Against 190 other V8 cars rated 1997–1999, the F-250 trails their 15.4 mpg average by 1.4 mpg, about $249 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 4.9L 6-cyl (1984–1996), does 14.9 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5L 8-cyl (1984–1996), 14.2: $127 a year apart.
Every Ford F-250 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.9L 6-cyl | 13.8 / 16.8 | 1984–1996 | $2,577 | |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 13 / 17.7 | 1997–1999 | $2,612 | |
| 5L 8-cyl | 12.5 / 16.9 | 1984–1996 | $2,704 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Chevrolet Silverado gets 16.5 mpg, the GMC Sierra 16.7 mpg and the Toyota Tundra 15.5 mpg, next to 14 mpg for the 1999 F-250. The F-250 costs the most of them to run: $444 a year more than the GMC Sierra.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1999) | $0.229 |
| Fuel per year | $2,743 |
| Fuel over five years | $13,715 |
| Against other V8 cars, 1997–1999 | +$249 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $4,290 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1999 Ford F-250 gives up 5 mpg in town: 17 on the highway against 12 in the city, $941 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1999) | 12 mpg | $3,200 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 17 mpg | $2,259 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +5 mpg (42%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the F-250 changed over the years
The F-250 peaked in 1998 at 15 mpg (13 city, 18 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1999 at 14 — 1 mpg apart, or $183 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1999 car does 14.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 12 / 17 | 1 | $2,743 | |
| 1998 | 13 / 18 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 1997 | 14 / 18 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 1996 | 12.5 / 17 | 2 | $2,743 | |
| 1995 | 12 / 17 | 2 | $2,743 | |
| 1994 | 12.5 / 17 | 2 | $2,743 | |
| 1993 | 14 / 18 | 2 | $2,560 | |
| 1992 | 13.5 / 16 | 2 | $2,648 | |
| 1991 | 13 / 18 | 2 | $2,560 | |
| 1990 | 13 / 17 | 2 | $2,648 | |
| 1989 | 13 / 16.5 | 2 | $2,648 | |
| 1988 | 13 / 16.5 | 2 | $2,648 | |
| 1987 | 13 / 16.5 | 2 | $2,648 | |
| 1986 | 14 / 17 | 2 | $2,560 | |
| 1985 | 14 / 17 | 2 | $2,560 | |
| 1984 | 13.5 / 16 | 2 | $2,648 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 29 EPA ratings of the Ford F-250 — 3 engines across 1984–1999. 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 $4,290. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1999 Ford F-250 get?
14 mpg combined, 12 city and 17 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the F-250 has averaged 14.6 mpg.
Is the 1999 F-250 more efficient than the 1998?
No: 14 against 15 mpg combined, about $183 a year more to run.
Which F-250 year has the best gas mileage?
The 1998, at 15 mpg combined (13 city, 18 highway).
Does the F-250 get better gas mileage than the Chevrolet Silverado?
No: 14 mpg for the 1999 F-250 against 16.5 for the 2000 Chevrolet Silverado, about $416 a year more to run.
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