1996 Ford Fairmont EF from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Auto transmission oil cooler blew at 135000km.

This car is a pleasure to drive, I would however recommend the V8 for that little bit more, the in-line 6 does not have the required grunt to push this car quickly off the mark. Great car for all purposes!!!

My 96 EF Fairmont blew its tranny oil cooler at 134000kms. Evidenced by transmission oil in the coolant.

Hi, I have a 96 EF II Fairmont Ghia. I've noticed that if you pull the rear seat belts out too far, sometimes they won't retract and that the control arm bushes go at about 160000kms. Other than that, the 4ltr in-line eats 3.8 V6's for supper.

I have a 96 EF2 Fairmont (non-ghia). This car has served me well. However, mine also blew its transmission cooler at 135000 k's. The paint work is fantastic and generally the finish is far superior to any other car of that value (eg VS Acclaim / Berlina). The fuel consumption is excellent. I find that I am getting about 650 km's to a tank of 68 litres. I use the car occassionaly for towing and it is as strong as any other car that I have driven. (To current ford owners considering an upgrade to an EF, I guarantee you that you will be pleased with the performance whilst towing. I previously owned an ED Falcon Futura (6 cyl), but was unhappy towing with it. Towing a 1 tonne boat with the EF appears to be of little concern. I would however suggest that if you are planning to tow regularly, consider replacing the radiator with a larger one. My car has now done about 150 k's, and the brake calipers on the front are about due for an overhaul. Other than that, if you service it regularly, it should go for ever. Just a note to that person who stated that his Ghia eats 3.8's off the mark, can I suggest it is because under your bonnet you have the engine out of the XR6.

That's ridiculous.

The Ford 8's are shocking.

I also own a 96 Series 2 Fairmont. The car is around 6kw less than a Ford standard 8, and the same goes between the Tickford 6's and 8's.

The car is hindered by a safety mechanism integrated within the automatic transmission... which stops you putting enormous amounts of pressure on the 1st gear. That's why as owners of this car will know.. that when you slam your foot from standstill... it doesn't ride 1st gear for long, but then LUNGES into 2nd and picks up an amazing pace.

I'm a Ford chicky and own a Dark Green Sep 96 EfII V8 5.0L Fairmont WAGON, & love it inside & out!

I've done a heap of kms now, 350,000 in fact, but it sounds beautiful, and I always get comments about its great noise! Don't need the radio when it sounds like that LOL.

It's no quarter mile, but with a twin 120L gas tank and 35L petrol got me from Melbourne all the way to Merimbula and BACK! - No BS!!!

Still looks & sounds beasty, and the inside is comfy, and has everything you need.

Heard only 400 Fairmont wagon V8s were made, so would love to know how many are still out there!