i was lookin for something to drive back a forth to work, i go 100 miles round trip each day, well i found a 98, 2wd 5 speed 4.2 F-150, how hard would this thing be on gas?? cause heck, its actually cheaper than the lil 4cyl cars i find

 

I have a 2001 F150 4.2 V6 4x2 5-Speed manual and highway with the tailgate down at about 75MPH is 15-17MPG and city can range from 10 - 15MPG depending on how hard you are on the accelerator.
-Jeff-

 

MPG seems to vary a good bit from driver-to-driver and/or truck-to-truck.
My guess is it is LARGELY dependant on how heavy your foot is.

My 2000, 5-speed, 3.55 rear end, crew cab gets 16 -17 city and 19-20 interstate.
My 2005, auto, 3.55 rear end, regular cab gets 16.5 - 17.5 city and 19-21 interstate.

Both are pretty good for a full size truck.

 

I get about 18-20 MPG on my 70 mile (round trip) commute to work in my 2004 Heritage supercab, v-6, 2wd, auto, 3.55 rear. It got too steep about Jan-March and I bought a little 1998 escort 5spd that gets 35-37mpg average to supplement the new truck. Thats almost double the mpg of the truck!!!

Unless your driving a semi or a 1986 F350 w460 and 4.11 gears the 1997-2004 F-150 will not be a huge gas saver for you.

I always have enjoyed my motorcycles but, with a new son I opted for the "beater" car.

 

I just finished a three tank average of my mileage. Here's how it breaks down.

80% Interstate at 70-75mph
10% Stop and go traffic in and around Atlanta
10% short distance driving at low(25-40 mph) speed


The three tanks averaged out to 21.1 mpg. I carried it out to two decimal places for my average, but I don't actually know anyone that would use that small of a number.

 

I just finished a 700 mile trip with mine on the first tank i averaged 22.6 mpg (55 mph backroads) the second tank i averaged 19.5 ( 70 -80 mph highway) - 4.2, 5sp, 3.08 rear end, 1997

 

They can do 20mpg. I have a 99 supercab 5speed 3.08 . Like it was said not a huge improvement in what you have to justify another insurance policy and all other expenses of a second truck. If it were me and I was determined to add to my fleet I would go small car or a Ranger 4cly 5speed. I have had them that do 26-30mpg.
Dan

 

I have the same F150 you're looking at. I consistently get 18-20 mpg. It doesn't seem to vary with city or hwy driving. It dipped to 16 once when I pulled a trailer.

 

I get a constant 15 mpg, but i also know i need to replace some O2 senors as i have 2 lean codes. before the O2 went bad i got 18-20mpg

 

I WISH I got 26-30 in my Ranger (2000 xcab 5spd). I average about 22mpg and I'm selling it because I decided to get a real truck again. IMO - DON'T buy a Ranger if you have to HAUL, TOW or GO UP ANY HILLS.

I've heard about 20mpg average from a friend who has a 2003 Sport F150 v6 Xcab. Of course, you can get 20mpg out of a lot of diesel trucks.

 

quick update:
The 2000 w/ 3.55 rear end and 5 speed.
Last weekend 500 miles w/ my motorcycle in the back and approx 150 lbs of gear, food, etc. and me in the cab.
400 miles interstate @ 75 mph.
100 miles 2 lane highway @ 55 mph.

19.7 mpg.

 

My 01' Rcab 4.2 Auto 3.31 Has Been Getting 15-16 Since It Was New. I Drive It Like A Granny, But Will Get Up To 65-70mph. I Have Never Been Impressed With It's Fuel Consumption. I Also Have An 01' Screw 4x4 5.4 W/4.10's. It Get's 14-15mpg. Maybe If I Drive Em' Harder I'll Get Some Improvement!

 

That sucks.
My 95 Ranger supercab 4cy 5speed ave. 22 in town and 26-30 on highway running 60-70mph My 99 F150 supercab is getting what Brian gets with his 2000 and he has the lower 3.55 gear vs my 3.08
dan

 

14-16 in my f150

i have no idea what gears i have, proabaly 3.55's. 5spd, rcab. It's lowered on (heavy) 20's.

before the 20's, i got the same. but it wasn't so damned slow up the hills!

 

I've tried driving like a granny too. I didn't notice much of an improvement on fuel economy. So whats the use, might as well have a heavy foot