What is the fuel economy of the Ford Fairmont?
The Ford Fairmont’s fuel economy varies by engine and year, and there isn’t a single figure that covers all variants. In general, most Fairmonts from its production years delivered fuel economy in the mid-20s miles per gallon (mpg) in combined driving, with manual transmissions often marginally more efficient than automatics. Exact numbers depend on the specific year, engine, and drivetrain.
Produced from 1978 into the early 1980s, the Fairmont was offered primarily with a small four-cylinder, with some markets adding larger inline-six options. This article outlines typical efficiency ranges, what drives those numbers, and how to locate precise EPA ratings for a particular car.
Understanding the Fairmont's mpg profile
The core of the Fairmont lineup used a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with either a manual or automatic transmission. While performance and emissions rules changed across model years, the basic relationship between engine size, gearing, and mpg held steady: smaller, lighter powertrains generally yielded better efficiency, while age, maintenance, and driving style could significantly swing actual mpg. Below are the typical configurations and their expected efficiency bands.
Engine options and typical efficiency
Common configurations and how they typically performed at the pump:
- 2.3-liter inline-four with a manual transmission: usually in the mid-20s mpg combined, with highway figures commonly higher than city driving.
- 2.3-liter inline-four with an automatic transmission: generally a few miles per gallon lower in combined fuel economy compared with the manual version.
- Other engines (rare in U.S.-spec Fairmonts, such as larger inline-sixes in certain markets): tend to show lower fuel economy, typically in roughly the high-teens to mid-20s mpg combined depending on configuration.
Because the Fairmont was produced across several years and markets, exact numbers vary. Real-world results depend on the specific engine, transmission, maintenance history, and how the car was driven.
Maximizing fuel economy in a vintage Fairmont
For owners and restorers aiming to improve efficiency, consider these approaches while recognizing the limitations of vintage technology:
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure and ensure alignment is correct.
- Maintain the engine with regular tune-ups, including spark plugs, ignition timing, and appropriate fuel delivery adjustments for the era’s equipment.
- Lighten the load where possible—minimal cargo and removal of unnecessary accessories can help urban and highway efficiency.
- Use driving techniques that minimize rapid acceleration and heavy braking; steady cruising improves mpg more than aggressive starts.
- Use fresh, appropriate-grade fuel and ensure the emission control systems (as originally equipped) are functioning within spec.
Even with these steps, vintage Fairmonts do not reach the efficiency levels of contemporary compact cars due to older technology and wear. However, mindful maintenance and driving habits can yield modest gains in real-world mpg.
Where to find exact EPA figures for your model year
For precise, year-specific fuel economy, consult the official EPA data. The fueleconomy.gov database allows you to search by model year and engine to retrieve city, highway, and combined mpg estimates as originally tested. This is the best source for definitive numbers on a given Fairmont configuration.
To look up figures, visit the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov site and search for “Ford Fairmont” along with the exact year and engine you’re interested in. This will yield the official MPG figures and the methodology behind them.
Summary
The Ford Fairmont’s mpg varies by year, engine, and transmission, but most configurations from its era sit in the mid-20s mpg in combined driving. Manual transmissions generally offered a slight edge over automatics, while larger engines tended to reduce efficiency. For exact, year-by-year numbers, the best source is the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov database, which provides official city, highway, and combined mpg for each configuration.
What year did Ford stop making the Fairmont?
Ford did plenty of commercials for their new compact coups and sedans leaving the Fairmont. And Zephr to be forgotten to history although the Fairmont. Name would never return the Futura returned in
How many miles per gallon does a Ford Fairmont get?
And the EPA also reports that a Fairmont wagon like our test car, equipped with the same 3.3-liter six and automatic transmission, will cover 20 miles on each gallon. Which means that there isn't a gas-powered wagon sold in the U.S. of A.
Was the Ford Fairmont a good car?
Reception. Contemporary reviews were generally favorable, with many commenting on the "European" feel of the car and comparing it to the Volvo 200 series. The 1978 Fairmont has been called the "most efficient Ford family (sedan) ever built from a space-per-weight perspective."
What is the fuel economy of a 3.6 L V6?
3.6L Pentastar V6 Engine with eTorque. Fuel Efficiency (4X2): 20 mpg city/25 mpg highway.
