Nearly three weeks ago, we told you about a published report that indicated Ford had approved production of its Fairlane concept car as a minivan replacement. Today, Automotive News reported much the same thing, in addition to adding some new details.
According to the report, most aspects of the concept car will be carried over to the production vehicle. The one thing Ford won’t transfer, however, is the Fairlane name. One insider told Automotive News that Ford will “almost for sure” use a new name for the vehicle.
The Fairlane name was previously used for a Ford sedan sold between 1956 and 1971. The name was borrowed from Henry Ford’s Fair Lane estate just outside Dearborn. Many enthusiasts have questioned Ford’s use of the name for the next-generation van.
Ford will also reportedly offer a Lincoln version of the new “three-row crossover.”



07/10, 11:25 AM
posted by:
Renton
This thing looks great. Needs a good name. Fairlane was stupid.
07/10, 11:45 AM
posted by:
Hutton
Agreed. Looks good. Needs a name… What it does NOT need however, is a Lincoln version. Can’t they resist the urge to keep a model unique to one brand? Especially a psuedo-minivan like this.
07/10, 11:46 AM
posted by:
Larry
Needs a name like F7
07/10, 11:47 AM
posted by:
British_rover
I am glad they won’t use the fairlane name. Come up with something original and don’t use an old heritage name that makes no sense.
07/10, 11:47 AM
posted by:
peter
What family friendly F words are left that don’t sound foolish?
07/10, 11:47 AM
posted by:
JD
Fairlane is a good name, just not for that vehicle.
07/10, 11:47 AM
posted by:
Hutton
ehh.. missed some words in there. Meant to say
“Can’t they resist the urge to re-badge everything? Why not keep a model unique to one brand?”
07/10, 12:04 PM
posted by:
Mike
Once again, Ford is going to be late to market.
In toning down the concept to production format, Ford is going to find itself with a near mirror image of the soon-to-be unveiled Dodge Caravan, and especially the Chrysler T&C (hood ribbings and all)
07/10, 12:05 PM
posted by:
LC Brown
The report is in error, it should read, the Fairlane was 1956 not 1966.
07/10, 12:26 PM
posted by:
Matt
I’m wondering if the people posting here are aware of the car with the name Fairlane? Those who don’t like the name can’t argue the fact that these cars were at the top of the game in the early to mid sixties when the horsepower wars were being fought. Yea I agree (being a Fairlane owner myself) that the name doesn’t fit this concept at all. Fairlanes are know as midsized quarter mile drag cars and Nascar race cars using arguably one of the best FE engines made–427 side oiler. So I am very pleased that Ford has decided to change the name. I have to admit though, it got my attention in a hurry as I was anticipating a car (before seeing the actual concept).
07/10, 12:35 PM
posted by:
Niels
THANK YOU Ford. Use Fairlane for a decent revival of the original classic.
07/10, 12:50 PM
posted by:
Mike
Ford is begining to place itself in a precarius position with the Retro thing…
Mustang, GT, Bronco, Fairlane…
The future does not lead back to the late 1960’s. The sooner they realize this, the better things will be. It is OK for a throwback here and there… not the entire lineup though.
07/10, 1:14 PM
posted by:
Atomicbri
Good thing Ford will not use this name. Made no sense to me since the Fairlane was a sedan. But a Lincoln version? Guess Ford still can’t resist the old badge engineering,
07/10, 2:50 PM
posted by:
James
Thank god they didn’t pi$$ on that name, the auto makers need to understand if they are going to resuse a name that has so much history and nostalga they have to do the previous car justis.
think they have learned? I bet not. I have faith the pi$$ing will continue
07/10, 3:58 PM
posted by:
Anonymous
How about Ford “Fahgetaboutit” and buy a Saturn Relay?
07/10, 5:19 PM
posted by:
Anonymous is 40 and lives with his mommie!!
LOL, ohhh Anonymous….. All GM minivans sales are tanking as we speak. You know, they have poor doors realiblity cuz they are based on 8 years old platform. Same old GM way!! Nobody wants to drive a GM minivan with long nose and doors that dont close properly, LOSER!!
I just love it when GM is going down!! Hope Nissan folds GM!!!
Go back and cry on ur mommie’s shoulder, ass-wipe moron Anonymous!!
Sell your 1985 Chevy pickup and drive a new Mercury Milan.
07/10, 5:36 PM
posted by:
Anonymous
I take the taped-on badges off anyway. This might be interesting enough to consider a Ford.
j i m
07/10, 7:48 PM
posted by:
The Stig
Good move Ford.
Now if they can just hire Jill Wagner to replace Mark Fields we’d all be asthetically satisfied.
07/10, 10:46 PM
posted by:
Anonymous
I am very glad they aren’t using the Fairlane name and it’s awesome to see this great new product. That said, they need a good name. Ford SUVs usually have E names, but I can’t think of a good one, so how about Country Squire II? What? No Good?
07/10, 11:18 PM
posted by:
Lucas
I’m glad Ford can hear what people have to say. As for names how about the Ford Lunch Boxster or the Ford Short Bus. I’ll take one in yellow with a flip out stop sign
because this trend of little square SUVs is retarded.
07/11, 8:36 AM
posted by:
Atomicbri
Call it the Fairfield…. Sounds like some kind of country club crap Ford might be aiming for…
07/11, 9:42 AM
posted by:
GMrules
GM will be Fords replacment in a few years once Ford goes out of business
07/11, 12:54 PM
posted by:
E
Looks like a Range Rover to me.
07/11, 2:38 PM
posted by:
v2
#23, sure does.
I could never understand the theory of Lincoln-izing their trucks…No it’s not an Explorer it’s better…it’s an Aviator….No it’s not an Expedition, it’s BETTER, it’s a Navigator. Paying $15K more for an asthetic package if farkin idiotic.
Some people just love to get rid of cash.
They can call this the “FUC-O” Ford Utility Cross-Over
07/11, 11:02 PM
posted by:
V'duv Kux Klan
Ford has always built ****, i dont care the name as far as i know it will be a pice of **** as all the american cars, buy an Odissey or a Sienna
07/12, 9:14 AM
posted by:
Anonymous
Saturn Relay all the way. Odyssey and Sienna are cheap imitations, and are nor American GM products so they shouldn’t even exist
07/12, 4:26 PM
posted by:
Darren
how about make a contest for people suggest the name win this new crossover, but I wonder what name ford decide since its edge is chosen, maybe edgestar/bronco, but really like as a clone from its own company range rover.
07/14, 12:35 AM
posted by:
V'duv Kux Klan
lol not imitations in Toyota or Honda, the one that is rebadging its cars is GM getoever your asian trauma