Jack Brisco
Banned
My folks had a Fairmont. Decent basic transportation, at least until the moved up to the Sierra foothills. Going up the Sonora Grade I always wanted to get out and run ahead.
Indeed. The four especially had little grunt. Owned three Fairmonts altogether. The 1979, then bought a new 1983 Futura when returning from overseas. Also bought a used 78 or 79 for the wife. Good cars. Very easy to change oil, didn't even need to put up on a ramp. Interestingly, the 83's 200 cubic inch six made two fewer horsepower than the four.
In general, very reliable cars. But having carburetors, sometimes they stalled out on the first start in the morning. Traded 83 on a Chevy S-10 Blazer in 86. Fuel-injected engine started when you turned the key.