by Kate Eglan-Garton

Created on: February 26, 2008

In 1978, the Ford Maverick retired to make way for the Ford Fairmont where it stayed on the production line until 1983. There were four different body styles available for different tastes and needs; a 2-door sedan, a 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon and a 2-door coupe with either 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmissions.

The 2-door coupe, called the Fairmont Futura, had a strong resemblance to the Mercury Zephyr Z-7 with many similarities but an unusual two-piece vinyl roof. This 2-door coupe had an egg crate grille with four rectangular headlights with the parking lights just below. Unique doors, roof line and rear quarters also made this model different from others of this period. Upscale Fairmonts were called 'Ghia' and the wagons, 'Squires'.

The Fairmont was the first Ford model to sport the rear-drive 'Fox' platform that was becoming increasingly popular with the public. Mustangs and Thunderbirds held this same feature, one that the Fairmont held onto until its demise in 1983.

A box like interior provided lots of room , also appealing to the general public and the MacPherson strut chassis design created an above average handling that Ford desperately needed. The 2.3L standard engine had a l4 with a 4 speed manual while the optional 3.36L sported l6 with 3 speed manual or automatic. The l6 had less hp than the l4 but it had more torque, making it a better choice.

The Ford Fairmont probably would have continued had it not been for the fact that the Ford Granada/Mercury Cougar line were too similar and in 1982, the wagon Fairmont was discontinued to make way for these new models. Although short lived, this model proved its popularity by creating like popular models by Ford, AMC, Buick, Chevrolet, Dodge, Oldsmobile, Plymouth and Pontiac.

Definitely a winner during its time, many of us still remember the 1980s V8 police cruisers and taxi models defining this period of growth. Only the 4-door Futura remained on the market during its final year when it was then replaced by the all-new front wheel drive Tempo in 1984. All others had blended in with like models, keeping the Fairmont alive through different models.

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