3.0 Flop
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 138
Likes: 3
3.0 Flop
Well its been a while since I was around here trying to talk some sense into those who were paying f-250 prices for a F-150 diesel. Those comfy add-ons just did not make good economic sense to justify 20k extra....ford was playing buyers for the ego bump for a particular name sake such as "platinum", "Lariat" etc.
Well Ford's plan didnt quite work out since they only got to play a few folks... Its good they are discontinuing the Fiero-150
Well Ford's plan didnt quite work out since they only got to play a few folks... Its good they are discontinuing the Fiero-150
Popular Reply
Oct 23, 2021, 09:23 AM
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,101
Likes: 60
From: N. Illinois
Well its been a while since I was around here trying to talk some sense into those who were paying f-250 prices for a F-150 diesel. Those comfy add-ons just did not make good economic sense to justify 20k extra....ford was playing buyers for the ego bump for a particular name sake such as "platinum", "Lariat" etc.
Well Ford's plan didnt quite work out since they only got to play a few folks... Its good they are discontinuing the Fiero-150
Well Ford's plan didnt quite work out since they only got to play a few folks... Its good they are discontinuing the Fiero-150
Ford had a plan. Ecoboost. The 3.0L was only to satisfy the public asking for a diesel in an F-150. Then, they purposely did not market it. After two years of ownership I still have people asking me why I’m putting diesel fuel in my F-150, or why I’d put Powerstroke badges on my truck.
You need to realize Ford did offer the 3.0L in all trims, less the Limited, after release. The failure was pure marketing. My 3.0L is ALL I expected and more. If it was available now, I’d consider it in my next truck. The biggest failure is the people that know nothing about the mill and spout like experts. Thats from performance to mpg to maintenance. I’ve read it all on the news and forums.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,101
Likes: 60
From: N. Illinois
Well its been a while since I was around here trying to talk some sense into those who were paying f-250 prices for a F-150 diesel. Those comfy add-ons just did not make good economic sense to justify 20k extra....ford was playing buyers for the ego bump for a particular name sake such as "platinum", "Lariat" etc.
Well Ford's plan didnt quite work out since they only got to play a few folks... Its good they are discontinuing the Fiero-150
Well Ford's plan didnt quite work out since they only got to play a few folks... Its good they are discontinuing the Fiero-150
Ford had a plan. Ecoboost. The 3.0L was only to satisfy the public asking for a diesel in an F-150. Then, they purposely did not market it. After two years of ownership I still have people asking me why I’m putting diesel fuel in my F-150, or why I’d put Powerstroke badges on my truck.
You need to realize Ford did offer the 3.0L in all trims, less the Limited, after release. The failure was pure marketing. My 3.0L is ALL I expected and more. If it was available now, I’d consider it in my next truck. The biggest failure is the people that know nothing about the mill and spout like experts. Thats from performance to mpg to maintenance. I’ve read it all on the news and forums.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,020
Likes: 752
From: Texas
Oh boy. The expert returns.
Ford had a plan. Ecoboost. The 3.0L was only to satisfy the public asking for a diesel in an F-150. Then, they purposely did not market it. After two years of ownership I still have people asking me why I’m putting diesel fuel in my F-150, or why I’d put Powerstroke badges on my truck.
You need to realize Ford did offer the 3.0L in all trims, less the Limited, after release. The failure was pure marketing. My 3.0L is ALL I expected and more. If it was available now, I’d consider it in my next truck. The biggest failure is the people that know nothing about the mill and spout like experts. Thats from performance to mpg to maintenance. I’ve read it all on the news and forums.
Ford had a plan. Ecoboost. The 3.0L was only to satisfy the public asking for a diesel in an F-150. Then, they purposely did not market it. After two years of ownership I still have people asking me why I’m putting diesel fuel in my F-150, or why I’d put Powerstroke badges on my truck.
You need to realize Ford did offer the 3.0L in all trims, less the Limited, after release. The failure was pure marketing. My 3.0L is ALL I expected and more. If it was available now, I’d consider it in my next truck. The biggest failure is the people that know nothing about the mill and spout like experts. Thats from performance to mpg to maintenance. I’ve read it all on the news and forums.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 138
Likes: 3
Ford was pushing the ultimate in vanity with the 3.0, they gambled that select buyers would spend big money to who wanted to reflect a difference ...an exclusivity from all other F-150 owners and in return they shelled out 50-70k for the Fiero 2.0, 150.
Yet, that probably didnt stop them as they used it to go through the drive through at Starbucks or to haul more under armor clothing home from the mall. Indeed, they didnt buy practicality, instead they were beguiled out of a lot of money in exchange for the concept they were " different " Yep, they were different all right.
Yet, that probably didnt stop them as they used it to go through the drive through at Starbucks or to haul more under armor clothing home from the mall. Indeed, they didnt buy practicality, instead they were beguiled out of a lot of money in exchange for the concept they were " different " Yep, they were different all right.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 35
From: Utica, Nebraska
It wasn't just poor marketing, it was also they limited its capabilities as to sell more EcoBoost engines. Since the PowerStroke is newish, I'd be more inclined to buy that over the EcoBoost, see too many in person with issues. Stellantis/FCA is still selling the EcoDiesel and they just expanded it to the Wrangler line. But GM will probably discontinue their Duramax Silverado, since you never see ads for it or anything. Just saw one the other day getting diesel, it was a Denali GMC, only one I've ever seen in person.
The PowerStroke F150 came out 10-15 years too late. They should've capitalized on the rumors years ago instead of waiting this long to offer it. Especially when the 4.6, 4.2, and 5.4 were the only options. It could've done well back then vs now.
The PowerStroke F150 came out 10-15 years too late. They should've capitalized on the rumors years ago instead of waiting this long to offer it. Especially when the 4.6, 4.2, and 5.4 were the only options. It could've done well back then vs now.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,024
Likes: 1,519
From: Maine, Virginia
The 3.0L turned out to be a great engine and as far as I'm concerned, it should have migrated into the Transit van. For a person driving under 15K miles per year, I feel that the upcharge and price of fuel make the diesel a questionable choice and that likely played into the failure as much as ford neglecting to properly market the engine.
Too many truck buyers take a double shot of testosterone before shopping and that alone seems to dull the senses.
Too many truck buyers take a double shot of testosterone before shopping and that alone seems to dull the senses.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 169
Likes: 2
Coming out of a 6.7 F350 (sold 31 ft boat) to the 3.0 diesel has been a great experience.
Lots of torque where i like it. 30 mpg hwy and 15 towing is impressive.
Lots of torque where i like it. 30 mpg hwy and 15 towing is impressive.
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New User
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 4
Likes: 5
The 3.5 Eco boost mpg sucks. Its basically the same as the 5.0. The 2.7 Eco is of no use to me. Quite a few of the Powerboost guys are not getting that great of mpg either. Ive seen none that get the 30 mpg consistently like the 3.0 does. Some 3.0 owners have reported better than 30 highway under the right conditions.
At the time that I was buying my truck the 3.0 had a $3000 rebate from FMC. The myth of costly oil changes and fuel fitters is BS. DEF is cheap.
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 74
Likes: 5
From: North Central Florida
Mine is great, I love it. I bought a 2018 model end closeout at $16,290 off the sticker (do that today!) and it has been excellent since. I do my own oil changes and they are as cheap and easier than my 5.0. Only hassle so far is the fuel filters which I do every 10K, a little messy and a full 30 minutes of exercise.
If I could buy this truck brand new again I sure would. In fact I would buy 10 and get busy selling them. I hope I never need the Powerstroke warranty but that is icing on the cake.
Let the haters hate. Love both my F150s.
ETA: I am watching the totally botched launch of the new Bronco lines. Wow, just wow.
If I could buy this truck brand new again I sure would. In fact I would buy 10 and get busy selling them. I hope I never need the Powerstroke warranty but that is icing on the cake.
Let the haters hate. Love both my F150s.
ETA: I am watching the totally botched launch of the new Bronco lines. Wow, just wow.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 535
Likes: 23
From: Arkansas
Only driven one of the 3.0 PSD’s and I liked it better than my EcoDiesel I had at the time, have 2 F-350’s with the 6.7 in em now. There’s a guy locally that uses his king ranch as his tow vehicle for his mowing company, says he likes it, hope the duty cycle is right for the emissions systems so it stays that way.
to the people hating on the GM 3.0, I don’t think it is marketed incorrectly, GM, doesn’t really advertise any of their powertrains like they used to, probably because other than the 3.0 diesel and 2.7 inline 4 nothing is overly special or new. They’re probably banking on the electric truck.
to the people hating on the GM 3.0, I don’t think it is marketed incorrectly, GM, doesn’t really advertise any of their powertrains like they used to, probably because other than the 3.0 diesel and 2.7 inline 4 nothing is overly special or new. They’re probably banking on the electric truck.
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Oh boy. The expert returns.
Ford had a plan. Ecoboost. The 3.0L was only to satisfy the public asking for a diesel in an F-150. Then, they purposely did not market it. After two years of ownership I still have people asking me why I’m putting diesel fuel in my F-150, or why I’d put Powerstroke badges on my truck.
You need to realize Ford did offer the 3.0L in all trims, less the Limited, after release. The failure was pure marketing. My 3.0L is ALL I expected and more. If it was available now, I’d consider it in my next truck. The biggest failure is the people that know nothing about the mill and spout like experts. Thats from performance to mpg to maintenance. I’ve read it all on the news and forums.
Ford had a plan. Ecoboost. The 3.0L was only to satisfy the public asking for a diesel in an F-150. Then, they purposely did not market it. After two years of ownership I still have people asking me why I’m putting diesel fuel in my F-150, or why I’d put Powerstroke badges on my truck.
You need to realize Ford did offer the 3.0L in all trims, less the Limited, after release. The failure was pure marketing. My 3.0L is ALL I expected and more. If it was available now, I’d consider it in my next truck. The biggest failure is the people that know nothing about the mill and spout like experts. Thats from performance to mpg to maintenance. I’ve read it all on the news and forums.
I’m very interested in purchasing one of these. I have a 2018 6.7L that I will be keeping as a work truck, but I’d like to have a smoother riding truck for daily driving and pulling the boat. Answers to mechanical issues, MPG or anything else would be great! Is your truck deleted? I can’t find anyone to delete and tune the 3.0L.
I assumed it wasn’t around long enough to have the aftermarket catch on.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 42
Likes: 18
From: Oklahoma
my original comment was basically saying company is having good luck with our 2021 xlt with 113k we bought local 1.5yr ago with 40k. Took it to shop (Mar 10) because it needed a starter, we knew what's wrong with it. They come back next day about 2pm with "parts on these are getting hard to find, out of stock everywhere", they'll overnight it from out of state. Oh and your check engine light is showing low fuel pressure on high pressure fuel rail, so we can get you a quote to address that, but check engine light will still be on for that issue.
Mar 12th: Driving it around DFW highways today loaded pretty heavy, the truck still gets 25+mpg and is running on sport mode like it's a turbo'd coyote. I just checked the codes and only have a C0604 so must just be a scam shop. When I asked if they knew what LX4 is the guy responded like I was asking if I should pour some water in the fuel while filling up 🤣.
The 3.0L still seems to be a great truck, but the diesel here in Texas is way better than most states too so that helps.
Mar 12th: Driving it around DFW highways today loaded pretty heavy, the truck still gets 25+mpg and is running on sport mode like it's a turbo'd coyote. I just checked the codes and only have a C0604 so must just be a scam shop. When I asked if they knew what LX4 is the guy responded like I was asking if I should pour some water in the fuel while filling up 🤣.
The 3.0L still seems to be a great truck, but the diesel here in Texas is way better than most states too so that helps.
4wd Low
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 14
Likes: 7
Could have been better
I agree with marketing. Back in early 2019 was waiting for the diesel Silverado to come out. Ended up at Ford killing time. Salesman said something about maybe one day a diesel in a ranger like the F150. I said WTF? Bought a 2018 new a few weeks later for 20+k less than sticker.
Then some folks say, but Bertapowerstoke, Ford says my 3.5 EB can tow 13,000 pounds, much more than your 3.0 PSD. I call a big pile of BS. 1st, I’ve towed with both. 2nd, back in 2019 public buyers were limited to Lariat or higher. Comparable ratings.
2018 has been deleted since 80k. Now is about to hit 300k. Just bought a 1995 7.3 PSD to retire the ‘18 from main tow rig status. Would have bought a 2025 3.0 if they still built them for North America. Fuel mileage was great. Transmission valve body under warranty early on. Regular maintenance since. 3rd set of tires is now worn out. Believe it or not brakes are still factory, checked them a couple weeks ago still a bit of life left in the pads, I guess that tells you my driving style. Before unloading about factory brake pads, it’s safe.
Then some folks say, but Bertapowerstoke, Ford says my 3.5 EB can tow 13,000 pounds, much more than your 3.0 PSD. I call a big pile of BS. 1st, I’ve towed with both. 2nd, back in 2019 public buyers were limited to Lariat or higher. Comparable ratings.
2018 has been deleted since 80k. Now is about to hit 300k. Just bought a 1995 7.3 PSD to retire the ‘18 from main tow rig status. Would have bought a 2025 3.0 if they still built them for North America. Fuel mileage was great. Transmission valve body under warranty early on. Regular maintenance since. 3rd set of tires is now worn out. Believe it or not brakes are still factory, checked them a couple weeks ago still a bit of life left in the pads, I guess that tells you my driving style. Before unloading about factory brake pads, it’s safe.
Last edited by bertapowerstroke; May 7, 2025 at 11:55 PM.