Ford Fairlane 2002 Problems

The Ford Fairlane and LTD are luxurious long-wheelbase versions of the Falcon that provide stretch out legroom in the back. They offer excellent value for money for those wanting to transport four adults, or perhaps two adults and a pair of hulking teenagers.They are better suited to four occupants than five because the centre-rear seat’s foot-space is compromised by the transmission tunnel. As all the extra wheelbase has gone into the rear passenger area the boot space is about the same as that of the Falcon. The boot is large, but on the shallow side.Once upon a time Fairlane and LTD had completely different external styling to the Falcon so people didn’t realise where they came from. This lifted them in the prestige stakes and made them big sellers for many years.However, from the launch of the BA models in July 2003, the elongated Fords looked almost identical to Falcons. Potential buyers hated this and many switched to long-wheelbase Holdens instead. Buyers stayed away in droves and the big Aussie Fords tumbled from their position as kings of the market and were discontinued at the end of 2007.Quite a few were in stock as new cars well into 2008 and may be passed off as 2008 models, this isn’t accurate as it’s the year of build that dictates a car’s age, not the date of first registration. Ride comfort is excellent and the big Fords come into their own on rough and ready Aussie country roads.These Aussie machines can show the big name European cars how to soak up harsh road surfaces with a minimum of fuss. Though they are very large cars the limo-like Fords are reasonably easy to drive. They can be out of place on inner city streets and in tight carparks so try that sort of area as part of your personal road test.Sixes and V8 engines are offered in both models with the V8 being the more common in the LTD and the six in the Fairlane. The six-cylinder powerplant is often the better choice unless you are a revhead as it has been significantly upgraded over the years and doesn’t lag all that far behind the V8. Expect a six-cylinder Fairlane or LTD to use about 10 to 15 percent less petrol in the six than a V8.Many drivers just love the lazy, easy-going travel only a V8 provides. The big V8 engine scores in its heavy towing ability, though the six isn't as far behind as you might expect. Engine capacity on the six-cylinder is 4.0 litres, with the engine being revised many times over the years. The V8 had a capacity of 5.0 litres until the launch of the BA series in 2003, when an all-new design went up to 5.4 litres.The newer engine is far superior to its predecessor, in performance, economy and emission levels. A four-speed automatic transmission was used in Fairlanes and LTDs until the BF facelift of 2005 introduced a six-speed unit. The latter is a far better design and combines good off-the-line acceleration with a lazy, mile-eating high-ratio sixth gear.Fuel consumption is markedly lower with the six-speed unit on country trips and on motorways. Many LTDs began their lives as government, fleet or hire cars and will have generally led an easy life in their early years, having been serviced by the book and cared for by professional drivers who took pride in driving them.On the other hand quite a few Fairlanes will have been taxis in their earlier years so may have done a lot of work. The big Fords are relatively easy for an amateur mechanic to work on, though some of the luxury extras are complex so will require a professional operator. Spare parts are very reasonable in price and there are dealers in virtually all areas of Australia, no matter how remote.Insurance costs are low, very low if you compare the local Ford long-wheelbase limos with the upmarket stretched variants from the German marques. We have seen some Fairlanes dressed up to look like LTDs, particularly in the older models, and carrying LTD price tags. If you are in doubt get in touch with your Ford dealer and quote the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) for a confirmation.WHAT TO LOOK FOREarlier Fairlanes and LTDs weren't as well-built as they should have been. Check for parts that don't fit correctly, or rattle and squeak on bumpy roads. Later cars are better, but can still have had a hard life. Don’t forget to check the rear seat area as carefully as you do the front. These cars generally get a fair bit of use back there. All the more so if a Fairlane or LTD has been a taxi at one stage in its career.Check the body for signs of rust, these days this is only likely to be present if previous crash damage repair hasn’t been done correctly. Engines should start within a couple of seconds even when cold and should have a smooth idle straight away.Look for smoke from the exhaust, this will be at its most obvious when the accelerator is floored quickly, and feel for any hesitation under acceleration. Make sure the automatic transmission isn't hesitant about going into gear from Park or Neutral and doesn't make unnecessary changes.Listen for a whine from the differential at moderate urban speeds and when cruising at about 100 km/h to 120 km/h on the open road. It’s usually most obvious when you lift gently on and off the throttle a few timesCAR BUYING TIPBig cars are dirt cheap these days due to their high fuel consumption, but often the low purchase will more than compensate for the extra fuel you need to buy. 

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the used 1997 - 2007 Ford Fairline and LTD.

The Fairlane is no longer at the top of the luxury car pile, but the nameplate that once defined local prestige motoring is still a revered one with many local prestige buyers. When Ford first introduced the Fairlane back in 1959 it stood out like a shining beacon of luxury in a market starved of prestige models. The Fairlane was the car most aspired to own, it was a shining symbol of success.In the years that have passed the Fairlane has lost much of its lustre, having been swamped by imported models seen to offer more prestige than the Falcon-bred Ford, but it still has a special place in the local market.MODEL WATCHThe Fairlane concept as we know it today was introduced in 1967 with the launch of the first locally designed model. It was a simple idea, but a brilliant piece of marketing.It was simple in that it was spun off the Falcon making use of the same mechanical package and much of the front-end sheet metal, but with the wheelbase and boot lengthened to create a larger sedan with heaps of rear legroom and a cavernous boot.The brilliance was that for such a small change Ford could offer a desirable model for those who wanted to step up from the Falcon.Ford followed the same simple concept when it launched the AU in 1999. Like its forebears it was spun off the Falcon, in this case the much maligned AU.If the AU was canned for its perceived ugliness, the Fairlane was a much better looking car. The down in the mouth front of the Falcon was much the same in the Fairlane, but with a neat styling makeover it took on a classier look.If the front was little changed the rear of the Fairlane was completely changed from its smaller sibling, and much the better for it. Where the Falcon sagged at the extremities the Fairlane sat high and handsome. It was a much better looking car than the Falcon.Inside there was the usual rear legroom associated with the Fairlane, the boot was enormous, and it boasted every feature Ford offered on its option list.The Fairlane Ghia, as it was badged, could be ordered with the 4.0-litre single overhead camshaft six-cylinder VCT variable cam timing engine which boasted 168 kW and 370 Nm, or the smooth 5.0-litre overhead valve V8 with 175 kW and 395 Nm. Both came with an electronic four-speed automatic transmission with a floor shift.Underneath the extended skin the Fairlane had independent suspension both front and rear, the double wishbone rear set-up a marked improvement over the compromise set-up under Holden’s Statesman.Brakes were disc front and rear, with ABS and traction control standard fitment.The Fairlane is often sought for its towing ability. In standard form it was rated to tow 1600 kg, but could be fitted with a towing pack that pushed that up to 2300 kg.Inside the Ghia had standard leather trim, six-way power driver’s seat, air-conditioning, dual front airbags and a premium sound system with CD player.Ford released the AUII upgrade in 2000 with a laminated firewall and hydraulic engine mounts for a quieter ride and improved brakes.IN THE SHOPContinuous development over many years has seen the Falcon and Fairlane evolve into sturdy cars that generally don’t have a lot of faults, at least major ones.Mechanics report few problems with the AU, there doesn’t appear to be the same issue with cylinder head gasket failure as there was in earlier models. A design revision on AU has cleaned up the problem pretty well, although further improvements to the head gasket in the BA would tend to suggest that Ford didn’t think the problems were completely solved in AU.Brake wear is a problem with the Falcon and Fairlane, look for regular pad changes and disc machining. The problems were reduced with the AUII upgraded brakes.Build quality has been a lingering problem with the Falcon and Fairlane over the years, and Ford made a serious attempt to put those problems behind it with the BA. That doesn’t matter to anyone with an earlier AU and the problems that seem to pop up with the AU are more than likely due to production problems than basic design flaws.With today’s fuel price concerns it should be remembered that the Fairlane is a large lump of a car, weighing almost 1700 kg so it will consume fuel at a high rate. Ford’s quoted fuel consumption was as high as 14.0 L/100 km around town for the V8 so it would be worth considering LPG to save money.IN A CRASHCompetent suspension design along with four-wheel discs, standard ABS and traction control give the AU Fairlane the dynamics to avoid a collision in the first place, but should the situation get to the point a crash is not avoidable the Fairlane’s strong body and dual front airbags come into play.OWNERS SAYPaul Karwacki owns a 2001 AUIII Fairlane sportsman which has clicked over 80,000 km. Apart from a leaking power steering high pressure line and pump he says it has been good reliable transport. He adds that the Fairlane may not be as refined as the Statesman equivalent, but it makes up for it with better on road dynamics largely due to its more sophisticated and robust suspension componentry. In six-cylinder guise he says it out-points both V6 engine options in the Statesman offering greater refinement and just as much power as the supercharged unit. The Fairlane, especially the AU II models with better brakes, is underrated which makes it excellent value. The looks may not appeal to everyone, but he reckons they look great lowered with a nice set of mags off an XR6, XR8 or T series car. He chose this model because on paper the driveline and suspension set-up is superior to that of the Holden equivalents.LOOK FOR• stately styling• ability to tow• enormous boot• heaps of rear leg room• high level of equipment• generally reliable engines and transmissions• high fuel consumptionTHE BOTTOM LINEIf you value cars on a metal for money basis there’s lots of value in the Fairlane, but expect to pay for it at the pump.RATING60/100

The Fairlane no longer holds the place it once did atop the luxury-car pile, but many buyers still revere the nameplate that once defined local prestige motoring.MODEL WATCHThe Fairlane concept as we know it today was introduced in 1967 with the launch of the first locally-designed model. It spun off the Falcon, making use of the same mechanical package and much of the front-end sheet metal, but with the wheelbase and boot lengthened to create a larger sedan with heaps of rear legroom and a cavernous boot.Ford followed the same simple concept when it launched the AU in 1999. But while the AU was canned for its perceived ugliness, the Fairlane was a better-looking car. The down-in-the-mouth front of the Falcon was much the same in the Fairlane, but, with a neat styling makeover, took on a classier look.If the front was little changed, the rear of the Fairlane was completely changed from its smaller sibling and much the better for it. Where the Falcon sagged at the extremities, the Fairlane sat high and handsome.The Fairlane Ghia, as it was badged, could be ordered with the 4.0-litre single overhead camshaft six-cylinder VCT variable-cam timing engine, which boasted 168kW and 370Nm, or the smooth 5.0-litre overhead-valve V8 with 175kW and 395Nm. Both came with an electronic four-speed automatic transmission with a floor shift.Underneath the extended skin, the Fairlane had independent suspension front and rear, the double wishbone rear set-up a marked improvement over the compromise set-up under Holden's Statesman.Brakes were disc front and rear, with ABS and traction control standard fitment.  Inside, the Ghia has leather trim, six-way power driver's seat, airconditioning, dual airbags and a sound system with CD player.OWNER'S VIEWPaul Karwacki owns a 2001 AUIII Fairlane sportsman that's clicked over 80,000km. Apart from a leaking power-steering high-pressure line and pump, he says it's been reliable.IN THE SHOPMechanics report few problems with the AU -- there doesn't appear to be the issue with cylinder-head-gasket failure as in earlier models. A design revision has cleaned up the problem, although further improvements to the head gasket in the BA tend to suggest Ford didn't think the problems were completely solved in the AU.Brake wear is a problem with the Falcon and Fairlane, so look for regular pad changes and disc machining. The problems were reduced with the AUII upgraded brakes.Build quality has been a problem with the Falcon and Fairlane, and Ford made a serious attempt to solve it with the BA. That doesn't matter to anyone with an earlier AU, and the problems with the AU are more likely due to production issues than design flaws.The Fairlane weighs almost 1700kg, so will consume lots of fuel. Ford's fuel consumption was as high as 14 litres/100km around town for the V8, so it would be worth considering LPG.CRUNCH TIMECompetent suspension design, along with four-wheel discs, standard ABS and traction control, give the AU Fairlane the dynamics to avoid a collision, but should a crash be unavoidable, its strong body and dual front airbags come into play.RATING12/20 There's a lot of value in the Fairlane, but expect to pay for it at the pump.Generally reliable engines and transmissionsAbility to towHeaps of rear leg roomHigh fuel consumptionBrake wear is a problemHigh level of equipmentEnormous boot