Ford Models of the 1970s: A Global Lineup Shaped by a Turbulent Decade

Across the 1970s, Ford’s lineup spanned everything from compacts like the Pinto, Fiesta, and Maverick to muscle and personal-luxury staples such as the Mustang, Torino, Elite, Thunderbird, and LTD—alongside workhorses like the F-Series, Bronco, and Econoline. The exact models varied by region: in the U.S. those names dominated, while Europe leaned on Escort, Cortina, Capri, Granada/Consul, Fiesta, and Transit; Australia centered on the Falcon family, Fairlane, LTD, Cortina, Escort, and Landau; and Latin America featured locally built Falcon, Corcel/Belina, Maverick, and Galaxie/Landau. Below is a detailed, market-by-market view.

United States (1970–1979)

Passenger cars

These were the core U.S.-market Ford cars sold during the 1970s, including compact economy entries, intermediates, full-sizers, personal-luxury coupes, and car-based pickups. Year ranges note U.S. model availability touching the decade.

• Falcon (final U.S. year 1970)
• Fairlane (final U.S. year 1970; intermediate role succeeded by Torino)
• Torino (1970–1976; includes Gran Torino 1972–1976)
• Maverick (1970–1977; compact)
• Pinto (1971–1980; subcompact)
• Mustang (1970–1973) and Mustang II (1974–1978)
• Thunderbird (1970–1979; downsized for 1977)
• LTD (full-size, 1970–1979)
• LTD II (mid-size, 1977–1979)
• Granada (1975–1982; prominent in the late 1970s)
• Elite (1974–1976; personal-luxury coupe—launched as Gran Torino Elite)
• Country Squire (full-size wagon, 1970–1979)
• Custom 500 (full-size/fleet, 1970–1977)
• Fiesta (U.S.-market import, 1978–1980)
• Fairmont (1978–1983; debut in 1978)
• Ranchero (1970–1979; car-based pickup)

Taken together, these nameplates show Ford’s rapid pivot from large, V8-centric offerings to smaller, thriftier cars mid-decade—driven by emissions rules and the fuel crises—while still maintaining full-size and personal-luxury staples.

Trucks and SUVs

Ford’s truck and SUV portfolio in the 1970s solidified the company’s reputation for durable work vehicles and adventurous off-roaders.

• F-Series (F-100, F-150—introduced 1975, F-250, F-350; 1970–1979)
• Bronco (1966–1977 first generation; 1978–1979 full-size second generation)
• Courier (compact pickup, 1972–1982; strong 1970s presence)

These models bridged utility and lifestyle, with the Bronco evolving from a compact trail rig to a full-size SUV by 1978 and the F-150 arriving in 1975 to meet new payload and emissions needs.

Vans

Ford’s vans underpinned family transport, shuttle duty, and commercial use throughout the decade.

• Econoline/Club Wagon (E-Series): 1968–1974 second generation; 1975–1979 third generation

The E-Series redesign for 1975 brought a boxier body, improved packaging, and set the template for decades of Ford van dominance.

Europe (UK and Continental) (1970–1979)

Passenger cars

In Europe, Ford emphasized compact and mid-size cars tailored to local tastes—rear-wheel-drive stalwarts early on, with the front-drive Fiesta arriving mid-decade.

• Escort Mk1 (1968–1975) and Mk2 (1975–1980)
• Cortina Mk3 (1970–1976), Mk4 (1976–1979), Mk5 (1979–1982)
• Capri Mk1 (1969–1974), Mk2 (1974–1978), Mk3 (1978–1986)
• Granada Mk1 (1972–1977) and Consul (1972–1975 base model), Granada Mk2 (1977–1985)
• Taunus TC (1970–1982; Germany and other continental markets)
• Fiesta Mk1 (1976–1983)

These models underscore Ford of Europe’s formula: affordable, rear-drive family cars (Escort, Cortina, Taunus) complemented by stylish coupes (Capri), executive sedans (Granada/Consul), and the forward-looking front-drive Fiesta.

Vans and commercials

Ford’s European light commercial lineup was anchored by the Transit, a staple for trades and delivery fleets.

• Transit Mk1 (1965–1978)
• Transit Mk2 (1978–1986)

The Transit’s 1978 redesign kept it at the center of Europe’s van market as payloads, safety, and operating efficiency gained importance.

Australia (1970–1979)

Passenger cars, utes, and local nameplates

Ford Australia built a distinct lineup around the Falcon platform, supplemented by locally developed luxury variants and imported European models.

• Falcon: XY (1970–1972), XA (1972–1973), XB (1973–1976), XC (1976–1979)—sedans, wagons, utes, panel vans
• Fairmont (upmarket Falcon derivative; throughout the 1970s)
• Fairlane: ZD (1970–1972), ZF (1972–1973), ZG (1973–1976), ZH (1976–1979)
• LTD: P5 (1973–1976), P6 (1976–1979)
• Landau (1973–1976; Australian personal-luxury coupe)
• Cortina: TC (1972–1977), TD (1977–1979), TE (from 1979)
• Escort Mk1/Mk2 (1970s)
• Capri (European-sourced, sold locally in the early–mid 1970s)
• Transit (vans throughout the 1970s)

Australia’s range reflected local preferences for robust, rear-drive family cars and long-distance cruisers, while tapping European compacts for efficiency and motorsport credibility.

Other notable markets (1970–1979)

Latin America and South Africa

Outside the U.S., Europe, and Australia, Ford maintained regional lineups—often blending global platforms with local assembly and adaptations.

• Argentina: Falcon (1962–1991), Taunus (1974–1981)
• Brazil: Galaxie/Landau (1967–1983), Maverick (1973–1979), Corcel (1968–1986) and Belina wagon (1970–1986), F-100 pickups
• South Africa: Cortina (including “bakkie” pickup from 1971), Escort, Granada
• Mexico: Locally assembled versions of U.S.-market models such as Granada, Fairmont, LTD, and F-Series during the 1970s

These markets illustrate how Ford localized global nameplates—sometimes keeping older platforms in production longer or creating unique derivatives to meet regional needs.

Context: What Shaped Ford’s 1970s Lineup

The decade’s economic shocks and regulatory shifts forced Ford to pivot quickly from big V8 sedans to smaller, more efficient cars—while protecting profitable truck and personal-luxury niches.

• Oil crises (1973 and 1979) boosted demand for subcompacts and compacts (Pinto, Fiesta, Maverick, Fairmont).
• Emissions and safety regulations drove downsizing and powertrain changes (Mustang II, 1977 Thunderbird, 1979 full-size downsizing).
• Global platform sharing and imports expanded quickly (Courier from Mazda; Fiesta developed by Ford of Europe, imported to the U.S.).
• Light trucks and vans surged as multipurpose family and fleet vehicles (F-Series, Bronco, Econoline, Transit).

By decade’s end, Ford’s portfolio was more fuel-efficient and internationally harmonized, setting up the front-drive era and global architectures of the 1980s.

Summary

In the 1970s, Ford’s models ranged from U.S. icons—Mustang, Torino, LTD, Thunderbird, F-Series, Bronco, Pinto, Granada, Fairmont—to European mainstays like Escort, Cortina, Capri, Granada/Consul, Fiesta, and Transit, and Australian stalwarts including Falcon, Fairlane, LTD, Landau, Cortina, and Escort. Latin American lineups added region-specific Falcons, Corcel/Belina, Maverick, and Galaxie/Landau. Availability varied by market and year, but together these nameplates capture how Ford navigated a decade defined by fuel shocks, new regulations, and global integration.

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 models did Ford make in 1975?

Select a 1975 Ford Model

• 1975 Bronco.
• 1975 Courier.
• 1975 Custom 500.
• 1975 E100.
• 1975 E150.
• 1975 E250.
• 1975 E350.
• 1975 Elite.

What cars did Ford make in the 70’s?

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. 

What was the Ford lineup in 1973?

Select a 1973 Ford Model

• 1973 Bronco.
• 1973 Courier.
• 1973 Custom 500.
• 1973 E100.
• 1973 E200.
• 1973 E300.
• 1973 F100.
• 1973 F250.