FORD'S Fairmont Ghia missed out on much of the styling rework that went into the AUII series Falcons, but it is nevertheless an improved upmarket Falcon in just about every way. It is quieter than ever, its all-independent suspension is smoother riding if a little less precise in handling, and it is safer and cheaper to operate with Ford's 60,000km free-servicing package. The V8 option makes for a very smooth, plush top-of-the-line Falcon, even though the extra fuel usage does take some of the edge off the car's political correctness.

Ford Fairmont Ghia EL
Released: Sept 1996
Ended: August 1998
Family Tree: FalconThe Fairmont Ghia ran in EL form from September 1996 until its AU replacement in September 1998. Some would argue the EA series, that eventually became the EL, was better looking than the AU. This model was available either with the 4.0-litre 168kW 6-cylinder, or the 175kW 5.0-litre V8.
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