What car did the Ford Granada replace?
The Ford Granada, a mid-size car produced by Ford from 1975 to 1982, was designed to fill a specific gap in the automotive market during its time. Understanding what the Granada replaced provides insight into Ford's strategic decisions and the evolution of their vehicle lineup.
The Ford Falcon: The Predecessor
The Ford Granada effectively replaced the Ford Falcon in the United States. The Falcon was a compact car that had been in production since 1960 and was known for its affordability and practicality. However, by the mid-1970s, consumer preferences began to shift towards larger, more comfortable vehicles, prompting Ford to develop the Granada.
Reasons for the Transition
Several factors contributed to Ford's decision to replace the Falcon with the Granada:
- Market Demand: The growing demand for mid-size cars during the 1970s led Ford to create a vehicle that catered to this trend.
- Comfort and Features: The Granada was designed with more luxurious features and a focus on passenger comfort, appealing to a broader audience.
- Fuel Efficiency: In response to the oil crisis, the Granada offered better fuel efficiency compared to larger vehicles, making it an attractive option for consumers.
Impact of the Granada
The introduction of the Ford Granada marked a significant shift in Ford's approach to vehicle design and marketing. It not only replaced the Falcon but also set the stage for future models that would continue to evolve in response to consumer needs and market trends.
In conclusion, the Ford Granada replaced the Ford Falcon, reflecting a broader change in the automotive landscape during the 1970s. This transition highlights how manufacturers adapt to shifting consumer preferences and market conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What replaced the Ford Granada?
The Ford Scorpio is an executive car that was produced by Ford Germany from 1985 to 1998. It was the replacement for the European Ford Granada line (although in the UK and Ireland the Scorpio was marketed under the Granada name until 1994). Like its predecessor, the Scorpio was targeted at the executive car market.
Is a Ford Granada a Foxbody?
For the 1981 model year, the Granada moved to the Fox Platform, and very few were sold for the two short years of the Fox Granada.
What is the Lincoln version of the Ford Granada?
The Lincoln Versailles
The Lincoln Versailles is a mid-size luxury car that was marketed by Lincoln from the 1977 to 1980 model years. The first Lincoln introduced outside of the full-size segment, the Versailles is a rebranded version of the Ford Granada and Mercury Monarch.
Why is it called the Foxbody?
Ford made this scruffy 'Stang for eons in car-life terms, from 1979 to 1993. It was named “Fox-body” because it was built on Ford's “fox” platform that underpinned multiple coupes and sedans for decades for Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln.
What was the Mercury version of the Ford Granada?
Mercury Monarch
Mercury Monarch (1975–1980)
Introduced alongside the Ford Granada in 1975, the Mercury Monarch was slotted above the mechanically-similar Mercury Comet. Nearly externally identical to the Granada, the Monarch received its own grille, fascia trim, and interior trim.
Why did Ford stop making the Falcon?
In May 2013, Ford Australia announced the end of local production, which consisted of Falcon and its closely related Territory crossover SUV, by October 2016. This decision was attributable to Ford Motor Company's "One Ford" product development plan introduced in 2008 to rationalise its global range.
What was the difference between a Ford Consul and Granada?
The Consul and Granada were offered as four-door saloons, five-door estates and a two-door fastback coupe (from 1974 in the UK), with the higher-spec Granada including more luxurious fittings, including rev counter, oil pressure gauge, ammeter, rear ventilation control, and a larger centre console.
What was the mercury equivalent of the Ford Granada?
Mercury Monarch
During its production, the North American Ford Granada was also marketed by the Lincoln-Mercury, with the division selling three counterparts of the model line. The first generation was sold as the Mercury Monarch and Lincoln Versailles; the second generation by Mercury as the Mercury Cougar (replacing the Monarch).
What is the difference between the Ford Consul and the Ford Granada?
The Consul and Granada were offered as four-door saloons, five-door estates and a two-door fastback coupe (from 1974 in the UK), with the higher-spec Granada including more luxurious fittings, including rev counter, oil pressure gauge, ammeter, rear ventilation control, and a larger centre console.
Is the Ford Granada the same as the Falcon?
Ford Australia's 1979–1982 XD series Falcon bears a strong visual resemblance to the Granada Mark II, however the only parts common to both cars are the headlamps; the Falcon being a larger car with a significantly longer wheelbase and US-derived engines and chassis architecture.
