The 1980s were a turning point for Ford, with shifting fuel standards, new aerodynamics, and a mix of sporty and practical models that kept buyers guessing. From compact coupes to full-size cruisers, the decade left a varied roster that still interests collectors and weekend drivers alike.
There are 20 1980s Ford Cars, ranging from Capri to Thunderbird. For each model you’ll find below Years in 1980s,Body styles,Engines (L / hp), so you can quickly compare when each ran, what body types were offered, and the engine sizes and outputs you’ll find below.
How did Ford’s lineup change through the 1980s?
Ford moved toward smaller, more fuel-efficient platforms early in the decade, then gradually reintroduced performance variants and turbocharged engines as technology improved; styling shifted to more aerodynamic shapes and greater parts sharing across models, which explains the variety you’ll see in the list below.
Can I still source parts or documentation for these models?
Yes—common parts and service manuals are available through salvage yards, specialty suppliers, brand clubs, and online marketplaces; rare items sometimes require reproduction vendors or donor cars, so check model-specific forums and parts databases mentioned in the entries below.
1980s Ford Cars
| Model | Years in 1980s | Body styles | Engines (L / hp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escort | 1980–1989 | Hatchback;sedan;coupe | 1.1 L / 55 hp;1.3 L / 70 hp;1.6 L / 100 hp |
| Fiesta | 1980–1989 | Hatchback;3-door | 1.0 L / 45 hp;1.1 L / 55 hp;1.6 L / 85 hp |
| Cortina | 1980–1982 | Sedan;estate | 1.3 L / 60 hp;1.6 L /75 hp;2.0 L / 94 hp |
| Sierra | 1982–1989 | Hatchback;estate;saloon | 1.3 L / 60 hp;1.6 L / 75 hp;2.8 L V6 / 150 hp |
| Capri | 1980–1986 | Coupe;convertible (market specific) | 1.3 L / 63 hp;1.6 L / 90 hp;2.8 L V6 / 150 hp |
| Granada | 1980–1989 | Sedan;estate;coupe (market dependent) | 2.0 L / 90 hp;2.3 L / 110 hp;2.8 L V6 / 140 hp |
| Orion | 1983–1989 | Sedan | 1.3 L / 60 hp;1.6 L / 85 hp;1.8 L / 95 hp |
| Scorpio | 1985–1989 | Sedan;estate | 2.0 L / 115 hp;2.9 L V6 / 145 hp;2.4 L diesel / 80 hp |
| Mustang | 1980–1989 | Coupe;convertible | 2.3 L / 88 hp;2.8 L V6 / 140 hp;5.0 L V8 / 225 hp |
| Thunderbird | 1980–1989 | Coupe;convertible;sedan | 2.3 L turbo / 200 hp (Turbo Coupe);2.8 L V6 / 145 hp;4.9 L V8 / 140 hp |
| Fairmont | 1980–1983 | Sedan;wagon;coupe | 2.3 L / 88 hp;4.9 L V8 / 140 hp (early options) |
| Tempo | 1984–1989 | Sedan;coupe;wagon | 2.3 L / 88 hp;2.3 L turbo (market dependent) / 120 hp |
| Taurus | 1986–1989 | Sedan;wagon | 2.5 L V6 / 90–140 hp;3.0 L V6 / 140 hp |
| EXP | 1982–1988 | 2-seat coupe | 1.6 L / 70–90 hp;2.0 L / 90–110 hp |
| Festiva | 1986–1989 | Hatchback | 1.3 L / 63 hp;1.5 L / 85 hp |
| Pinto | 1980 | Coupe;sedan;wagon | 1.6 L / 60–70 hp;2.0 L / 88 hp |
| LTD | 1980–1986 | Sedan;coupe;wagon | 4.9 L V8 / 140–160 hp;5.8 L V8 (rare) / 210 hp |
| LTD Crown Victoria | 1983–1989 | Sedan;station wagon (limited) | 4.9 L V8 / 140–160 hp;5.0 L V8 / 150–200 hp |
| Probe | 1989 | Coupe;liftback | 2.0 L I4 / 130 hp;2.2 L/2.5 L V6 (later models) |
| Sierra Cosworth (as Sierra) | 1986–1989 | Hatchback;saloon (market dependent) | 2.0 L turbo I4 / 204–220 hp |
Images and Descriptions
Escort
Small global Ford best-seller in the 1980s, sold in Europe and North America. Simple, economical cars with many body styles; early U.S. Escorts launched in 1981. Collectible examples include European sport versions and well-preserved early U.S. models.
Fiesta
Subcompact European hatchback and student car through the decade; Mk1/Mk2 models were light, frugal and easy to repair. Early examples are collectible for period charm and city-friendly size.
Cortina
Long-serving British saloon in its final early-80s years, sold across Europe and export markets. Collectible for classic British Ford styling and as a representative of the pre-Sierra era.
Sierra
Modern, aerodynamic mid-size Ford that replaced the Cortina in Europe. Known for its sweeping glass and controversial styling; early and performance models (e.g., RS variants) are sought after by collectors.
Capri
Sporty European coupe aimed at enthusiasts; final-generation Capris in the early-mid ’80s are prized for classic fastback looks and V6 options, especially low-mileage or well-kept examples.
Granada
Executive-sized Ford sold in Europe and, earlier, North America. Comfortable, well-equipped family transport with V6 options; later models bridge classic and modern Ford luxury, drawing interest from enthusiasts of period executive cars.
Orion
Sedan sibling to the Escort sold in Europe from 1983. Marketed as a slightly more upmarket small family car; clean, rust-free early examples are becoming sought for restoration projects.
Scorpio
Flagship European Ford introduced mid-decade (badged Scorpio in many markets). Known for plush interiors and safety focus; early Scorpios are notable as Ford’s 1980s attempt at a premium family executive car.
Mustang
Fox-body Mustang dominated U.S. sports-car culture in the 1980s. Lightweight, affordable and mod-friendly, V8 models—especially late-decade 5.0s—are highly collectible and popular with modifiers and restorers.
Thunderbird
Personal-luxury Ford with several platform changes in the 1980s. The turbocharged Thunderbird Turbo Coupe is particularly notable and collectible for its performance and 1980s styling cues.
Fairmont
Compact/entry-level Ford in North America through 1983, replaced by the Tempo. Fairmonts are affordable period family cars; V8 or rare trim examples draw collector curiosity.
Tempo
Compact replacement for the Fairmont in the U.S., sold through the 1980s. Known for aerodynamic styling and fuel economy; well-preserved models appeal to buyers after simple, economical 1980s transport.
Taurus
Groundbreaking mid-size U.S. Ford introduced in 1986 with aerodynamic styling and strong sales. Early Taureans marked a major design shift and are collectible for their historical significance in Ford’s turnaround.
EXP
Two-seat coupe based on the Escort for North America, aimed at buyers wanting a sporty compact. Quirky and rare today, clean EXPs attract collectors interested in unique ‘80s small coupes.
Festiva
Subcompact sold by Ford (built by Kia) in the U.S. from mid-80s. Extremely economical and inexpensive to maintain; well-preserved early examples are of interest to enthusiasts of quirky economy cars.
Pinto
Long-running subcompact, with 1980 among its final production years in many markets. Historically notable and collectible for some enthusiasts of small American cars, though safety controversies affect desirability.
LTD
Full-size Ford nameplate present in early 1980s America; comfortable family transport and fleet workhorse. Late-model LTDs are collected mainly for nostalgia and restoration by full-size Ford aficionados.
LTD Crown Victoria
From 1983 Ford marketed the Crown Victoria as a luxury trim of the LTD; popular with families and fleets. Desirable today for classic full-size American car collectors, especially low-mileage sedans.
Probe
Sporty coupe developed with Mazda; first model years appeared at the end of the decade in some markets. Notable as a front-wheel-drive Ford halo car; early examples attract buyers interested in late-80s sport compact design.
Sierra Cosworth (as Sierra)
High-performance variants of the Sierra (built with Cosworth) are among the most collectible 1980s Fords in Europe. Although a Sierra variant rather than a separate nameplate, the Cosworth cars are highly prized for racing pedigree and rarity.
