Ford Fairmont - Revision history

Yankee: /* 1978-1983 */

2010-08-26T17:43:53Z

1978-1983

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:43, 26 August 2010
Line 59:		Line 59:
	Drivetrain choices was the standard 88 hp 2.3L (140 cid) I4 that was also used in the [[Ford Pinto\|Pinto]] and [[Ford Mustang\|Mustang]]. Optional were the 85 hp 3.3L (200 cid) I6 and the 130 hp 5.0L (302 cid) V8. The I4 had a 4-speed manual and the I6 had a 3-speed manual as standard, with the 3-speed automatic as an option. V8 models could have the 3-speed automatic or 4-speed manual (most had the automatic). The I6 had a little less hp than the I4, but it had a bit more torque, making it a better all-around choice - but neither one were tire squealers by any sense of the imagination.		Drivetrain choices was the standard 88 hp 2.3L (140 cid) I4 that was also used in the [[Ford Pinto\|Pinto]] and [[Ford Mustang\|Mustang]]. Optional were the 85 hp 3.3L (200 cid) I6 and the 130 hp 5.0L (302 cid) V8. The I4 had a 4-speed manual and the I6 had a 3-speed manual as standard, with the 3-speed automatic as an option. V8 models could have the 3-speed automatic or 4-speed manual (most had the automatic). The I6 had a little less hp than the I4, but it had a bit more torque, making it a better all-around choice - but neither one were tire squealers by any sense of the imagination.

	1979 models carried on with virtually no change, and none were really needed as the Fairmont/Zephyr were instant sales hits, becoming worthy adversaries to the [[GM]] X-body ([[Chevrolet Nova]], et al) and [[Chrysler]] F-body ([[Dodge Aspen]]/[[Plymouth Volare]]) competition. Drivetrain choices were the same as 1978, with the exception of the I6 getting a standard 4-speed manual, replacing the 3-speed. In 1980, the 302 V8 was dropped and smaller 115 hp 4.2L (255 cid) V8 took its place, but the 140 I4 and 200 I6 continued. Ford advertised the 140 hp turbocharged 140 I4, borrowed from the Mustang, as an option for the Futura coupe, but it never actually materialized.		1979 models carried on with virtually no change, and none were really needed as the Fairmont/Zephyr were instant sales hits, becoming worthy adversaries to the [[GM]] X-body ([[Chevrolet Nova]], et al) and [[Chrysler]] F-body ([[Dodge Aspen]]/[[Plymouth Volare]]) competition. Drivetrain choices were the same as 1978, with the exception of the I6 getting a standard 4-speed manual, replacing the 3-speed. In 1980, the 302 V8 was dropped and smaller 115 hp 4.2L (255 cid) V8 took its place, but the 140 I4 and 200 I6 continued. The V8 option was now automatic-only. Ford advertised the 140 hp turbocharged 140 I4, borrowed from the Mustang, as an option for the Futura coupe, but it never actually materialized.

	The biggest news for 1981 was the addition of a Futura sedan, which shared the coupe's quad headlight design but still retained the sedan's bodystyle (it in fact was a virtual Zephyr-lookalike with a different grille). All other bodystyles were the same as before, and the I4 and I6 continued, but the 255 V8 was now reserved for police and taxi models only this year. By now, GM had introduced the front wheel drive X-body ([[Chevrolet Citation]], et al) and Chrysler debuted the all-new front wheel drive K-cars ([[Dodge Aries]]/[[Plymouth Reliant]]), which made the older-style rear drive Fairmont/Zephyr twins looking a bit large and outdated by comparison, but they were nonetheless still holding their own.		The biggest news for 1981 was the addition of a Futura sedan, which shared the coupe's quad headlight design but still retained the sedan's bodystyle (it in fact was a virtual Zephyr-lookalike with a different grille). All other bodystyles were the same as before, and the I4 and I6 continued, but the 255 V8 was now reserved for police and taxi models only this year. By now, GM had introduced the front wheel drive X-body ([[Chevrolet Citation]], et al) and Chrysler debuted the all-new front wheel drive K-cars ([[Dodge Aries]]/[[Plymouth Reliant]]), which made the older-style rear drive Fairmont/Zephyr twins looking a bit large and outdated by comparison, but they were nonetheless still holding their own.

Yankee: /* 1978-1983 */

2010-01-22T22:36:58Z

1978-1983

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:36, 22 January 2010
Line 57:		Line 57:
	The Fairmont debuted to rave reviews from the automotive press and owners alike, who praised the Fairmont's space efficient interior and "boxy" exterior, and European-inspired MacPherson strut chassis design that gave it above-average handling (something almost unheard of for a Ford back in those days). There were 4 different bodystyles available: a 2-door "sedan", a 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon and a 2-door coupe that was called the '''Fairmont Futura''', resurrecting a name that was used as an option package on the [[Ford Falcon\|Falcon]] back in the 1960s. The Fairmont Futura (Mercury's version was called the Zephyr Z-7) featured an unusual two-piece vinyl roof with an upswept central roof band, similar to that on the contemporary Thunderbird. Styling for the Fairmont included dual rectangular headlights with vertical parking lights beside the headlights and large vertically-sectioned taillights, The Futura had a different eggcrate grille with 4 rectangular headlights with the parking lights underneath. The Futura and Z-7 also had their own unique doors, roofline and rear quarters (a concept not unlike the [[Plymouth Duster]] a few years earlier). Upscale Fairmonts were called '''Ghia''', and wagons could have the '''Squire''' option that featured woodgrain side paneling (Mercury's version was called the Zephyr Villager). The Zephyr had quad rectangular headlights on all models, and its taillights were horizontally sectioned.		The Fairmont debuted to rave reviews from the automotive press and owners alike, who praised the Fairmont's space efficient interior and "boxy" exterior, and European-inspired MacPherson strut chassis design that gave it above-average handling (something almost unheard of for a Ford back in those days). There were 4 different bodystyles available: a 2-door "sedan", a 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon and a 2-door coupe that was called the '''Fairmont Futura''', resurrecting a name that was used as an option package on the [[Ford Falcon\|Falcon]] back in the 1960s. The Fairmont Futura (Mercury's version was called the Zephyr Z-7) featured an unusual two-piece vinyl roof with an upswept central roof band, similar to that on the contemporary Thunderbird. Styling for the Fairmont included dual rectangular headlights with vertical parking lights beside the headlights and large vertically-sectioned taillights, The Futura had a different eggcrate grille with 4 rectangular headlights with the parking lights underneath. The Futura and Z-7 also had their own unique doors, roofline and rear quarters (a concept not unlike the [[Plymouth Duster]] a few years earlier). Upscale Fairmonts were called '''Ghia''', and wagons could have the '''Squire''' option that featured woodgrain side paneling (Mercury's version was called the Zephyr Villager). The Zephyr had quad rectangular headlights on all models, and its taillights were horizontally sectioned.

	Drivetrain choices was the standard 88 hp 2.3L (140 cid) I4 that was also used in the [[Ford Pinto\|Pinto]] and [[Ford Mustang\|Mustang]]. Optional were the 85 hp 3.3L (200 cid) I6 and the 130 hp 5.0L (302 cid) V8. The I4 had a 4-speed manual and the I6 had a 3-speed manual as standard, with the 3-speed automatic as an option. ~~All~~ V8 models ~~had~~ the 3-speed automatic ~~transmission~~. The I6 had a little less hp than the I4, but it had a bit more torque, making it a better all-around choice - but neither one were tire squealers by any sense of the imagination.		Drivetrain choices was the standard 88 hp 2.3L (140 cid) I4 that was also used in the [[Ford Pinto\|Pinto]] and [[Ford Mustang\|Mustang]]. Optional were the 85 hp 3.3L (200 cid) I6 and the 130 hp 5.0L (302 cid) V8. The I4 had a 4-speed manual and the I6 had a 3-speed manual as standard, with the 3-speed automatic as an option. V8 models could have the 3-speed automatic or 4-speed manual (most had the automatic). The I6 had a little less hp than the I4, but it had a bit more torque, making it a better all-around choice - but neither one were tire squealers by any sense of the imagination.

	1979 models carried on with virtually no change, and none were really needed as the Fairmont/Zephyr were instant sales hits, becoming worthy adversaries to the [[GM]] X-body ([[Chevrolet Nova]], et al) and [[Chrysler]] F-body ([[Dodge Aspen]]/[[Plymouth Volare]]) competition. Drivetrain choices were the same as 1978, with the exception of the I6 getting a standard 4-speed manual, replacing the 3-speed. In 1980, the 302 V8 was dropped and smaller 115 hp 4.2L (255 cid) V8 took its place, but the 140 I4 and 200 I6 continued. Ford advertised the 140 hp turbocharged 140 I4, borrowed from the Mustang, as an option for the Futura coupe, but it never actually materialized.		1979 models carried on with virtually no change, and none were really needed as the Fairmont/Zephyr were instant sales hits, becoming worthy adversaries to the [[GM]] X-body ([[Chevrolet Nova]], et al) and [[Chrysler]] F-body ([[Dodge Aspen]]/[[Plymouth Volare]]) competition. Drivetrain choices were the same as 1978, with the exception of the I6 getting a standard 4-speed manual, replacing the 3-speed. In 1980, the 302 V8 was dropped and smaller 115 hp 4.2L (255 cid) V8 took its place, but the 140 I4 and 200 I6 continued. Ford advertised the 140 hp turbocharged 140 I4, borrowed from the Mustang, as an option for the Futura coupe, but it never actually materialized.

65.39.85.81: /* 1978-1983 */

2008-12-20T03:20:31Z

1978-1983

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:20, 20 December 2008
Line 63:		Line 63:
	The biggest news for 1981 was the addition of a Futura sedan, which shared the coupe's quad headlight design but still retained the sedan's bodystyle (it in fact was a virtual Zephyr-lookalike with a different grille). All other bodystyles were the same as before, and the I4 and I6 continued, but the 255 V8 was now reserved for police and taxi models only this year. By now, GM had introduced the front wheel drive X-body ([[Chevrolet Citation]], et al) and Chrysler debuted the all-new front wheel drive K-cars ([[Dodge Aries]]/[[Plymouth Reliant]]), which made the older-style rear drive Fairmont/Zephyr twins looking a bit large and outdated by comparison, but they were nonetheless still holding their own.		The biggest news for 1981 was the addition of a Futura sedan, which shared the coupe's quad headlight design but still retained the sedan's bodystyle (it in fact was a virtual Zephyr-lookalike with a different grille). All other bodystyles were the same as before, and the I4 and I6 continued, but the 255 V8 was now reserved for police and taxi models only this year. By now, GM had introduced the front wheel drive X-body ([[Chevrolet Citation]], et al) and Chrysler debuted the all-new front wheel drive K-cars ([[Dodge Aries]]/[[Plymouth Reliant]]), which made the older-style rear drive Fairmont/Zephyr twins looking a bit large and outdated by comparison, but they were nonetheless still holding their own.

	In 1982, the wagon bodystyle was no longer offered in the Fairmont/Zephyr line as it now became a part of the [[Ford Granada]]/[[Mercury Cougar]] line, which had been redesigned onto the Fox platform a year prior. The 2-and 4-door sedan and Futura/Z-7 coupe continued. ~~Only the~~ 4-door Futura ~~and Zephyr sedan bodystyle~~ survived into the 1983 model year, which continued unchanged for their final year. The Fairmont would be replaced by the all-new front wheel drive [[Ford Tempo\|Tempo]] for 1984, which was built on a stretched [[Ford Escort\|Escort]] chassis. The Zephyr would be replaced by the Tempo-twin [[Mercury Topaz]].		In 1982, the wagon bodystyle was no longer offered in the Fairmont/Zephyr line as it now became a part of the [[Ford Granada]]/[[Mercury Cougar]] line, which had been redesigned onto the Fox platform a year prior. The 2-and 4-door sedan and Futura/Z-7 coupe continued. The 2-and 4-door sedan and Futura/Z-7 coupe survived into the 1983 model year, which continued unchanged for their final year. The Fairmont would be replaced by the all-new front wheel drive [[Ford Tempo\|Tempo]] for 1984, which was built on a stretched [[Ford Escort\|Escort]] chassis. The Zephyr would be replaced by the Tempo-twin [[Mercury Topaz]].

	==Main Competitors==		==Main Competitors==

Red marquis at 05:36, 7 July 2007

2007-07-07T05:36:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:36, 7 July 2007
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	{\| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"		{\| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
	\|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"		\|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
	\| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" \| ~~{{{~~Image~~}}}~~		\| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" \| [[Image:1981 ford fairmont 001.jpg\|300px]]
	\|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"		\|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
	! colspan=2 \| '''Ford Fairmont'''		! colspan=2 \| '''Ford Fairmont'''

Yankee at 08:43, 26 May 2007

2007-05-26T08:43:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:43, 26 May 2007
Line 59:		Line 59:
	Drivetrain choices was the standard 88 hp 2.3L (140 cid) I4 that was also used in the [[Ford Pinto\|Pinto]] and [[Ford Mustang\|Mustang]]. Optional were the 85 hp 3.3L (200 cid) I6 and the 130 hp 5.0L (302 cid) V8. The I4 had a 4-speed manual and the I6 had a 3-speed manual as standard, with the 3-speed automatic as an option. All V8 models had the 3-speed automatic transmission. The I6 had a little less hp than the I4, but it had a bit more torque, making it a better all-around choice - but neither one were tire squealers by any sense of the imagination.		Drivetrain choices was the standard 88 hp 2.3L (140 cid) I4 that was also used in the [[Ford Pinto\|Pinto]] and [[Ford Mustang\|Mustang]]. Optional were the 85 hp 3.3L (200 cid) I6 and the 130 hp 5.0L (302 cid) V8. The I4 had a 4-speed manual and the I6 had a 3-speed manual as standard, with the 3-speed automatic as an option. All V8 models had the 3-speed automatic transmission. The I6 had a little less hp than the I4, but it had a bit more torque, making it a better all-around choice - but neither one were tire squealers by any sense of the imagination.

	1979 models carried on with virtually no change, and none were really needed as the Fairmont/Zephyr were instant sales hits, becoming worthy adversaries to the GM X-body ([[Chevrolet Nova]], et al) and Chrysler F-body ([[Dodge Aspen]]/[[Plymouth Volare]]) competition. Drivetrain choices were the same as 1978, with the exception of the I6 getting a standard 4-speed manual, replacing the 3-speed. In 1980, the 302 V8 was dropped and smaller 115 hp 4.2L (255 cid) V8 took its place, but the 140 I4 and 200 I6 continued. Ford advertised the 140 hp turbocharged 140 I4, borrowed from the Mustang, as an option for the Futura coupe, but it never actually materialized.		1979 models carried on with virtually no change, and none were really needed as the Fairmont/Zephyr were instant sales hits, becoming worthy adversaries to the [[GM]] X-body ([[Chevrolet Nova]], et al) and [[Chrysler]] F-body ([[Dodge Aspen]]/[[Plymouth Volare]]) competition. Drivetrain choices were the same as 1978, with the exception of the I6 getting a standard 4-speed manual, replacing the 3-speed. In 1980, the 302 V8 was dropped and smaller 115 hp 4.2L (255 cid) V8 took its place, but the 140 I4 and 200 I6 continued. Ford advertised the 140 hp turbocharged 140 I4, borrowed from the Mustang, as an option for the Futura coupe, but it never actually materialized.

	The biggest news for 1981 was the addition of a Futura sedan, which shared the coupe's quad headlight design but still retained the sedan's bodystyle (it in fact was a virtual Zephyr-lookalike with a different grille). All other bodystyles were the same as before, and the I4 and I6 continued, but the 255 V8 was now reserved for police and taxi models only this year. By now, GM had introduced the front wheel drive X-body ([[Chevrolet Citation]], et al) and Chrysler debuted the all-new front wheel drive K-cars ([[Dodge Aries]]/[[Plymouth Reliant]]), which made the older-style rear drive Fairmont/Zephyr twins looking a bit large and outdated by comparison, but they were nonetheless still holding their own.		The biggest news for 1981 was the addition of a Futura sedan, which shared the coupe's quad headlight design but still retained the sedan's bodystyle (it in fact was a virtual Zephyr-lookalike with a different grille). All other bodystyles were the same as before, and the I4 and I6 continued, but the 255 V8 was now reserved for police and taxi models only this year. By now, GM had introduced the front wheel drive X-body ([[Chevrolet Citation]], et al) and Chrysler debuted the all-new front wheel drive K-cars ([[Dodge Aries]]/[[Plymouth Reliant]]), which made the older-style rear drive Fairmont/Zephyr twins looking a bit large and outdated by comparison, but they were nonetheless still holding their own.

Yankee at 00:51, 26 May 2007

2007-05-26T00:51:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:51, 26 May 2007
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	\|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"		\|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
	! colspan=2 \| '''Ford Fairmont'''		! colspan=2 \| '''Ford Fairmont'''
			\|-
	! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" \| [[Ford Motor Company]]		! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" \| [[Ford Motor Company]]
	\|
	\|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"		\|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
	\| Production		\| Production

Yankee at 00:50, 26 May 2007

2007-05-26T00:50:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:50, 26 May 2007
Line 10:		Line 10:
	\|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"		\|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
	! colspan=2 \| '''Ford Fairmont'''		! colspan=2 \| '''Ford Fairmont'''
	\|-
	! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" \| [[Ford Motor Company]]		! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" \| [[Ford Motor Company]]
	\|		\|

Yankee at 00:49, 26 May 2007

2007-05-26T00:49:44Z

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 Here's a rundown from year to year:
 ==1978-1983==
@@ Line 16: / Line 65: @@
 In 1982, the wagon bodystyle was no longer offered in the Fairmont/Zephyr line as it now became a part of the [[Ford Granada]]/[[Mercury Cougar]] line, which had been redesigned onto the Fox platform a year prior.  The 2-and 4-door sedan and Futura/Z-7 coupe continued.  Only the 4-door Futura and Zephyr sedan bodystyle survived into the 1983 model year, which continued unchanged for their final year.  The Fairmont would be replaced by the all-new front wheel drive [[Ford Tempo|Tempo]] for 1984, which was built on a stretched [[Ford Escort|Escort]] chassis.  The Zephyr would be replaced by the Tempo-twin [[Mercury Topaz]].

Yankee at 00:32, 26 May 2007

2007-05-26T00:32:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:32, 26 May 2007
Line 1:		Line 1:
	The '''[[Ford]] Fairmont''' was introduced in 1978 as a replacement for the humble [[Ford Maverick\|Maverick]], along with its slightly-more-upscale [[Mercury Zephyr]] twin which replaced the [[Mercury Comet]]. The Fairmont (and Zephyr) were the first Ford models to utilize the now-famous rear-drive '''Fox''' platform that spawned several other Ford models, not the least of which were the 1979-2004 [[Ford Mustang\|Mustang]] and 1980-1988 [[Ford Thunderbird Thunderbird]], among many others. The Fairmont would continue on through the 1983 model year with little change until it was replaced by the all-new front wheel drive [[Ford Tempo\|Tempo]].		The '''[[Ford]] Fairmont''' was introduced in 1978 as a replacement for the humble [[Ford Maverick\|Maverick]], along with its slightly-more-upscale [[Mercury Zephyr]] twin which replaced the [[Mercury Comet]]. The Fairmont (and Zephyr) were the first Ford models to utilize the now-famous rear-drive '''Fox''' platform that spawned several other Ford models, not the least of which were the 1979-2004 [[Ford Mustang\|Mustang]] and 1980-1988 [[Ford Thunderbird\|Thunderbird]], among many others. The Fairmont would continue on through the 1983 model year with little change until it was replaced by the all-new front wheel drive [[Ford Tempo\|Tempo]].

	This report covers both the Fairmont and Zephyr, except where noted.		This report covers both the Fairmont and Zephyr, except where noted.

Yankee at 00:32, 26 May 2007

2007-05-26T00:32:03Z

New page

The '''[[Ford]] Fairmont''' was introduced in 1978 as a replacement for the humble [[Ford Maverick|Maverick]], along with its slightly-more-upscale [[Mercury Zephyr]] twin which replaced the [[Mercury Comet]]. The Fairmont (and Zephyr) were the first Ford models to utilize the now-famous rear-drive '''Fox''' platform that spawned several other Ford models, not the least of which were the 1979-2004 [[Ford Mustang|Mustang]] and 1980-1988 [[Ford Thunderbird Thunderbird]], among many others. The Fairmont would continue on through the 1983 model year with little change until it was replaced by the all-new front wheel drive [[Ford Tempo|Tempo]].

This report covers both the Fairmont and Zephyr, except where noted.

Here's a rundown from year to year:

==1978-1983==

The Fairmont debuted to rave reviews from the automotive press and owners alike, who praised the Fairmont's space efficient interior and "boxy" exterior, and European-inspired MacPherson strut chassis design that gave it above-average handling (something almost unheard of for a Ford back in those days). There were 4 different bodystyles available: a 2-door "sedan", a 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon and a 2-door coupe that was called the '''Fairmont Futura''', resurrecting a name that was used as an option package on the [[Ford Falcon|Falcon]] back in the 1960s. The Fairmont Futura (Mercury's version was called the Zephyr Z-7) featured an unusual two-piece vinyl roof with an upswept central roof band, similar to that on the contemporary Thunderbird. Styling for the Fairmont included dual rectangular headlights with vertical parking lights beside the headlights and large vertically-sectioned taillights, The Futura had a different eggcrate grille with 4 rectangular headlights with the parking lights underneath. The Futura and Z-7 also had their own unique doors, roofline and rear quarters (a concept not unlike the [[Plymouth Duster]] a few years earlier). Upscale Fairmonts were called '''Ghia''', and wagons could have the '''Squire''' option that featured woodgrain side paneling (Mercury's version was called the Zephyr Villager). The Zephyr had quad rectangular headlights on all models, and its taillights were horizontally sectioned.

Drivetrain choices was the standard 88 hp 2.3L (140 cid) I4 that was also used in the [[Ford Pinto|Pinto]] and [[Ford Mustang|Mustang]]. Optional were the 85 hp 3.3L (200 cid) I6 and the 130 hp 5.0L (302 cid) V8. The I4 had a 4-speed manual and the I6 had a 3-speed manual as standard, with the 3-speed automatic as an option. All V8 models had the 3-speed automatic transmission. The I6 had a little less hp than the I4, but it had a bit more torque, making it a better all-around choice - but neither one were tire squealers by any sense of the imagination.

1979 models carried on with virtually no change, and none were really needed as the Fairmont/Zephyr were instant sales hits, becoming worthy adversaries to the GM X-body ([[Chevrolet Nova]], et al) and Chrysler F-body ([[Dodge Aspen]]/[[Plymouth Volare]]) competition. Drivetrain choices were the same as 1978, with the exception of the I6 getting a standard 4-speed manual, replacing the 3-speed. In 1980, the 302 V8 was dropped and smaller 115 hp 4.2L (255 cid) V8 took its place, but the 140 I4 and 200 I6 continued. Ford advertised the 140 hp turbocharged 140 I4, borrowed from the Mustang, as an option for the Futura coupe, but it never actually materialized.

The biggest news for 1981 was the addition of a Futura sedan, which shared the coupe's quad headlight design but still retained the sedan's bodystyle (it in fact was a virtual Zephyr-lookalike with a different grille). All other bodystyles were the same as before, and the I4 and I6 continued, but the 255 V8 was now reserved for police and taxi models only this year. By now, GM had introduced the front wheel drive X-body ([[Chevrolet Citation]], et al) and Chrysler debuted the all-new front wheel drive K-cars ([[Dodge Aries]]/[[Plymouth Reliant]]), which made the older-style rear drive Fairmont/Zephyr twins looking a bit large and outdated by comparison, but they were nonetheless still holding their own.

In 1982, the wagon bodystyle was no longer offered in the Fairmont/Zephyr line as it now became a part of the [[Ford Granada]]/[[Mercury Cougar]] line, which had been redesigned onto the Fox platform a year prior. The 2-and 4-door sedan and Futura/Z-7 coupe continued. Only the 4-door Futura and Zephyr sedan bodystyle survived into the 1983 model year, which continued unchanged for their final year. The Fairmont would be replaced by the all-new front wheel drive [[Ford Tempo|Tempo]] for 1984, which was built on a stretched [[Ford Escort|Escort]] chassis. The Zephyr would be replaced by the Tempo-twin [[Mercury Topaz]].