What years did Ford use international engines?
Ford used engines built by International Harvester/Navistar—most notably the Power Stroke diesel family—in its heavy‑duty trucks for several decades. The core era began in the mid‑1990s and continues in various forms today, with earlier International‑built diesels used in Ford trucks prior to the Power Stroke program.
What counts as "International engines" in Ford’s lineup
In Ford’s truck lineup, "International engines" typically refers to diesel engines developed and built by International Harvester/Navistar under contract with Ford. These engines powered Ford’s Super Duty trucks and were sold under the Power Stroke banner for much of the later period.
Major Power Stroke generations
Below is a concise timeline of the main International/Navistar-built Power Stroke engines Ford used in its heavy‑duty trucks. The list focuses on the large‑displacement diesels that defined the Super Duty era.
- 7.3L Power Stroke — 1994 to 2003
- 6.0L Power Stroke — 2003 to 2007
- 6.4L Power Stroke — 2008 to 2010
- 6.7L Power Stroke — 2011 to present
These generations mark the period during which Ford relied on International/Navistar-built diesels for its heavy‑duty lineup, transitioning through successive engine designs and emissions updates.
Earlier IH-built diesels in Ford trucks
Before the Power Stroke era, Ford used International Harvester‑built diesels in some F-series models. These included the early IH diesel families that predated the Power Stroke branding.
- 6.9L IDI — used in Ford trucks in the late 1980s to early 1990s
- 7.3L IDI — used in the early to mid‑1990s, preceding the Power Stroke era
These earlier International‑built engines represented the transitional period between IH’s independent diesel program and Ford’s later collaboration on the Power Stroke line.
Summary
Ford’s most prominent use of International/Navistar engines occurred in its heavy‑duty trucks beginning in the mid‑1990s with the 7.3L Power Stroke, followed by the 6.0L, 6.4L, and 6.7L Power Stroke generations. Prior IH‑built diesels were used in some trucks during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Power Stroke era continues to shape Ford’s diesel lineup today, reflecting a long‑running collaboration with Navistar/International.
