1990 Ford Fairlane NA review from Australia and New Zealand
"Parts are hard to find, but with work and patience these cars can be made into quite useful things"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Power steering switch failed - makes parking a squealing nightmare. Rack needs replacing ($6-700 or so I'm told...).
Radio antenna motor blown.
Electric windows are slow - left rear goes down. And refuses to go up without assistance.
Cruise control switches need persuasion to work properly, if at all'
Transmission hunts, shunts, bumps and clunks, but usually goes in the desired direction.
Self-leveling rear suspension completely failed - soon to be solved with after market springs. Also a suspicious clunk from left rear suspension under braking, cause as yet unknown.
Boot lock broken - only way to open is via the cabin remote.
General comments?
If mechanically sound this is a consummate cruising car. Acres of interior room and enough room in the boot to have a picnic.
Upgrading the stock radio/cassette stereo is a MUST. If you have a sub-woofer (or two) some acoustic matting/sound deadener is suggested as the large rear quarter panels tend to resonate. A lot.
Some wind noise from the top of the a-pillars, but I can't think of how to curb it.
A recent trip of 1500kms on just over two full tanks is not bad economy from the old girl.
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1990 |
| First year of ownership | 2006 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.0L Inline 6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 6/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 382000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 399000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 21st August, 2007 |