In an interview with Ward's Auto, Ford's chief creative officer (CCO?) and VP of design, J Mays explains that the similarities between the concept and the production versions of the Fairlane are profound. So much so, that some employees at FoMoCo can't tell the difference between the two.
The Fairlane seeks to bring an air of luxurious practicality to the people mover segment and considering the amount of growth Ford sees in the CUV segment, hopefully it fill the niche comprised of ex-SUVers and minivan refugees.
As we've already reported, Fairlane badging will not make it to production, instead, a yet-to-be-disclosed name will likely be announced in the next few months. Ford's newer crossover-van thingy will be built at the automaker's plant in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, along with a rebadged Lincoln version.
[Source: Byron Pope/Ward's Auto]
CAR reveals spy shots of McLaren P11 supercar
2010 Chevrolet Camaro priced: LS $22,995, SS $30,995
BREAKING: GM and Chrysler talking about merger
Spy Shots: Nissan 370Z again, with interior shots
2010 Mazda3 unveiled ahead of LA Auto Show
In the Autobog Garage: 2009 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo
Knight Rider: The Liveblog -- Season 1, Episode 3
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3, return of the "hummer"
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Chevy Corvette Z06
Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 9)
JB @ Nov 2nd 2006 8:59AM
I'm glad this is making it to production. The name is Ok for me, Fairlane was used on cars, but it fits the F naming convention (who cares about that really), and hopefully Ford hasn't lost Fairlane trademark status like they did with Futura (see Pep Boys).
But, they will probably use some other name for it that doesn't make sense, time will tell.
Eric B @ Nov 2nd 2006 9:04AM
I hope they keep the concave ridges on the doors; for some reason, those lines make the whole design for me.
Good on Ford for being ahead of the curve on dumping minivans in their current forms. Keep it low to the ground and put a decent engine in it. Big-stroke 4.2 liter V8 anyone??
northstar @ Nov 2nd 2006 9:05AM
"Rebadged Lincoln version"
Yup, Lincoln is now Mercury. And Mercury is more pointless than ever. And that is saying something. Blah.
ron @ Nov 2nd 2006 9:06AM
This is a good move on Ford's part! At this point they need to be a bit daring and build something unlike everyone else. Hopefully they will make the interior flexible enough so it can be used as more than a people hauler. I'm thinking a flat floor with the 2nd and 3rd row seats (if equiped) folded down like my Sable wagon.
Paul @ Nov 2nd 2006 9:07AM
i am guessing no suicide doors will be a big one.
Phil L. @ Nov 2nd 2006 9:16AM
The Fairlane looks like it can be a winner for Ford - but as a current Windstar owner, I have a hard time seeing it as a minivan replacement.
I've been pleased with my 2000 Windstar LX: It's been a competent, reliable (yes, early Windstars were noted for tranny and head gasket issues) hauler for us. No, it doesn't have a Honda/Toyota reputation - but our (used) Windstar was far more affordable. Even used, Odyssey/Sienna were simply out of our price range (3 kids will do that to you).
The Fairlane's third row appears to be an afterthought - but I would need it on a daily basis. With the third row in use, rear storage is pathetic. I can used all three seating rows in the Windstar and still have stroller/cooler space left over in the rear.
One place I suspect the Fairlane won't be able to rank with the minivan crowd: The Windstar/Freestar models are well-noted as decent vehicles for towing small to mid-size trailers (we tow a 2500 pound GVWR popup camper with our Windstar; the combination drives very well, even in fully-loaded-family mode). Yes, people who want non-SUV/truck towing platforms are a niche market - but one that Ford is leaving behind. The Freestar with 4.2l and F-150-related transaxle internals is particularly noteworthy in this area.
Sadly, one can point to a time when Ford had great opportunity in the minivan market - but didn't take it. There was a brief moment in the late 90s when Honda hadn't yet introduced the redesigned Odyssey, Chrysler transaxle horror stories were legendary, and other models simply hadn't found the formula yet. If Ford had quickly moved beyond early reliability problems - and added the second sliding door instead of the stop-gap extra-long driver's door (beating Chrysler to the punch), it could be a different minivan world today.
I understand why Ford is giving up on minivans, and know that few will miss the Windstar/Freestar - but I hope the lessons were learned and will be applied elsewhere.
DC_1 @ Nov 2nd 2006 9:24AM
I must be the only one that thinks this thing is ugly!!
sirAQUAMAN64 @ Nov 2nd 2006 9:27AM
Nope, I think it hideous too. And to me, the only thing that car replace a minivan is... a minivan.
CJ @ Nov 2nd 2006 9:34AM
I doubt the Ford doesnt have a stranglehold on the Fairlane name. Anyone that's been to Dearborn would attest to that. Why they don't want to use it on the production vehicle is another question... probably a decision from the marketing people. Too bad... I like it.
jim @ Nov 2nd 2006 9:37AM
....if it comes half-decent; some leather and a moon roof .. then I'm an Early Adapter. Don't cheap it up with the usual crapo plastic and mouse-fur carpets you put in my Escape!
jim
CrunchyCookie @ Nov 2nd 2006 9:41AM
"Fairlane will look identical to concept"
...and identical to Freestyle in concept.
Piter @ Nov 2nd 2006 9:47AM
Ford is fooling themselves if they think this is a proper Windstar replacement. Its an SUV, anyone can see that except for their marketing people.
This has Pacifica written all over it.
noub @ Nov 2nd 2006 9:48AM
besides this fairlane product, ford should also sale the european ford galaxy.
I know that has been studied here in europe (import the new mondeo, the S-max and the galaxy)
lavardera @ Nov 2nd 2006 9:55AM
I don't get it either - what is the difference between the fairlane, freestyle, and edge vehicles. They all look like squat explorers with different grills and trim?
Scott @ Nov 2nd 2006 10:07AM
14.I don't get it either - what is the difference between the fairlane, freestyle, and edge vehicles. They all look like squat explorers with different grills and trim?
The Fairlane is a 3 row vehicle as is the Freestyle. They have the most overlap out of the three. The Edge is a 2 row vehicle thats smaller and more "sporty" then the two previous vehicles. I'd say the Freestyle might go away once the Fairlane comes out, unless they can differentiate the two more.
The Fairlane will appeal to people who don't want a Minivan, but don't want to give up Minivan convenance. Its also alot more stylish then a minivan and doesn't have any of the stigma that Minivan has
Phil L. @ Nov 2nd 2006 10:28AM
> Its an SUV, anyone can see...
Well - In my book, it's not an SUV just because it looks the part or fits in a particular market segment - it's an SUV only if it can walk the walk.
First place I look: Towing capacity. Yeah, most people seem to use SUVs as cars - but I look at what it can take with it. If you aren't in the 5000+ area, it's not really an SUV.
The Pacifica fails on this point, too.
FWIW, there are many folks (particularly Canadians) who have learned that Windstar/Freestar models can tow well beyond the published 3500 pound limit. Curious? Read:
http://www.rvlifemag.com/file343/hitchhints343.html
http://www.canamrv.ca/content.asp?id=12
laserwizard @ Nov 2nd 2006 10:33AM
I'm not in the market for a vehicle, but I'd buy the "Fairlane" in a heartbeat. I do want a vehicle that is as roomy as a van, has the characteristics of an SUV with seat height and boxiness, but don't want the poor fuel economy. I want to buy American. I also want something different than what is out there. I'd buy a Honda Element but it is wimpy even though I love the room (though I hate the interior) and most of the exterior styling cues. This is precisely the car that bridges the gaps of being just car enough to be nice to ride in, just truck enough to haul stuff, just minivan enough to carry people, and just SUV enough to do it all.
The interior on this vehicle will make or break my actual buying decision. Thankfully, Ford is doing the best job of any domestic manufacturer in this area and I'm sure that this one will be no exception.
Way to go, Ford! That is one bold move redefining the minivan market right out from underneath the Jap's noses and making every other minivan look instantly 1985.
Mike Homeniuk @ Nov 2nd 2006 10:49AM
Isn't this just a Freestyle with squared-up Range Rover/Mini-esque styling cues? Seems like quite a bit of overlap here.
mes @ Nov 2nd 2006 10:52AM
Just plain ugly..... This thing reminds me of the old VW rabit days... Down right uggggggggly...
Matt Newman @ Nov 2nd 2006 11:21AM
You can see the "Fairlane" preproduction models in breif scenes, just go to www.fordboldmoves.comand check out Episode 15. Ford should do well with this one!