Ford’s 1970s Car Lineup: What Ford Made Around the World

Ford’s 1970s cars included, in the U.S., models such as the Mustang (including Mustang II), Pinto, Maverick, Torino/Gran Torino, LTD/LTD II, Thunderbird, Granada, Fairmont, Fiesta (U.S.-market), Galaxie 500, Custom 500, and Country Squire wagons; in Europe, the Escort, Capri, Cortina, Taunus, Granada/Consul, and Fiesta; in Australia, the Falcon family, Fairlane, LTD, Cortina, Escort, Landau, and early-’70s Capri; and in Latin America, standouts like Brazil’s Corcel/Belina, Maverick, Galaxie/Landau, plus Argentina’s Falcon, Fairlane, and Taunus. Availability varied by market and year, but these nameplates defined Ford’s 1970s passenger-car portfolio amid oil shocks, new emissions rules, and a push toward smaller, more efficient vehicles.

United States: Core Ford-Branded Cars (1970–1979)

Below is a list of the primary Ford cars sold in the U.S. during the 1970s. It focuses on retail nameplates and their general timelines; trims and special editions are noted where they significantly shaped the model’s identity.

• Mustang (1970–1979): Spanned the final years of the first generation (through 1973), the downsized Mustang II (1974–1978), and the debut of the third-generation Fox-body (1979).
• Pinto (1971–1980): Subcompact bestseller that defined Ford’s economy push; later subject to high-profile safety recalls.
• Maverick (1970–1977): Compact successor to the Falcon, positioned below Torino and later Granada.
• Torino/Gran Torino (1970–1976): Mid-size line that evolved into Gran Torino from 1972; replaced by LTD II for 1977.
• LTD (full-size) (1970–1978; downsized 1979): Ford’s flagship full-size; Galaxie 500 name ended in 1974 as the LTD consolidated the line.
• LTD II (1977–1979): Intermediate replacement for Torino/Gran Torino during the downsizing transition.
• Thunderbird (1970–1979): Personal-luxury coupe; big-body era (1972–1976), then downsized to an intermediate (1977–1979).
• Elite (1974–1976): Personal-luxury coupe (1974 as Gran Torino Elite; 1975–1976 as Elite) that foreshadowed the downsized Thunderbird.
• Granada (1975–1982): Compact/mid-size positioned as upscale to replace Maverick.
• Fairmont (1978–1983): First Fox-platform car; efficient, modern replacement for the Maverick/Granada niche.
• Fiesta (U.S. market, 1978–1980): European-built subcompact sold stateside late in the decade.
• Galaxie 500 (to 1974) and Custom 500 (to 1977): Base and mid-range full-size sedans phased out as LTD became the dominant full-size badge.
• Country Squire and other full-size wagons (throughout the decade): Long-running, woodgrain-clad wagons aligned to the full-size line.
• Ranchero (1970–1979): Car-based coupe-utility sold alongside Torino/Gran Torino/LTD II platforms (straddles car and light-truck categories).

Taken together, these models show Ford’s shift from big V8 sedans and personal-luxury coupes toward smaller, more efficient cars (Pinto, Fiesta, Fairmont) as fuel economy and regulations reshaped the market late in the decade.

Europe (Ford of Europe): The Escort-to-Granada Era

Ford of Europe’s 1970s lineup emphasized nimble compacts and practical family cars, with widely sold models and performance variants that made their mark in rallying and touring-car racing.

• Escort Mk1 (1968–1975) and Mk2 (1975–1980): Core small family cars, famous for RS performance variants and rally success.
• Capri Mk1 (1969–1974), Mk2 (1974–1978), Mk3 (1978–1986): The “European Mustang,” a sporty fastback coupe spanning the entire decade.
• Cortina Mk3 (1970–1976), Mk4 (1976–1979), “Mk5”/Cortina 80 (1979–1982): Britain’s family-car staple, mirrored in Germany by the Taunus.
• Taunus TC (1970–1982): Germany’s counterpart to the Cortina, sharing architecture and many components.
• Granada/Consul Mk1 (1972–1977) and Granada Mk2 (1977–1985): Executive-class sedans, estates, and coupes; “Consul” badge used on lower-spec UK models (1972–1975).
• Fiesta Mk1 (1976–1983): Ford of Europe’s modern front-drive supermini; later exported to the U.S. (from 1978 model year).

This European lineup blended practicality (Escort, Cortina/Taunus, Fiesta) with upscale choices (Granada) and accessible sportiness (Capri), helping Ford of Europe thrive despite the decade’s fuel and regulatory challenges.

Australia and New Zealand: Falcons and Big Local Sedans

Ford Australia produced distinct large cars tailored to local tastes and long-distance touring, while also assembling/importing global Ford compacts. New Zealand broadly mirrored Australian offerings.

• Falcon (XY/XA/XB/XC; 1970–1979, with XD arriving late 1979): The cornerstone large sedan/wagon/ute range; performance legends include the GTs.
• Fairmont (1970s): A more luxurious Falcon derivative sold across the decade.
• Fairlane (ZD/ZF/ZG/ZH; roughly 1970–1979): Long-wheelbase luxury sedans above Falcon/Fairmont.
• LTD (P5 1973–1976, P6 1976–1979): Flagship luxury sedans positioned above Fairlane.
• Cortina (TC/TD/TE/TF; 1973–1979 and into early 1980s): Mid-size offering, including six-cylinder local variants.
• Escort (Mk1/Mk2; 1970s): Popular small car, locally assembled in various trims.
• Capri (1969–1972): Early-’70s locally built coupe (ended before mid-decade).
• Landau (1973–1976): Falcon-based personal-luxury coupe with distinctive styling.

Australia and New Zealand emphasized big rear-drive sedans and coupes (Falcon family) while supplementing with European-origin compacts (Escort, Cortina), reflecting local road conditions and preferences.

Latin America: Regional Mainstays and Long-Running Classics

Ford’s Latin American portfolio mixed local developments with adaptations of U.S. and European models, often with long production runs tailored to market needs.

• Brazil: Corcel I (1968–1977) and Corcel II (1978–1986), plus Belina wagon; Maverick (1973–1979); Galaxie 500 and Landau (full-size luxury, 1970s mainstays).
• Argentina: Falcon (continued through the 1970s), Fairlane (1969–1981), Taunus (mid-1970s onward), reflecting a mix of U.S. and European roots.
• Mexico: Sold many U.S.-spec Fords (e.g., Mustang, Maverick, Granada, Fairmont) and later added European-sourced small cars like the Fiesta by the end of the decade.

Across the region, familiar Ford badges often took on distinct local character, with nameplates like Corcel and long-lived Falcons becoming cultural fixtures.

Performance and Motorsport Specials

Even as regulations tightened, Ford kept enthusiast models alive across markets, many created for homologation or to sustain brand excitement.

• Europe: Escort RS1600, RS2000, and Mexico; Capri RS2600/RS3100—icons in rallying and touring cars.
• United States: Early-decade Mustang Boss 351 and Mach 1 (1971–1973), followed by appearance-led Mustang II Cobra II and 1978 King Cobra; Torino Cobra (1970) and Gran Torino Sport catered to muscle/personal-luxury buyers.
• Australia: Falcon GT (notably XY GTHO Phase III in 1971), XA/XB GTs, and the limited XC Cobra (1978) tied to motorsport heritage.
• Brazil: Maverick GT V8 variants added local performance flavor.

These specials maintained Ford’s competitive and enthusiast credibility through an era marked by emissions limits, fuel crises, and insurance pressures.

Why Ford’s 1970s Lineup Looked the Way It Did

The decade forced strategic shifts in design and manufacturing. The points below summarize the main drivers behind Ford’s model changes.

• Oil shocks (1973, 1979) pushed rapid downsizing and efficiency, prompting launches like Fiesta (Europe/U.S.) and Fairmont (U.S.).
• Emissions and safety regulations reshaped engines, performance, and crash protection, influencing weight, power output, and styling.
• Global platform sharing grew: Ford of Europe’s small cars spread globally; the Fox platform (from 1978) underpinned U.S. compacts into the 1980s.
• Consumer tastes shifted toward personal-luxury and well-trimmed compacts, boosting models like Thunderbird (downsized) and Granada.

The result was a more globally coordinated, efficiency-minded lineup that set the stage for Ford’s 1980s platforms and products.

Summary

In the 1970s, Ford’s car lineup stretched from big U.S. sedans and personal-luxury coupes (LTD, Thunderbird, Torino/Gran Torino, Elite) to compacts born of fuel and regulatory pressures (Pinto, Granada, Fairmont, Fiesta). Europe centered on Escort, Cortina/Taunus, Capri, Granada, and Fiesta, while Australia championed the Falcon family alongside Escort/Cortina and distinctive models like Landau. Latin America combined local icons (Corcel, Argentine Falcon) with adapted U.S./European models (Maverick, Granada, Fiesta). Together, these cars illustrate how Ford navigated a turbulent decade and pivoted toward smaller, more efficient, globally aligned vehicles.

What was the small Ford car in 1970?

Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick used to be a small car produced in the 1970s, not a truck by today’s standards. It wasn’t fast and it only lasted 7 years from 1970-1977. But the Maverick name is back and it’s about as far away from a small sedan as possible.

What cars did Ford make in 1975?

In 1975, Ford offered various models including cars like the Granada, Mustang II, Maverick, Pinto, Torino, Thunderbird, and LTD, as well as trucks and vans such as the F-Series pickups (F-100), Bronco, Courier, and Econoline vans. These models covered a range of vehicle types, from sporty coupes to rugged trucks and family vehicles.
 
Here’s a breakdown of some prominent Ford models from 1975:
Cars

• Granada: A popular sedan known for its stylish, mid-70s design. 
• Mustang II: The sporty model of the year, available as a fastback. 
• Maverick: A compact car offered in two- and four-door sedan styles. 
• Pinto: A small vehicle available as a runabout (hatchback), sedan, or wagon. 
• Torino: A model that included the luxury-oriented Gran Torino and Gran Torino Squire variants. 
• Thunderbird: Ford’s personal luxury car. 
• LTD: The standard Ford full-size car, which also saw the introduction of the luxurious LTD Landau and the LTD Brougham models. 

Trucks & Vans 

• F-Series: Ford’s line of pickup trucks, with the F-100 being a prominent model in 1975.
• Bronco: The rugged, wagon-style SUV.
• Courier: Ford’s compact pickup truck.
• Econoline: Available as a van or the van-like Club Wagon.

What brands did Ford discontinue?

Ford to discontinue two popular SUV models, but discounts likely through 2026. Ford will stop producing the Escape and Corsair SUVs at the end of 2025, but anticipates having enough inventory to last through 2026.

What cars did Ford make in the 1970s?

Ford produced a wide range of models in 1970, including popular passenger cars like the Mustang, Maverick, Torino, Thunderbird, and Fairlane. The company also offered trucks and SUVs such as the Bronco, F-Series (including the F100), and Econoline vans. Several models were available in different body styles and trim levels, such as the Mustang Mach 1, Torino Cobra, and various Ranchero and LTD configurations. 
Here is a breakdown of some key 1970 Ford models:
Cars & Coupes

• Mustang: The iconic pony car was offered in various trims, including the performance-oriented Mach 1. 
• Torino: A popular mid-size car available as a coupe, and in performance versions like the Cobra GT. 
• Maverick: A new compact car introduced in 1970. 
• Fairlane: A sedan and coupe model, often featuring the 500 trim. 
• Falcon: Another compact car offered in different versions. 
• Thunderbird: A luxury car known for its styling. 
• Custom: A line of full-size sedans and coupes. 
• Custom 500: A version of the full-size Custom line. 
• Galaxie 500: Another full-size sedan offering. 
• LTD: A line of full-size luxury cars, including the LTD Brougham and Country Squire wagons. 

Trucks & Vans

• Bronco: The first-generation Bronco was introduced for 1970, available as a wagon or pickup. 
• F-Series: Ford’s full-size truck line, including models like the F100. 
• Ranchero: A unique “muscle car” pickup available in various trim levels. 
• Econoline: Ford’s lineup of vans, including the E100, E200, and E300 models.