Discontinuation
In 1981, a second generation of the Granada was introduced. Sharing the Fox platform with the Fairmont, it was positioned as a premium model while the latter took on a basic, entry-level role. A year later, the station wagon model was moved to the Granada lineup and the Futura name which had originally only been used on 2-door Fairmont models was also applied to 4-door models.
For 1983, in a major shift in the Ford model lineup, the Granada nameplate was discontinued while the car itself underwent a minor facelift and took on the LTD nameplate. 1983 would be the last year for the Fairmont (Futura), still produced as a 2-door notchback sedan, 2-door coupe, and 4-door sedan. It became one of the last Ford vehicles not to carry the iconic Blue Oval logo, which returned on most vehicles in the 1982 model year. As Ford switched to lighter, more aerodynamic cars with front-wheel drive, the Fairmont was replaced by the all-new Tempo for 1984.
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