1978 Ford Fairmont 4 door wagon 5.0L V-8

Summary:

Worst car ever owned

Faults:

Power steering pump after 2 days of ownership.

Rear end went out "Differential Failure".

Automatic transmission failed 2x.

Heater core failed with steamy air coming through A/C vents.

Electronic engine module failed, symptoms were car would stop running at speed, like on the freeway; had to put the car in neutral and restart the engine.

General Comments:

This was by far the worst car I have ever owned, purchased brand new, multiple failures in the short 2 year time span I owned it.

It never drove great either, it felt like it was riding on egg shaped tires etc.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 7th September, 2021

7th Sep 2021, 20:30

Two transmissions and a blown rear end in two years tells me it was driven very roughly.

Sorry to say.

8th Sep 2021, 11:45

And yet, a car like this now, V8 wagon, would attract dozens of eager bidders (aka "giddy biddies") on eBay or bringatrailer.com.

Go figure.

8th Sep 2021, 13:41

"It never drove great either"

Can't be any worse than the Volkswagen Beetle that you owned prior.

1978 Ford Fairmont Station Wagon 200 c. i.

Summary:

A bargain, I mean, $750 of initial investment and I still drive it 17 years later?

Faults:

Transmission went out at 80,000 miles, but that was when the car was about 15 years old, not a big deal.

2 water pumps on it over the years.

Alternator went out at 85,000 miles.

Brakes last about 5 years or so.

(The parts guys cringe when I buy the stuff with the lifetime warranty.)

New carburetor at about 90,000 miles.

General Comments:

I bought the car at auction for $750.

That was 17 years ago and it still gets me back and forth to work daily for pennies. Not the prettiest, or fastest, or best handling. But I'll hang onto it till it squats down and refuses to move for the final time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st August, 2002

27th May 2007, 11:26

I've also replaced the water pump, and alternator in mine so reading this was great.

I bought mine in 1996 and still have it today. Great car.

1978 Ford Fairmont 2 door sedan 3.3 inline six

Summary:

Reliable!!!

Faults:

I broke a brake line once in a panic stop. Cost me $16.53 to fix myself (easy).

That's about it..

General Comments:

This car is great, it isn't fast, but it is so reliable!

I change the oil on time every time.

The in-line six is torquey and very smooth. The car drives and rides like new, not only like when it was new, but even compared to new cars I have driven! It even handles well!

This car was WAY ahead of its time!

Well not the engine... but that is why it is so reliable-it is simple!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th June, 2002