Ford Fairmont

{{For|the Australian-built vehicle of the same name|Ford Fairmont (Australia)}} {{Distinguish|Ford Fairlane (Americas){{!}}Ford Fairlane}} {{Use American English|date=April 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2026}} {{Infobox automobile | aka = Mercury Zephyr Ford Elite II (Mexico) Ford Zephyr (Venezuela) Ford Futura (Venezuela) | name = Ford Fairmont | image = Ford Fairmont sedan 2.jpg | caption = 1981 Ford Fairmont four-door sedan | manufacturer = [[Ford Motor Company]] | production = 1977–1983 | model_years = 1978–1983 | assembly = United States: {{ubl |[[Hapeville, Georgia]] ([[Atlanta Assembly]]) |[[Claycomo, Missouri]] ([[Kansas City Assembly]]) |[[Mahwah, New Jersey]] ([[Mahwah Assembly]]) |Canada: [[St. Thomas, Ontario]] ([[St. Thomas Assembly]]) |Venezuela: [[Valencia, Carabobo]] ([[Valencia Assembly]]) |Mexico: (La Villa Assembly Plant) }} | class = [[Compact car|Compact]] | body_style = 2-door [[coupé|coupe]] 2-door notchback [[sedan (car)|sedan]] 4-door sedan 5-door [[station wagon]] | platform = [[Ford Fox platform]] | related = [[#Mercury Zephyr|Mercury Zephyr]] [[Ford Mustang (third generation)|Ford Mustang]] [[Mercury Capri#Second generation (1979–1986)|Mercury Capri]] [[Ford Durango]] | layout = [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|FR layout]] | engine = {{ubl | {{cvt|140|cuin|L}} ''[[Ford Pinto engine#Lima|Lima]]'' [[Straight-four engine|I4]] | {{cvt|140|cuin|L}} [[Turbocharger|turbo]] ''Lima'' I4 | {{cvt|200|cuin|L}} ''[[Ford Straight-6 engine#200|Thriftpower Six]]'' [[Straight-six engine|I6]] | {{cvt|255|cuin|L}} ''[[Ford Windsor engine#255|Windsor]]'' [[V8 engine|V8]] | {{cvt|302|cuin|L}} ''Windsor'' V8 }} | transmission = 3-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]] 4-speed manual 3-speed ''[[Ford C3 transmission|C3]]'' [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] 3-speed ''[[Ford C4 transmission|C4]]'' automatic 3-speed ''[[Ford C4 transmission|C5]]'' automatic | wheelbase = {{cvt|105.5|in|mm}} | length = {{cvt|193.8|in|mm}} | width = {{cvt|71.0|in|mm}} | height= {{cvt|53.5|in|mm}} | weight = {{convert|2747|–|2959|lb|kg}}<ref name="catalog1"/> | predecessor = [[Ford Maverick (Americas)|Ford Maverick]] | successor = [[Ford Tempo]] }}

The '''Ford Fairmont''' is a model line of [[compact car]]s manufactured and marketed by Ford for model years 1978–1983.<ref name="catalog2"/> The successor of the [[Ford Maverick (1970–1977)|Ford Maverick]], the Fairmont marked the third generation of compact sedans marketed by Ford in North America. Initially positioned between the [[Ford Pinto|Pinto]] and [[Ford Granada (North America)|Granada]], the Fairmont was later marketed between the [[Ford Escort (North America)|Ford Escort]] and [[Ford LTD (Americas)#Fourth generation (1983–1986)|Ford LTD]]. In contrast to its predecessor (only offered as a two-door or four-door sedan), the line was offered as a two-door notchback sedan, two-door coupe, four-door sedan, and five-door station wagon. Though never marketed by Lincoln, Mercury marketed a [[badge engineering|rebadged]] divisional counterpart of the Fairmont as the '''Mercury Zephyr'''.

The inaugural model lines of the rear-wheel drive [[Ford Fox platform]] (which served to replace models based on the [[Ford Falcon (North America)|Ford Falcon]]), the Fairmont and Zephyr would come to share that platform with twelve additional model lines for Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln. Though the Fairmont itself was produced for only six model years, the Fox platform would continue for another two decades, underpinning vehicles (in updated form) through the 2004 model year.

Through its production, Ford manufactured the Fairmont at numerous facilities across North America. On November 15, 1977, a Fairmont (a 1978 Fairmont Futura coupe) became the 100 millionth vehicle assembled by Ford Motor Company.<ref name="100mil" /> For 1984, the model line was replaced with the front-wheel drive [[Ford Tempo]].

==Background and development== In April 1973, the American [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|EPA]] released its comprehensive list of fuel economy results.<ref name="leffingwellbook"/>{{rp|150}}<ref name="epa1"/> In October of the same year, the [[1973 oil crisis]] started. At the time, Ford's North American product line included the subcompact [[Ford Pinto|Pinto]] and [[Ford Mustang (second generation)|Mustang II]], and the compact Maverick, but replacements for all of these models would soon be needed. At the same time, Ford of England's [[Ford Cortina|Cortina]] line was in need of refreshing, as was the [[Ford Taunus|Taunus]] model built by Ford of Germany.<ref name="leffingwellbook"/>{{rp|151}}

Changes were also happening at Ford's executive level, as William O. Bourke, ex-chairman of Ford of Europe and one-time managing director of Ford of Australia, was made executive vice president of North American Operations and Robert Alexander, previously with Ford of Europe as vice president in charge of car development, moved to same position in the States.<ref name="magnantebook"/>{{rp|112}}

Hal Sperlich was vice-president of product planning and research at Ford.<ref name="sperlich"/> A proponent of downsizing, Sperlich conceived of a "world car" that could be sold in both Europe and North America as a solution to the needs of the various divisions.<ref name="leffingwellbook"/>{{rp|150, 151}}

Some sources suggest that the "Fox" name was borrowed from the [[Audi 80]], sold in the US and Australia as the "Audi Fox" beginning in May 1973, because Ford's executives considered the 80 their class-leading subcompact competitor, and made it the baseline reference for the new platform.<ref name="henshawbook"/>{{rp|257}}<ref name="magnante1001"/>{{rp|165, 166}} Another reports that Ford used the Fox name in an internal report as early as February 1973, making it less likely to have been borrowed from the German model.<ref name="hemmings-jun2020"/> In December 1973, Ford President [[Lee Iacocca]] formally approved development of the Fox platform.<ref name="farrbook"/>{{rp|96}}

Although the Fairmont would be the first Fox-based car to reach the market, development was guided by an anticipated sport coupe to be based on the new platform.<ref name="farrbook"/>{{rp|99}}

Development started in early 1973 on both a short wheelbase version, to replace the Pinto/Cortina/Taunus lines, and a long-wheelbase version, that would become the Fairmont.<ref name="leffingwellbook"/>{{rp|151}} By 1974, the difficulties faced in meeting the conflicting regulatory requirements in different markets and differing production methods used by the various divisions had killed the world car idea.<ref name="stonebook"/>{{rp|12}} In 1975, North American Automobile Operations took over development of the Fox platform from Sperlich's Product Planning and Research group.

The first running Fox/Fairmont prototype was a modified Cortina with a MacPherson strut and torsion bar front suspension.<ref name="leffingwellbook"/>{{rp|151}}

A 1980 Fairmont station wagon converted to an electric vehicle by Electric Vehicles Associates Inc. and renamed the ''EVA Current Fare Wagon'' was evaluated by the US Department of Energy from March 1980 to November 1981.<ref name="elec1"/>

==Model overview== The Ford Fairmont was launched in August 1977 as a 1978 model.<ref name="stuarts" /> The name was first used by Ford in 1965 for the [[Ford Fairmont (Australia)|Australian Fairmont]], an upscale trim level model of the [[Ford Falcon (XP)]], and had also been used in the South African market in 1969.

===Chassis specifications=== The Fairmont is based on the rear-wheel drive Ford Fox platform, using steel [[Vehicle frame#Unibody|unibody]] construction. The independent front suspension comprised lower lateral arms, [[MacPherson strut]]s, and [[coil springs|helical-wound coil springs]]. In what Ford called a ''modified'' or ''hybrid'' MacPherson strut system, the coil springs were mounted separately from the struts rather than concentrically, being located between the lower arm and front cross-member. A front anti-roll bar was standard equipment. The rear suspension used a [[Beam axle|solid axle]] suspended on coil springs and vertically mounted dampers. The axle was located by four links; two lower trailing arms and two sharply angled upper control arms.

The Fairmont has power-assisted brakes, with 10.0 inch vented front discs and 9.0 x 1.8 inch rear drums. Standard wheels and tires were 14x5.0 and DR78-14 respectively.<ref name="CDsep77" />{{rp|32, 33}} Steering was by a [[Rack and pinion#Steering|rack and pinion]] system with 3.2 turns lock-to-lock.

===Powertrain=== For its entire production run, the standard engine for the Fairmont was a {{cvt|140|cuin|L}} inline-4 (shared with the Pinto). Initially producing 88 hp, following several revisions, output rose to 90 hp by 1983. The 2.3 L engine was initially paired with a 3-speed manual (replaced by a 4-speed in 1979), with a 3-speed automatic offered as an option. For 1980 only,<ref name="RT82" /> a 120 hp turbocharged version of the 2.3 L engine (shared with the Mustang Cobra) was available in Fairmont sedans and coupes. Examples with the turbocharged engine were distinguished by a center-mounted hood "power bulge".

As an option, a {{cvt|200|cuin|L}} inline-6 (shared with the Maverick and [[Ford Granada (North America)|Granada]]) was offered from 1978 to 1983 model years. While offering less horsepower than the 2.3 L inline-4, the 3.3 L inline-6 produced significantly more torque. For 1978, the standard transmission was a 3-speed manual (replaced by a 4-speed for 1979); a 3-speed automatic was offered as an option.

For 1978 to 1981 model years, the Fairmont was offered with two different Windsor V8 engines (shared with mid-size and full-size Ford vehicles). For 1978 and 1979, a 139 hp {{cvt|302|cuin|L|1}} V8 was offered, available with a 4-speed manual transmission for the 1979 model year only. It was replaced by a 115 hp {{cvt|255|cuin|L|1}} V8 for 1980 and 1981. The 255 engine was paired exclusively with a 3-speed automatic transmission.

{{Table alignment}} {| class="wikitable defaultcenter col1left" |- !Engine family !Year(s) !Bore x Stroke !Displacement !Valvetrain !Induction !Carburetion !Horsepower !Torque |- |rowspan=4|[[Ford Pinto engine#Lima|Lima]] Inline-4 |1978–1981 |rowspan=4|{{cvt|96.04|x|79.4|mm|in|2|order=flip}} |rowspan=4|{{cvt|2301|cc|cuin|0|sp=us|order=flip}} |rowspan=4|SOHC |rowspan=3|[[Naturally aspirated engine|Naturally aspirated]] |rowspan=2|2-barrel<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> |88 hp at 4800 rpm<ref name=":0" /> |118 lb-ft at 2800 rpm<ref name=":0" /> |- |1982 |86 hp at 4600 rpm<ref name=":1" /> 92 hp at 4600 rpm<ref name=":2" /> |117 lb-ft at 2600 rpm<ref name=":1" /> 119 lb-ft at 4600 rpm<ref name=":2" /> |- |1983 |1-barrel<ref name=":9"/> |90 hp at 4600 rpm<ref name=":9" /> |122 lb-ft at 2600 rpm<ref name=":9" /> |- |1980 |[[Turbocharger|Turbocharged]] |2-barrel (Draw-through)<ref name=":3" /> |120 hp at 5400 rpm<ref name=":3" /> |145 lb-ft at 3000 rpm<ref name=":3" /> |- |rowspan=2|[[Ford straight-six engine#200|Thriftpower]] Inline-6 |1978–1979 |rowspan=2|{{cvt|93.6|x|79.4|mm|in|2|order=flip}} |rowspan=2|{{cvt|3278|cc|cuin|0|sp=us|order=flip}} |rowspan=2|OHV |rowspan=2|Naturally aspirated |rowspan=2|1-barrel<ref name=":4" /> |85 hp at 3600 rpm<ref name=":4" /> |154 lb-ft at 1600 rpm<ref name=":4" /> |- |1980–1983 |91 hp at 3800 rpm<ref name=":5" /> |160 lb-ft at 1600 rpm<ref name=":5" /> |- | rowspan="3" |[[Ford Windsor engine|Windsor V8]] |1978–1979 |{{cvt|4.00|x|3.00|in|mm|1}} |{{cvt|4942|cc|cuin|0|sp=us|order=flip}} |rowspan=3|OHV |rowspan=3|Naturally aspirated |2-barrel<ref name=":6" /> |139 hp at 3600 rpm<ref name=":6" /> |250 lb-ft at 1600 rpm<ref name=":6" /> |- |1980 |rowspan=2|{{cvt|3.68|x|3.00|in|mm|1}} |rowspan=2|{{cvt|4183|cc|cuin|0|sp=us|order=flip}} |rowspan=2|2-barrel<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" /> |119 hp at 3800 rpm<ref name=":7" /> |194 lb-ft at 2200 rpm<ref name=":7" /> |- |1981 |115 hp at 3400 rpm<ref name=":8" /> |195 lb-ft at 2200 rpm<ref name=":8" /> |}

===Body design=== The Fairmont debuted for 1978 with three body configurations; a two-door sedan, a four-door sedan, and a five-door station wagon. The wagon was available in both base Fairmont and higher Fairmont Squire trims.<ref>https://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/ford/78fairmont/78fairmont.html</ref> Late in the 1978 model year (December 1977), a two-door coupe was introduced; named ''Futura'', the name revived the sporty trim level used for the 1960s Ford Falcon.

The Fairmont Futura was developed from a Fairmont-based Thunderbird design proposal from March 1976.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Soaring Spirit: Thirty-five Years of the Ford Thunderbird|last=Katz|first=John F.|publisher=Automotive Quarterly, Inc.|year=1989|isbn=978-0915038671|location=Kutztown, Pennsylvania|pages=[https://archive.org/details/soaringspiritthi00katz/page/44 44]|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/soaringspiritthi00katz/page/44}}</ref> The Futura was a two-door coupe distinguished by a model-specific roofline that featured a wrapover B-pillar similar to the [[Ford Thunderbird (seventh generation)|1977–1979 Ford Thunderbird]] but without opera windows. The rear fascia was also given its own wrap-around taillamp design. To further differentiate the Futura from the standard Fairmont, the coupe was fitted with the 4-headlight fascia from the Zephyr, and a cross-hatched grille was used in place of the standard eggcrate grille. For the 1980 model year Ford expanded the Futura nameplate to include a four-door sedan and added a Futura station wagon for 1981.

For 1981, the exterior trim was revised with the addition of a slim molding strip along the side exterior panels; convenience equipment was also increased. For 1982, several model revisions were made. Ford moved the Fairmont station wagon to the [[Ford Granada (North America)|Granada]] model line and the Futura trim became the sole trim,<ref name="PMsep81" /> expanding it to the two-door sedan for the first time. Effectively, this standardized the four-headlight front fascia (of the Futura coupe and Mercury Zephyr).

For 1983, Ford introduced an "S" model of the Fairmont Futura as a base trim.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Ford/1983_Ford/1983%20Ford%20Fairmont%20Futura%20Brochure/image8.html|title=1983 Ford Fairmont Futura Brochure|website=www.oldcarbrochures.com|access-date=2019-02-28}}</ref> Sold only as a sedan and only with the 2.3 L engine, the radio and right-hand mirror of the Futura S became options.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Ford/1983_Ford/1983%20Ford%20Fairmont%20Futura%20Brochure/image12.html|title=1983 Ford Fairmont Futura Brochure|website=www.oldcarbrochures.com|access-date=2019-02-28}}</ref>

<gallery widths="200" heights="150"> File:Ford Fairmont wagon.jpg|1978–1980 Ford Fairmont Wagon File:Ford Fairmont Wagon Rear.jpg|1978–1980 Ford Fairmont Wagon File:Ford Fairmont two door sedan (6955847049) (cropped).jpg|1978–1980 Ford Fairmont two-door sedan File:Ford Fairmont two door sedan rear.jpg|1978–1980 Ford Fairmont two-door sedan File:1980 Ford Fairmont Futura side view.jpg|1980 Ford Fairmont Futura 2-Door File:1980 Ford Fairmont Futura rear, Mustang wheels.jpg|1980 Ford Fairmont Futura 2-Door File:1981-83 Ford Fairmont Futura 4-dr sedan, front right.jpg|1981–1983 Ford Fairmont Futura 4-Door with the twin headlight grille </gallery>

==Discontinuation==

During the early 1980s, Ford undertook a major revision of its product ranges. Following the 1981 introduction of the [[Ford Escort (North America)|Ford Escort]], the automaker sought to expand its use of front-wheel drive across the compact and mid-size segment; the rear-wheel drive Fox platform remained in production, used mainly for performance and luxury vehicles (the Mustang, Thunderbird, their Lincoln-Mercury counterparts, but also the [[Ford LTD (Americas)#Fourth|Ford LTD/Mercury Marquis]]).

Released for the 1984 model year, the [[Ford Tempo|Ford Tempo and Mercury Topaz]] replaced the Fairmont/Zephyr. An extended-wheelbase sedan counterpart of the Escort/Lynx, the front-wheel drive Tempo and Topaz followed the Thunderbird in using aerodynamic-influenced exterior styling. As the Fairmont was ending its model cycle in 1983, it became the only Ford model in North America to retain the "FORD" lettering in place of the Ford Blue Oval emblem.

The same one-piece lift-up tailgate designed for the Fairmont wagon was also used on the fourth generation Australian [[Ford Falcon (XD)|XD]], [[Ford Falcon (XE)|XE]] and [[Ford Falcon (XF)|XF]] series Ford Falcon and Fairmont wagons,<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.shannons.com.au/club/news/classic-garage/1979-82-ford-xd-falcon-was-ford-robbed | title=1979–82 Ford XD Falcon: Was Ford Robbed? — Shannons Club | date=2014-03-03 | accessdate=2021-03-26}}</ref> which were produced until 1988.

'''Production Figures:''' {{Table alignment}} {| class="wikitable defaultcenter col1left" |- |+Ford Fairmont Production Figures<ref>{{Cite book |last=Flammang |first=James M. |title=Standard catalog of American cars, 1976–1999 |date=1999 |publisher=Krause Publications |others=Ron Kowalke |isbn=0-87341-755-0 |edition=3rd |location=Iola, WI |oclc=43301709}}</ref> ! !2-door Sedan !Futura Coupe !4-door Sedan !Wagon !Yearly Total |- |'''1978''' |78,776 |116,966 |136,849 |128,390 |'''460,981''' |- |'''1979''' |54,798 |106,065 |133,813 |100,691 |'''395,367''' |- |'''1980''' |45,074 |51,878 |148,424 |77,035 |'''322,411''' |- |'''1981''' |23,066 |24,197 |104,883 |59,154 |'''211,300''' |- |'''1982''' | - |26,073 |101,666 | - |'''127,739''' |- |'''1983''' | - |11,546 |69,287 | - |'''80,833''' |- !Total !201,714 !336,725 !694,922 !365,270 !1,598,631 |} <nowiki>*</nowiki>Futura sedans and Futura wagons are included in the Sedan and Wagon figures

==Mercury Zephyr== {{Hatnote|"Mercury Zephyr" redirects here. Not to be confused with [[Lincoln-Zephyr]], [[Ford Zephyr]], or [[Lincoln MKZ|Lincoln Zephyr]].}} From the 1978 to 1983 model years, the '''Mercury Zephyr''' served as the Mercury counterpart of the Ford Fairmont, replacing the Maverick-based [[Mercury Comet|Comet]]. The third vehicle to use the nameplate within Ford Motor Company, the Mercury Zephyr shares its nameplate with the 1936–1940 [[Lincoln-Zephyr]] and the 1950–1972 [[Ford Zephyr]] (produced by [[Ford of Britain]]). Within the Mercury line, the Zephyr was slotted between the Bobcat (replaced for 1981 by the [[Ford Escort (North America)|Lynx]]) and the [[Mercury Monarch|Monarch]] (replaced for 1981 by the [[Mercury Cougar|Cougar]]).

Sharing the same model range as the Fairmont, the Zephyr was offered as two-door and four-door sedans, a five-door station wagon, and the two-door "Zephyr Z-7" coupe. At its launch, the Zephyr was externally distinguished by the use of four headlights. The exterior was styled with design elements that were adopted by multiple Mercury product lines during the early 1980s (the Lynx, [[Mercury Capri|Capri]], Cougar, and [[Mercury Marquis|Marquis]]), including a waterfall-style grille, horizontally ribbed taillamps, and (non-functional) front fender vents.

The Zephyr was initially offered in standard, ES (a successor to the ESS trim of the Monarch), and Ghia trims, for 1981, both were replaced by GS trim (the equivalent of Futura on non-coupe Fairmonts). In line with other Mercury station wagons, the model line was offered with a Villager option package, including exterior (simulated) woodgrain trim.

At the beginning of the 1980s, the Zephyr was gradually phased out of the Mercury model line. For 1982, both the 4.2-liter V8 option and the station wagon were moved to the more upscale Cougar model line. As Mercury transitioned its model line to front-wheel drive, the Zephyr was replaced by the [[Mercury Topaz]] for the 1984 model year.

Following its use by Mercury, the Zephyr nameplate was briefly reused by Lincoln in 2006. The Lincoln Zephyr mid-size sedan was renamed the [[Lincoln MKZ]] for 2007, commencing the Lincoln "MK" model nomenclature.

<gallery widths=200 heights=145> File:Mercury Zephyr front.jpg|Zephyr two-door sedan File:Mercury Zephyr rear.jpg|Zephyr two-door sedan rear File:78 Mercury Zephyr (13976881089).jpg|1978 Zephyr Z-7 File:78 Mercury Zephyr (14163538405).jpg|1978 Zephyr Z-7 rear File:1978 Mercury Zephyr Villager, rear right (Little Neck).jpg|1978 Zephyr Villager </gallery>

==Variants==

===Ford Durango=== [[File:Ford Durango Side.jpg|thumb|1981 Ford Durango]] {{main|Ford Durango}}

The [[Ford Durango]] was produced by a joint venture between Ford and National Coach Corporation from 1978 to 1981.<ref>{{cite web | title=The Story of the Ford Durango, the Ranchero Successor You Never Knew Existed | date=9 October 2022 | url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-story-of-the-ford-durango-the-ranchero-successor-you-never-knew-existed-200754.html }}</ref> Based heavily on the Fairmont Futura coupe, the Durango was a two-door, two-seat car-based pickup truck that was intended as a possible replacement for the 1977–1979 [[Ford Ranchero]] as well as a competitor to the downsized Chevrolet El Camino/GMC Caballero. Approximately 200 are estimated to have been produced.

===European Sport Option=== The ''European Sport Option'' was an appearance and suspension package offered in 1978 through 1980. It is abbreviated "ES Option" or "ESO". Exterior changes included a black grille, black cowl grille, deluxe bumpers, black window frames, black exterior mirrors, black C-pillar ventilation louvers, bright belt moldings and turbine wheel covers. The interior featured black carpeting, a black three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, black instrument panel with gray engine-turned trim and black or chamois-colored seats. The running gear was modified with stiffer springs, re-valved shocks, and a rear anti-roll bar. The ESO mounted DR78-14 radial tires on 5.5 inch wheels, one half inch wider than stock.<ref name="CDsep77"/>{{rp|32}}<ref name="MTjun78"/>{{rp|33}}

===Police and taxicab packages=== In 1978 Ford also made available specially prepared Fairmonts suitable for use as police cars and taxicabs. Initially the only engines offered for these applications were the 200 cubic inch inline six or the 302 V8.<ref name="police"/> Ford's product literature lists the following special features for both packages:

* Automatic transmission with first-gear lockout * Externally mounted transmission oil cooler * Power brakes * Heavy-duty body construction with extra reinforcements * Heavy-duty suspension package (Police or Taxi), including higher-rate springs, hardened spindles, special shocks and struts * Cooling package with high fin-density radiator * Heavy-duty 14 x 5.5 inch wheels

In later years, the naturally aspirated 2.3 L inline four engine became available as well.

A few turbo, four-door, automatic sedans were used for testing by the California Highway Patrol.<ref name="hcc-aug2014"/>

==Other markets== [[File:Ford Fairmont Wagon -- Front.jpg|thumb|Ford Fairmont Squire (Mexico)]] [[File:Ford Fairmont Wagon -- Rear.jpg|thumb|Ford Fairmont Squire (Mexico)]]

===Mexico=== The Ford Fairmont was introduced in Mexico in late 1977 as a 1978 model, replacing the Ford Maverick that was produced there locally. The Mexican Fairmont was available exclusively with the 5.0 L engine (302) with manual and three-speed automatic transmissions. It was offered as a two- or four-door sedan and a wagon. The Futura coupe with its distinctive Thunderbird-style roofline was never offered in Mexico. Instead there was an uplevel two-door sedan called the '''Fairmont Elite'''. It was distinguished from other Fairmonts by its higher level of equipment and vinyl roof. It used the four headlight grille from the Fairmont Futura along with the Mercury Zephyr's taillamps and rear quarter window louvers.

For 1981, all versions of the Fairmont got four headlights. The regular Fairmont continued to use the Futura grille while the Fairmont Elite used the Mercury Zephyr grille.<ref name="flickr1"/>

For 1982 the Fairmont Elite was renamed the '''Ford Elite II''', and was offered in both two- and four-door sedans. The Elite II used the entire front end and matching rear bumper from the 1982 North American Ford Granada.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ford Elite II of Mexico brochure |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/ifhp97/5191565936 |access-date=April 28, 2026 |website=Flickr}}</ref> The base Fairmont adapted the Mercury Zephyr grille used on the previous Elite.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mexican Ford Fairmonts and Elites |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/aacevedoa67/albums/72157626043247683/ |access-date=April 28, 2026 |website=Flickr}}</ref>

For 1983, the Fairmont received a new 3.8 L [[Ford Essex V6 engine (Canadian)|Essex]] V6 engine which was sold in addition to the existing V8. This was the last year of the Fairmont as it was replaced later by the Ford Topaz which was a hybrid assembly of the Mercury Topaz with a Ford Tempo front end.

===Venezuela=== A version of the Fairmont was manufactured in Venezuela where it was sold initially as such<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ford Fairmont of Venezuela Ad |url=https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcReuX1QJzQ_-HX0xfq-9uBm5xXfsuImx1F_wSu_PGLQa6lfDfSUv-lTnnM&s=10 |access-date=April 28, 2026}}</ref> and later as the Ford Zephyr.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ford Zephyr Coupe of Venezuela brochure |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/ifhp97/34125222391 |access-date=April 28, 2026 |website=Flickr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ford Zephyr of Venezuela brochure |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/ifhp97/34215232186 |access-date=April 28, 2026 |website=Flickr}}</ref> The Ford Futura was also sold as an individual model without Fairmont badging.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ford Futura of Venezuela brochure |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/ifhp97/34098612172 |access-date=April 28, 2026 |website=Flickr}}</ref> {{Clear}}

==Reception== Contemporary reviews were generally favorable, with many commenting on the "European" feel of the car and comparing it to the [[Volvo 200 series]].<ref name="CDsep77"/>{{rp|27}}<ref name="MTjun78" /><ref name="RTjan78" />

The 1978 Fairmont has been called the "most efficient Ford family (sedan) ever built from a space-per-weight perspective."<ref name="magnantebook" />{{rp|112}}

==Motorsports== In 1978 [[Bob Glidden]] campaigned an NHRA Pro Stock Futura powered by a [[Ford 335 engine|Cleveland V8]]. The car won its debut race on 8 July 1978 at the Edgewater Winston Championship Series, where it also set a national record. Additional wins followed at the NHRA Grandnational, U.S. Nationals, Fall Nationals, World Finals and Beech Bend WCS. Glidden won his third national championship title with the car. The Futura was retired at the end of the 1978 season.<ref name="magnantebook"/>

==See also== *[[Ford Fox platform]] {{clear}}

==References== {{Reflist|refs=

<ref name="catalog1">{{cite web |url=http://www.automobile-catalog.com/make/mercury/zephyr_1977/zephyr_1977/1980.html |title=1980 Mercury Zephyr 1977 specifications |access-date=2018-09-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324110439/http://www.automobile-catalog.com/make/mercury/zephyr_1977/zephyr_1977/1980.html |archive-date=24 March 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="catalog2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.automobile-catalog.com/model/ford_usa/fairmont_usa.html|title=Ford (USA) Fairmont data catalogue|website=www.automobile-catalog.com|access-date=2018-06-17}}</ref>

<ref name="CDsep77">{{cite magazine |last=Sherman |first=Don |date=September 1977 |title=Ford Fairmont |magazine=Car and Driver }}</ref>

<ref name="100mil">{{cite web |url=http://www.autonews.com/article/20171114/CCHISTORY/171119882/a-1978-fairmont-futura-heralds-ford-milestone-in-u.s. |title=A 1978 Fairmont Futura heralds Ford milestone in U.S. |last=Phillips |first=David |website=www.autonews.com |date=14 November 2017 }}</ref>

<ref name="elec1">{{cite journal | last1=Dowgialio | first1=Edward J. Jr. |last2=Chapman |first2=Robert D. |date=January 1983 |title=Baseline and verification tests of the electric vehicle associates' current fare station wagon |url=https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/5909044 |journal=Meradcom Report |volume= |issue= |pages= |doi= 10.2172/5909044|osti=5909044 |access-date=|doi-access=free }}</ref>

<ref name="RTjan78">{{cite magazine |author= |date=January 1978 |title=Ford Fairmont |magazine=Road Test |volume=14 |number=1 |page=43}}</ref>

<ref name="MTjun78">{{cite magazine |author= |date=June 1978 |title=A Trio of Super Coupes |magazine=Motor Trend |pages=32, 33}}</ref>

<ref name="magnantebook">{{cite book |last=Magnante |first=Steve |date=15 January 2010 |title=How to Build Altered Wheelbase Cars |publisher=Cartech Inc. |page=112 |isbn=978-1934709269 }}</ref>

<ref name="leffingwellbook">{{cite book |last=Leffingwell |first=Randy |date=4 March 2002 |title=Mustang - The Original Muscle Car |publisher=Motorbooks International |isbn=9781610591003 }}</ref>

<ref name="henshawbook">{{cite book |last=Henshaw |first=Peter |date=2005 |title=Mustang |location=Hertfordshire UK |publisher=Regency House Publishing Ltd. |isbn=1-85361-527-7 }}</ref>

<ref name="epa1">{{cite web|url=https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyNET.exe/9100HIPG.txt?ZyActionD=ZyDocument&Client=EPA&Index=1981%20Thru%201985&Docs=&Query=&Time=&EndTime=&SearchMethod=1&TocRestrict=n&Toc=&TocEntry=&QField=&QFieldYear=&QFieldMonth=&QFieldDay=&UseQField=&IntQFieldOp=0&ExtQFieldOp=0&XmlQuery=&File=D%3A%5CZYFILES%5CINDEX%20DATA%5C81THRU85%5CTXT%5C00000017%5C9100HIPG.txt&User=ANONYMOUS&Password=anonymous&SortMethod=h%7C-&MaximumDocuments=1&FuzzyDegree=0&ImageQuality=r75g8/r75g8/x150y150g16/i425&Display=hpfr&DefSeekPage=x&SearchBack=ZyActionL&Back=ZyActionS&BackDesc=Results%20page&MaximumPages=1&ZyEntry=2 |work=nepis.epa.gov |title=Technical Report: History and Description of the EPA Motor Vehicle Fuel Economy Program |date=September 1982 }}</ref>

<ref name="sperlich">{{cite web|url=https://www.motortrend.com/news/12q1-hal-sperlich-interview/ |title=Hal Sperlich Interview |date=26 January 2016 |work=www.motortrend.com}}</ref>

<ref name="farrbook">{{cite book |last=Farr |first=Donald |date=6 February 2017 |title=Ford Mustang: America's Original Pony Car |publisher=Motorbooks |isbn=9780760352144 }}</ref>

<ref name="magnante1001">{{cite book |last=Magnante |first=Steve |date=15 March 2017 |title=Steve Magnante's 1001 Mustang Facts |publisher=CarTech Inc. |isbn=9781613252727 }}</ref>

<ref name="hemmings-jun2020">{{cite web |url=https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2020/06/26/it-turns-out-fords-fox-body-was-almost-its-first-global-platform |title=It turns out Ford's Fox body was almost its first global platform |last=Glon |first=Ronan |date=26 June 2020 |website=Hemmings |publisher= |access-date= }}</ref>

<ref name="stonebook">{{cite book |last=Stone |first=Matthew L. |date=1998 |title=Mustang 5.0 and 4.6, 1979-1998 |publisher=Motorbooks International |isbn=9781610591089 }}</ref>

<ref name="stuarts">{{Cite web|url=http://stuartscustoms.freeyellow.com/PressPhotos/78Fairmont.jpg|title=Stuart's Ford Fairmont Futura and Mercury Zephyr Z-7 Website {{!}} Factory Press Photos|access-date=2017-04-22|archive-date=2016-04-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401194719/http://stuartscustoms.freeyellow.com/PressPhotos/78Fairmont.jpg|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="PMsep81">{{cite magazine |last=Witzenburg |first=Gary |date=September 1981 |title=The '82 Fords |magazine=Popular Mechanics }}</ref>

<ref name="RT82">{{cite journal |ref=81bg |journal=Road & Track's Road Test Annual & Buyer's Guide 1981 |issue=January–February 1981 |title=1981 Buyer's Guide |editor-first=Tony |editor-last=Hogg |page=98 }}</ref>

<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1978/860975/ford_fairmont_futura_sports_coupe_2_3l_automatic.html|title=Detailed specs review of 1978 Ford Fairmont Futura Sports Coupe 2.3L automatic offered since December 1977 for North America U.S.|website=www.automobile-catalog.com|access-date=2017-12-16}}</ref>

<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1982/862445/ford_fairmont_futura_sports_coupe_2_3l.html|title=Detailed specs review of 1982 Ford Fairmont Futura Sports Coupe 2.3L offered since September 1981 for North America U.S.|website=www.automobile-catalog.com|access-date=2017-12-16}}</ref>

<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1982/862565/ford_fairmont_futura_sports_coupe_2_3l_automatic_ac_opt_.html|title=Detailed specs review of 1982 Ford Fairmont Futura Sports Coupe 2.3L automatic (a/c opt.) offered since September 1981 for North America U.S.|website=www.automobile-catalog.com|access-date=2017-12-16}}</ref>

<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|url=http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1983/862850/ford_fairmont_futura_sports_coupe_2_3l.html|title=Detailed specs review of 1983 Ford Fairmont Futura Sports Coupe 2.3L offered since October 1982 for North America U.S.|website=www.automobile-catalog.com|access-date=2018-09-29}}</ref>

<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1980/861725/ford_fairmont_futura_sports_coupe_2_3l_turbo_automatic.html|title=Detailed specs review of 1980 Ford Fairmont Futura Sports Coupe 2.3L Turbo automatic offered since November 1979 for North America U.S.|website=www.automobile-catalog.com|access-date=2017-12-16}}</ref>

<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1978/860930/ford_fairmont_futura_sports_coupe_3_3l.html|title=Detailed specs review of 1978 Ford Fairmont Futura Sports Coupe 3.3L offered since December 1977 for North America U.S.|website=www.automobile-catalog.com|access-date=2017-12-16}}</ref>

<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1980/861620/ford_fairmont_futura_sports_coupe_3_3l_automatic.html|title=Detailed specs review of 1980 Ford Fairmont Futura Sports Coupe 3.3L automatic offered since October 1979 for North America U.S.|website=www.automobile-catalog.com|access-date=2017-12-16}}</ref>

<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url=http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1978/861005/ford_fairmont_futura_sports_coupe_5_0l_v-8_automatic.html|title=Detailed specs review of 1978 Ford Fairmont Futura Sports Coupe 5.0L V-8 automatic offered since December 1977 for North America U.S.|website=www.automobile-catalog.com|access-date=2017-12-16}}</ref>

<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1980/861665/ford_fairmont_futura_sports_coupe_4_2l_v-8_automatic.html|title=Detailed specs review of 1980 Ford Fairmont Futura Sports Coupe 4.2L V-8 automatic offered since October 1979 for North America U.S.|website=www.automobile-catalog.com|access-date=2017-12-16}}</ref>

<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|url=http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1981/862115/ford_fairmont_futura_sports_coupe_4_2l_v-8_automatic.html|title=Detailed specs review of 1981 Ford Fairmont Futura Sports Coupe 4.2L V-8 automatic offered since October 1980 for North America U.S.|website=www.automobile-catalog.com|access-date=2017-12-16}}</ref>

<ref name="police">{{cite web|url=http://www.policecarwebsite.net/policepackage/fairmont.html |title=Ford Fairmont Police Package |work=www.policecarwebsite.net |access-date=28 September 2018 }}</ref>

<ref name="hcc-aug2014">{{cite magazine |last=Stern |first=Milton |date=August 2014 |title=Detroit Underdogs: Ford's Foxy Fairmont |url=https://porschecarshistory.com/wp-content/old/lib/magazines/HCC/2014/2014-08.pdf |magazine=Hemmings Classic Car |page=72 |location= |publisher= |access-date=}}</ref>

<ref name="flickr1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/hugo90/4188189293|title=1981 Ford Fairmont Elite (Mexico)|date=14 December 2009 |access-date=2018-09-09}}</ref>

}}

==External links== {{Commons category multi|Ford Fairmont (North America)|Mercury Zephyr}} * [https://www.automobile-catalog.com/model/ford_usa/fairmont_usa.html Ford (USA) Fairmont specifications: versions & types] * [https://memolira.com/noticias/ford-fairmont-la-transicion-del-sedan-clasico/ Ford Fairmont: la transición del sedán clásico] {{in lang|es}} {{Ford postwar template}} {{Modern North American Ford vehicles}} {{Ford}} {{Mercury Vehicles}} {{Mercury historic timeline}} {{Mercury Timeline}}

[[Category:Ford vehicles|Fairmont]] [[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]] [[Category:Compact cars]] [[Category:Coupés]] [[Category:Sedans]] [[Category:Station wagons]] [[Category:1980s cars]] [[Category:Motor vehicles manufactured in the United States]] [[Category:Cars introduced in 1978]] [[Category:Cars discontinued in 1983]]