Ford Mustang Gas Mileage: 1978 – 2013

By all accounts, the Ford Mustang has had one heck of a run. The Mustang’s arrival in the 1964 model year brought on the pony car era, and while performance has always been at the forefront of the car’s appeal, gas mileage in the smaller displacement versions made a bit of hay over the years, as well. Although easily overlooked, the Mustang’s gas mileage ratings set a remarkable high point for fuel economy in 1983, touching the 40 mile per gallon (MPG) highway mark when fitted with the stingy 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine.

While the Mustang’s gas mileage ratings dropped considerably (or perhaps more realistically), a four-banger could be found under the hood of the entry-level ‘Stang for another decade. 1993 marked the last year for the 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, with a still respectable 30 MPG highway.

The 2011 model year marked the arrival of the most fuel-efficient V6 Mustang to date. We were invited to Bristol Motor Speedway to witness the Mustang 1000 Lap Challenge, where a stone-stock 2011 V6 Mustang circled the historic half-mile track to see how many laps (and miles) could be coaxed from one tank of gas. Check out our video …

We’d still like to see a return to the wicked turbo four-banging roots of the Mustang SVO – sold from 1984 through 1986 – but with a direct-injected twist. Bring on the EcoBoost!

Ford Mustang Gas Mileage 1978-2013

– by Daniel Gray