BA Ford Fairlane Spotters Guide

2003-2005 (Fifth generation)

Ford's new attempt to battle Holden came in July 2003 with the BA series. The BA Fairlanes and LTDs were closer to the Falcon in looks, even sharing the tail lights. The 5.0-litre gave way to the larger 5.4-litre Modular V8, already used in the U.S. From this point the LTD was no longer offered with a six-cylinder engine.

To capture younger buyers, the Fairlane G220 (denoting its 220-kilowatt (300 hp) power output at 4,750 rpm and 472 newton metres (348 lb·ft) of torque from 3,250–4,000 rpm) took the place of the Fairlane Sportsman, and featured the larger engine only. The traditional automatic gearbox was replaced by a sequential automatic. The Fairlane Ghia continued as the base model.