04 FX with 3.73. Average mileage driving in city, mostly to work is about 11.5. I had to travel downstate in truck a month ago, going down I got 14.7 and on the ride back got 16.5. The truck is not geared for economy-at 65 it's turning at over 2000 RPM.
I traded in a 2000 XLT, and man what a difference in noise and ride quality. It's real easy to find yourself speeding in urban settings since the truck is so quiet. It's just too easy to find myself going 45-50 in a 35 simply because it's so hushed in the cab. My only complaint, other than the liberal use of plasic, is with the suck a** seats. I got the standard seat, and the things are as hard as friggin rocks. Obviously the guy that picked the seat filler never actually sat on one.

 

I hope 11.5 is with you taking off hard and being a lead foot. A kn air filter and cat back exhaust should help atleast 1.5 mpg. I gained about 2 mpg on my 2000 xlt supercab 4x4 (4.6L).

 

No, that's regular city driving. I'd call it stop and go, but it's mostly stop. It can take a half hour to drive those 4 miles to work, sad to say.

 

I drove a fx4 supercab with 18" wheels this past Saturday and that truck was fast. Maybe Ford adjusted the drive by wire system, but this truck would spin the tires very easily and would powerbrake without much trying. I got on the interstate on ramp, nailed it and it got up to 90 quick. I hope mine runs like this one did. This one had just got off the truck, I had to remove the plastic on the steering wheel myself.

 

To those of you that replied with genuine advice and assistance, thank you! Your information was extremely valuable. To those of you that replied with comments such as "If you want a toy box with fuel economy, buy a small rice burner"; your comments were of no help to me or anyone else reading this thread.

I may be in the minority if I consider fuel economy an issue, but as individuals, we each have our own concerns. The main reason for my concern....The window sticker on my '01 Expedition claimed it should get 16 city, and 21 highway. I get between 13.1 and 13.5 MPG combined driving. I drive 70 on the freeways, and I do not have a lead foot. I felt the Expedition was sorely misrepresented, so I was a little gun shy in climbing into another Ford. Hence, I posted my MPG question on the new F-150's in this forum.

After visiting this forum, and completely reading over the F-150 sales brochure, I decided to give the F-150 a second look, this time with my wife in tow. I drove the same F-150, and the same Silverado at the Chevy dealer right next door. This time I drove the Ford last, instead of first. Somehow it seemed to have more power this time. I don't know if it was because I drove it last, or if the truck had accumulated a few more miles, but it somehow seemed more powerful. It still wasn’t as quick off the line as the Silverado, but it still had plenty of power. This time I also took both trucks on the freeway. This is where the F-150 came alive. It seemed tighter that the Silverado, and acceleration from freeway speeds seemed to be better as well.

The information supplied by some of you regarding the F-150's mileage helped a great deal. I still wish it got better mileage, but at least I know that this time the window sticker is much more realistic.

My final decision: I told the Ford dealer to find me a loaded beige Lariat Super Crew so that we could talk turkey. Now all I need to do is to try and sell my Expedition so that I don’t get hosed using it as a trade-in. Anyone have any suggestions? I listed it last month in the Auto Trader magazine, Auto Trader on-line, and on ebay, but I got almost no interest. It’s exceptionally clean with only 26K miles.

Craig

 

Sounds like you need to keep track of hours per gallon instead of miles per gallon

 

I would agree with the replies that indicate you don't really feel the seat of the pants acceleration of this truck, but it's amazing how fast you are at 70 mph and don't know it (I've drove two FX4's and a Lariat). I guess only a stopwatch will tell for sure. Personally, I don't want to "beat" my truck at least too early cause I plan on driving it for 10+. Whatever you decide I hope it works out for you!

 

dukhunter...you da man...who really cares about 2MPG..thats like crying about the price of gas being $1.45 and $1.46 at another place, so filling the 35gallon tank theres a difference of 35 cents, again who cares.And that $232 a year (I forget the exact #)..thats a night out to dinner with a friend or two. Buy the ford ..be happy and next time your out tell your friend you'll drive and he can pay for dinner. Im not trying to be a jerk..just dont sweat the small stuff. Life is short...enjoy it

 

Craigtaz:

Get the Lariat with the fuel economy computer. With it, you can learn a driving style that will increase fuel economy. Several factors will result in some of the disappointing results posted on this board. Here are a few tips I observed.

(1) These engines are built tight. For the first 1,000 miles it seemed 15.0 was good and 13.5 was typical for stop and go driving.

(2) Learn to not stop the truck. It is 5,200 plus pounds, or in other words, it weighs more than most twin engine aircraft. If you drive it smoothly the mileage improvement is dramatic.

(3) Put a tonneau cover on. Supposably getting the air over the tailgate is worth 1.3 to 2.0 MPG.

I'm now seeing 17.5 around town with a few 19.0 MPG highway trips. IMHO the window sticker is correct. This engine is an improvement over the 4.6 that was less efficient and had to work harder to move your truck.

I once got over 23MPG on a trip, but that was under absolutely optimum conditions (no stopping except to park and steady 62 to 65 MPH operation)

Regards,
~~~^~~~
04 Lariat 5.4L 4X2 3.55 rear end

 

MPG display? Didn't know they had that,,, gonna learn so much about my new truck when it finally gets here. Can't wait! Haven't had a new truck in 11 years.

Don't know if I will like that gage though. I'm not much of a throttle stomper but I could see looking at it constantly. I imagine you stop noticing it after a while.

How many years has this been on the F150?

 

I believe this is the first year. They started putting them in the Eddie Bauer Expeditions a while back. I've hated the one in my Expedition....the only thing it has ever told me is, "Your Mileage Sucks" :o

Craig

 

Having owned numerous Fords and Chevys, (I own a 2002 GMC LT ext-cab Z-71 now) the GM products usually get about 2 more MPG's for similarly configured full-size pickups. Mine gets 15-19 MPG's with the 5.3L. The current GM 4X4 ext. cab would be to 60 in about 8 seconds and the 2004 F-150 in about 9 seconds. This is due to the fact that the f-150 is so heavy. That being said, I am still considering trading my GMC for the '04 Ford. I think it looks better and is probably a better truck. Both seem very sluggish compared to my old Lightning or current 2003 Cobra.

The SS Silverado is a joke compared to a Lightning. (IMO). I would rather have the Sierra Denali.

You could consider a 6.0 f-250 with the powerstroke, some have reported 20+ mpgs.

 

Drove from Columbia, SC to Charlotte, NC and back last night and got 18.6 mpg cruising at about 75 mph. I can live with that.

 

Wow! That's great mileage! Guess I should consider moving back to the Carolina's I lived in Hendersonville for a few years as a kid...