AU Ford Fairlane Spotters Guide

1999–2003 (Fifth generation)

Ford introduced its "New Edge" look to the AU series Fairlane in February 1999, with some success, though the EA169 platform was considered a flop, allowing rival Holden to overtake the company in the sales of full-size cars. The AU LTD was released two months later in May.

The AU Fairlane and LTD models were the first long-wheelbase sedans to share a model code with the Falcon. They had Lincoln Town Car styling cues, especially around the C-pillar. The range was pared back to just two models, the Fairlane Ghia and the LTD, although a limited-edition Fairlane Millennium Ghia was also offered in January 2000.[24] The flagship LTD model was exported to Fiji and to its traditional export market, New Zealand. A small number of LTDs were exported to the United Kingdom, where they were converted into hearses and limousines.

A high-performance variant of the AU Fairlane was released in 1999 as the FTE TL50.

Ford brought forward revisions to the Falcon and Fairlane ranges when market acceptance of the new cars proved poor in July 2000. The 2001 model year AU II models featured some improvements, and another limited edition was offered: the 75th Anniversary Ghia in October, with the same engine choices as before. The Sportsman Ghia was revived in March 2001 and lasted for more than one model year this time, remaining in the range to the end of 2002.