What is a Ford Granada?
The Ford Granada is a European mid-size executive car built by Ford of Europe, produced from the early 1970s to the mid-1990s. It served as Ford's upscale, larger-family car in many markets and was eventually replaced by the Mondeo in the mid-1990s.
Origins and role in Ford's lineup
Developed to sit above the Cortina in Ford's European range, the Granada offered more space and refinement while sharing underpinnings with the Cortina. The name was chosen to evoke a refined, European image, positioning the car as a comfortable and practical option for families and business users alike.
Generations
The Granada underwent three main generations during its European run, each bringing styling updates and new technology while maintaining its size and purpose.
- First generation (c. 1972–1980): Introduced as Ford's larger, more upscale successor to the Cortina, focusing on space and comfort.
- Second generation (c. 1980s): Brought a more modern design and improved aerodynamics, with updated interiors and broader engine options.
- Third generation (mid‑1980s to 1994): Final redesign that modernized the range and paved the way for Ford's next-generation family cars, ultimately leading to Mondeo replacement.
The three generations collectively defined the Granada's presence in European showrooms until the name was phased out in favor of the Mondeo in the early 1990s.
Engines, bodies and features
Throughout its life, the Granada was offered in several engine choices and body styles to suit different buyers, including four-door sedans and estate (station wagon) variants. Depending on the market, petrol and diesel engines were available with manual or automatic transmissions, and some markets offered V6 power for higher-performance versions.
- Body styles: saloon (sedan) and estate (station wagon) versions were common across generations.
- Powertrain options: a range of petrol engines, with occasionally diesel options, and occasional V6 variants in some markets.
- Drivetrain and transmissions: varied by generation and market, with manuals and automatics offered.
These variations reflect Ford's strategy of tailoring the Granada to European customers while maintaining a recognizable model family across markets.
Legacy and current status
In Europe, Ford ultimately replaced the Granada with the Mondeo in the early 1990s, and the Granada name was phased out. In other regions, the car lived on under different branding or for a shorter period, but by the mid‑1990s the Granada had largely disappeared from Ford's European lineup.
Summary
The Ford Granada was Ford of Europe’s mid-size, upscale family car from the 1970s through the early 1990s, conceived as a larger and more refined alternative to the Cortina. It evolved across three generations before being replaced by the Mondeo, and it remains a notable chapter in Ford’s European history for bridging the gap between traditional sedans and the newer, more modern family cars of the era.
Is a Granada a fox body?
The first-generation Ford Granada was based on the aging platform that debuted with the 1960 Falcon, and we have seen this '77, this '79, and this '79 so far in the Junkyard Find series. 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.
Was the Ford Granada a luxury car?
Developed as the original successor for the Ford Maverick, the Granada shares its name with Ford of Europe's flagship sedan. The model line was marketed as a luxury compact vehicle, expanding the segment in the United States.
What are common problems with Granada cars?
Granada often faces fuel delivery problems and ignition timing issues causing stalling and poor performance.
When did they stop making Ford Granada?
The European Ford Granada is an executive car manufactured by Ford Europe from 1972 until 1994.
