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# 10 Ford Engines That Are Almost Too Reliable

Known for adapting the moving assembly line to improve the efficiency of how his cars were built, [Henry Ford revolutionized the automotive manufacturing industry](https://www.topspeed.com/cars/guides/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-ford-model-t-america-s-first-mass-produced-automobile). Also, with the introduction of the Ford Model A, the Ford name became synonymous with building cars. But Ford’s first invention was actually an engine. Completed by the late 1890s, his first engine was a gasoline-powered inline-two cylinder that displaced 59 cubic inches and spun a 2-speed manual transmission. Henry Ford, then, continued to improve the engine and, in 1896, was used to power his first car, called the Quadricycle.

Since that first engine in the 1890s, [Ford](https://www.topspeed.com/tag/ford/) has been developing engines along with their cars, and with each new model, came a more advanced, efficient, and higher-performing engine. Design and engineering of a new engine is no small task and yet, throughout the years, [Ford has been constantly improving the quality of their powertrains](https://www.topspeed.com/heres-what-fords-v-8-engine-lineup-currently-looks-like) for better reliability and longevity without sacrificing performance.

Engine reliability is a difficult topic to discuss. With so many factors affecting an engine’s efficiency and performance, it makes the reliability and longevity of an engine almost relative. But [their long history of manufacturing cars and engines](https://www.topspeed.com/most-iconic-ford-cars-in-company-history) has proven Ford’s reputation for not only building reliable cars but equally reliable engines. Here are some from the Blue Oval’s long tenure, which are “Built Ford Tough”.

![The Most Durable American Engines Ever](https://static1.topspeedimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/jpg/202209/the-most-durable-ame.jpg)

_In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Ford Authority, Vehicle History, and MotorTrend. These engines have been chosen for their reputation for accomplishing high mileage without much more than just regular maintenance. These engines have been ranked from the least to the highest expected mileage._

## Flathead V8
### Expected Average Mileage: 50,000-70,000 Miles

Credited for single-handedly sparking the aftermarket industry in America, where hot rodding was and is still the craze. The Flathead V8 is arguably more iconic than the car it came in. It was introduced in 1932 powering the Ford Model 18, which is more simply known as the “Ford V8”. While it **wasn’t** the first V-8 ever made, it is widely regarded as the V-8 that democratized the engine configuration.

Combining power and smoothness that were considered to be reserved for [cars for the wealthy, like Rolls-Royce](https://www.topspeed.com/best-rolls-royce-cars-ever-produced) and Cadillac, Ford had a genuine hit on their hands. It was also because of this that Flatheads that were left as they came from the factory gained a reputation for reliability and longevity. 50,000 miles in 2023 may not sound like much, except to maybe Ferrari collectors, but back in 1932, the newfangled contraption out-lived a horse, and then some.

## 289 V8 Small Block
### Expected Average Mileage: 100,000-120,000 Miles

Much in the fashion of the Flathead V8, the 289 Small Block became just as [iconic as the Mustang](https://www.topspeed.com/10-reasons-1967-ford-mustang-fastback-is-iconic) that it was first sold with. Continuing their dedication to improvement, the 289 took the role of the 260 V8 in 1963, bringing a bigger displacement, which in turn meant more power. By the following year, the 289 small block powered all of Ford’s full-sized sedans and thus started its long and storied career.

The 289 has a cast-iron block but was significantly lighter than the big blocks of the time. It was dependable, relatively thrifty to maintain, and was even durable enough to stand up to high-horsepower upgrades, providing desirable characteristics across all Ford models that utilized the Windsor-manufactured V8. Available in several configurations, the 289 also proved to be versatile. From a two-barrel carburetor, 195-horsepower standard mill to the four-barrel, 271-horsepower HiPo K-code engine that also used a more aggressive camshaft, higher flowing fuel pump, along with cylinder head and bottom end improvements.

## FE V8 Big Block
### Expected Average Mileage: 120,000-130,000 Miles

Straddling between big-block and small-block Ford engines, the FE engine was the bread-and-butter powertrain for the Blue Oval for quite some time, fitted to almost anything except for their heavy-duty trucks. Just like the 289, the Ford FE engines were just as versatile, being used in cars, trucks, and even in marine and industrial applications.

With such broad application, the FE engines were known to be a robust and hearty motor that could take quite a lot of abuse especially when fitted with the side-oiling system that lubricated its main bearings first. Notably, Ford’s race cars in the 60s, from NASCAR, drag racing, and even the [Shelby Cobra](https://www.topspeed.com/this-shelby-427-competition-cobra-has-a-unique-history) and GT40s that dominated Le Mans mostly featured a configuration of the FE V-8 engine.

## 302 V8
### Expected Average Mileage: 140,000-200,000 Miles

Falling under the small-block family of Ford engines, the 302 was widely used across the Ford line-up from the Fairmont, Crown Victoria, Ranchero, and, of course, the Mustang. As was the norm, the 302 also found itself in Mercury vehicles like the Zephyr, Grand Marquis, Capri, and the Cougar. During the oil crisis, the Ford 302 found itself modified for fuel efficiency and dropped power to just under 130 horsepower. But the 302 proved itself as a durable and versatile engine, providing a base for [the legendary Boss 302 Mustang](https://www.topspeed.com/things-you-should-know-about-the-iconic-ford-mustang-boss-302). The key to its durability was its simple construction and its ability to adapt to different applications across the Ford and Mercury lineup.

## 5.0 Coyote V8
### Expected Average Mileage: 200,000 Miles

Specifically designed to provide thrust for the 2011 Mustang GT and F-150, the Coyote V-8 is part of the Modular engine family. While it’s still in use today, the 5.0 Coyote has gone through three generations of developments to build on the power and durability that the first Coyote brought to the newer generation of Mustangs.

## 4.2-Liter V6
### Expected Average Mileage: 150,000-250,000 Miles

For 46 years, the F-150 has been the top-selling truck in America, so it isn’t a surprise when Ford develops a new engine to primarily power their [F-series line-up](https://www.topspeed.com/history-of-the-ford-f-series-pickup-truck). The Essex V-6 powered Ford’s light and medium-duty trucks as well as its E-series vans and the Mercury Monterey. The Essex V-6 proved to be reliable once Ford had rectified these concerns and is known to last over 200,000 miles with proper care and maintenance.

## 3.5 V6 EcoBoost
### Expected Average Mileage: 250,000-300,000 Miles

Taking over the heavy lifting as Ford’s primary power source, the EcoBoost family has itself in everything from the Ford Fiesta to their Ford GT halo-car. Being a relatively new engine and technology, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost has already proven itself to match the toughest V-8s Ford has ever produced.

## 3.0-Liter Vulcan V6
### Expected Average Mileage: 300,000 Miles

Designed from the ground up to be reliable, fuel-efficient, and cheap to maintain, the 3.0-liter Vulcan V6 is Ford’s often unsung hero of the 1990s. Its simple construction and use of electronic fuel injection allowed the Vulcan to be versatile and long-lasting, making it one of Ford’s most reliable engines.

## 5.4-Liter Triton V8
### Expected Average Mileage: 300,000-450,000 Miles

As a distant relative to the 5.0 Coyote under Ford’s Modular engine family, it’s no surprise the Triton V8 is as reliable as its younger cousin. The inherent robustness of the Triton V8 and its adaptability made it a staple in Ford’s engine lineup across a variety of vehicles, including the iconic F-150 SVT Lightning and Ford GT.

## Power Stroke Diesel V8
### Expected Average Mileage: 200,000-500,000 Miles

Available in several displacements throughout its generational development, the Power Stroke diesel turbo engines are undoubtedly the most durable engines with the Ford name. Praised for new turbo-diesel tech, the first Power Stroke engine was introduced in 1995 in the Ford F-250, and fast-forward to 2020, the Ford Super Duty is motivated by the most powerful non-commercial iteration of Ford’s turbo-diesel superstar.

Overall, Ford’s long history in the automotive industry has allowed them to develop some of the most reliable and long-lasting engines in the market. These engines have stood the test of time and continued to provide superior performance and reliability for decades.

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10 Ford Engines That Are Almost Too Reliable

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