Against 236 other V6 cars rated 1988–1990, the Bronco II sits right on their 18.2 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 2.3L 4-cyl (1985–1986), does 23.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.8L 6-cyl (1984–1985), 18: $499 a year apart.
Every Ford Bronco II engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 21.5 / 26 | 1985–1986 | $1,634 | |
| 2.9L 6-cyl | 16.6 / 21.4 | 1986–1990 | $2,065 | |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 16 / 21 | 1984–1985 | $2,133 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1990) | $0.178 |
| Fuel per year | $2,133 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,665 |
| Against other V6 cars, 1988–1990 | +$23 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,300 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1990 Ford Bronco II gives up 4 mpg in town: 20 on the highway against 16 in the city, $480 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1990) | 16 mpg | $2,400 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +4 mpg (25%) | Typical for its type |
How the Bronco II changed over the years
The Bronco II peaked in 1985 at 21.5 mpg (19.5 city, 23.5 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1990 at 18 — 3.5 mpg apart, or $347 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1990 car does 18. The biggest single-year change came in 1985: 18 to 21.5 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 16 / 20 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1989 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1988 | 17 / 22 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1987 | 17 / 22 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1986 | 18.5 / 23.5 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1985 | 19.5 / 23.5 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 1984 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 9 EPA ratings of the Ford Bronco II — 3 engines across 1984–1990. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,300. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1990 Ford Bronco II get?
18 mpg combined, 16 city and 20 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Bronco II has averaged 19.6 mpg.
Is the 1990 Bronco II more efficient than the 1989?
About the same: 18 against 18 mpg combined.
Which Bronco II year has the best gas mileage?
The 1985, at 21.5 mpg combined (19.5 city, 23.5 highway).
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