1980 Ford Fairmont

The 1980 Ford Fairmont is a rear-wheel drive compact car built on the Ford Fox platform, characterized by its unitized body/frame construction. Engine options for this model year include a standard 2.3-liter Lima inline-4 producing 88 horsepower, and a turbocharged version of this engine available for sedans and coupes, delivering 120 horsepower. An optional 3.3-liter inline-6 engine yields 94 horsepower in the Squire wagon, while a new 4.2-liter V8 engine replaces the previous 5.0-liter variant, focusing on improved fuel economy. Transmission choices comprise a 4-speed manual and a 3-speed automatic. The Fairmont is offered in various body styles: a two-door sedan, four-door sedan, two-door coupe (Futura), and a five-door station wagon, including the Squire trim. The suspension system features MacPherson struts at the front and a solid rear axle with coil springs. Notably, the 1980 model introduces the V8 downsizing for enhanced efficiency without significant design changes.