Which is cheaper to maintain, the Ford EXP or the Ford EXP?

Based on 5-year routine maintenance labor at a $150/hr indie shop rate, the Ford EXP is cheaper to maintain — about $1,000 less over 60,000 miles. Parts cost is not included.

What's the labor difference between the 1.6L CVH I4 (70 hp, 2-bbl carburetor) and the 1.9L I4?

Across 23 common maintenance jobs, hours vary by drivetrain and engine layout. See the side-by-side table on this page for each job's labor hours and estimated cost.

Are there any active recalls on the Ford EXP or Ford EXP?

The Ford EXP has 0 open NHTSA recalls. The Ford EXP has 0 open recalls. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

1982–1989 Ford EXP vs 1985 Ford EXP — Labor Times, Costs & Recalls

Specifications

Year

1982–1989

1985

Engine

1.6L CVH I4 (70 hp, 2-bbl carburetor)

1.9L I4

Drivetrain

FWD

Transmission

automatic

Fuel

gas

Powertrain

Engine output, acceleration, top speed, handling, braking — and Nürburgring if either car ran one.

Horsepower

—hp

Torque

—lb-ft

0–60 mph

—

Quarter Mile

—

Top Speed

—

Skidpad

—

60–0 Braking

—

70–0 Braking

—

MPG · City

21.1

—

MPG · Highway

29.2

—

MPG · Combined

24.1

—

Performance specs synthesized from manufacturer figures and instrumented magazine tests (Car and Driver, Motor Trend, Road & Track). MPG from EPA fueleconomy.gov. Numbers flagged as "low confidence" by AI generation are conservative estimates from related platforms.

Cost of Ownership

5-Year Maintenance

$20,615

0.34 $/mi

★ WINNER

5-Year Maintenance

$19,615

0.33 $/mi

🏆

ADVANTAGEFord EXP — Saves you $1,000 over 5 years (5% less in routine maintenance labor)

Routine maintenance only. Cost = labor hours × $150/hr × estimated 5-yr frequency. Parts cost not included.

Maintenance Breakdown

Hours per common service. Lower is faster (and cheaper) at the shop.

Oil & filter change

0.4 hrs$1,200 / 5yr

Differential fluid

1.5 hrs$530 / 5yr

Front brake pads

1.2 hrs$520 / 5yr

Rear brake pads

1.2 hrs$500 / 5yr

Tire rotation

0.4 hrs$480 / 5yr

Timing belt service

5.0 hrs$460 / 5yr

Wiper blades

0.3 hrs$300 / 5yr

Brake fluid flush

0.8 hrs$270 / 5yr

12V battery

0.4 hrs$260 / 5yr

Fuel filter

0.5 hrs$210 / 5yr

Spark plugs

0.8 hrs$200 / 5yr

Water pump

2.5 hrs$173 / 5yr

Coolant flush

0.8 hrs$170 / 5yr

Intake manifold gasket

3.0 hrs$162 / 5yr

Engine air filter

0.3 hrs$150 / 5yr

Oil pan gasket

3.5 hrs$144 / 5yr

Alternator

1.5 hrs$131 / 5yr

Serpentine belt

0.6 hrs$125 / 5yr

Valve cover gasket

1.5 hrs$114 / 5yr

Power steering flush

0.5 hrs$95 / 5yr

Starter motor

1.5 hrs$85 / 5yr

PCV valve

0.4 hrs$80 / 5yr

Thermostat

0.8 hrs$56 / 5yr

Active Recalls

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

✓ Both vehicles are completely clear of open safety recalls.

Fluid Capacities

Ford EXP

ac_refrigerant · R-12

brake0.75 qt · FMVSS 116 DOT 3

coolant8.00 qt · green ethylene glycol

engine_oil4.00 qt · API SF or SG

power_steering1.00 qt · Type F ATF

transmission_auto9.00 qt · Mercon or Type CJ

washer1.00 qt · windshield washer fluid

Ford EXP

ac_refrigerant · R-12

brake0.50 qt · FMVSS 116 DOT 3

coolant7.60 qt · ethylene glycol 50/50

engine_oil5.00 qt · API SF

power_steering1.00 qt · Ford M2C138-CJ

transmission_auto8.20 qt · Ford M2C138-CJ

washer2.00 qt · windshield washer fluid

The Verdict

TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Across cost of ownership and recall count, neither vehicle pulls decisively ahead. Pick on personal preference — drivetrain, transmission feel, brand loyalty, or the engine that puts a smile on your face.

Open the full dashboard for either truck

Labor times, torque specs, fluid capacities, DTC codes, repair procedures, recalls, common platform problems.

Ford EXP

1.6L CVH I4 (70 hp, 2-bbl carburetor)