- 2WD trucks with inline-6 250: roughly 14–17 mpg city, 18–20 mpg highway
- 2WD trucks with small-block V8 (302): roughly 12–15 mpg city, 16–19 mpg highway
- 2WD trucks with mid-size V8 (360): roughly 11–13 mpg city, 15–17 mpg highway
- 2WD trucks with big-block V8 (429/460): roughly 9–12 mpg city, 12–15 mpg highway
- 4x4 versions (any engine): typically 1–3 mpg lower than 2WD equivalents, depending on gearing and tires
These figures are rough estimates for typical, well-maintained engines; actual numbers can vary based on maintenance, tuning, payload, and driving style.
Practical tips for evaluating mpg on a vintage Ford truck
- Inspect or read the original fuel economy sticker if available; many trucks from the 1970s did not carry modern city/highway ratings, but EPA data existed and can guide expectations.
- Check carburetion, ignition timing, vacuum seals, and air filters, as these commonly affect efficiency on older engines.
- Maintain correct tire pressures, manage payload, and minimize idling to improve real-world mpg.
- Document fuel purchases and miles driven to compute a current, practical mileage figure for your specific vehicle.
With proper upkeep, a 1976 Ford truck can run reliably, and modest maintenance can help squeeze out incremental gains, but it won’t match modern fuel economy benchmarks.
Summary
For a 1976 Ford truck, mpg is highly engine- and configuration-dependent. Inline-6 and small-block V8 models typically offered the best mileage, often in the mid-teens to high-teens on the highway, while big-blocks were notably thirstier. Two-wheel-drive versions generally outperformed four-wheel-drive variants. If you’re assessing or restoring one, expect a broad range—roughly 12–18 mpg overall—with real-world results influenced by maintenance, gearing, and driving style.
How big is the gas tank on a 1976 Ford F150?
19 Gallon Fuel Gas Tank For 75-79 Ford F-150 F-250 With Roll Over Valve Silver.
How much is a 1976 Ford F150 worth today?
A 1976 Ford F-150's value typically ranges from a low of around $7,500 to a high of nearly $29,000, with the average being about $17,300. The specific price depends heavily on the truck's condition, mileage, and features. For example, a low-mileage or exceptionally well-restored model can sell for significantly more, while one in poor condition will be worth much less.
Factors influencing the price
- Condition: A truck in excellent, well-maintained condition will be worth more than one with significant rust or mechanical issues.
- Mileage: Lower mileage generally means a higher price.
- Features: Specific trim levels like the XLT Ranger, engine options (like the 390 V8), and drivetrains (4x4) can increase the value.
- Restoration: A truck that has been professionally restored can fetch a premium price.
- Market: Prices can vary depending on where you are buying or selling the truck.
What to expect based on condition
- Low-end: A truck in poor condition with high mileage might be valued around $7,500 or lower, especially if it needs significant work.
- Average: A model in good, average condition with typical mileage will likely fall in the $17,000-$19,000 range.
- High-end: A truck in excellent, original, or restored condition could be worth $28,000 or more.
What older truck has good gas mileage?
Older trucks with good gas mileage include models like the Ford Ranger (late 90s/early 2000s), Toyota Tacoma (late 90s/early 2000s 4-cylinder), Mazda B-Series (early 2000s manual 5-speed), and Chevrolet S10 (late 90s). The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon are also good options, with some 2009-2012 models achieving around 22 MPG combined. For the best fuel efficiency, consider a compact model, and remember that factors like engine size, 2WD vs. 4WD, and transmission type greatly influence the MPG.
Compact and mid-size options
- Ford Ranger: Late 1990s and early 2000s models can get up to 22 MPG combined. The 2010 2.3L four-cylinder with a manual transmission achieved 27 MPG highway.
- Toyota Tacoma: Early 2000s 4-cylinder models can get around 22 MPG. While known for reliability, it's important to note that older Tacomas can be less fuel-efficient compared to some competitors, especially as engine technology has advanced.
- Mazda B-Series: Early 2000s manual 5-speed models are noted for getting 23 MPG combined.
- Chevrolet S10: The 1997 model earned a combined 23 MPG.
- Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon: Models from 2009-2012 average around 22 MPG combined. The 2016 Colorado could achieve up to 24 MPG combined.
- Nissan Frontier: Early 2000s and prior models can achieve 20-22 MPG.
Hybrid and diesel options
- Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid / GMC Sierra Hybrid: Some older models, like the 2009 versions, were hybrids and achieved around 21 MPG.
- Ram 1500 EcoDiesel: While less common in older models, the 2016 Ram 1500 is mentioned for its diesel engine and good mileage.
- Chevrolet Colorado Diesel: Some models with the 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine can get up to 30 MPG highway.
What is the gas mileage on a 1976 Ford F100?
The 1976 EPA ratings are in and Ford has the best gas mileage of any V eight pickup. Ford F100 with optional V 8 and manual transmission was rated at twenty-four miles per gallon highway 16 city.
