Ford P100: pickup and light commercial vehicle — versions and what to check
Ford P100 — Ford's pickup, built on the Cortina and later Sierra platform. Here, we look at the 1982–1993 models, engines, and what to check when buying. It's rare in Lithuania, so we cover the general points.
P100 in brief
The P100 was a practical workhorse pickup, derived from a passenger car. It has a car-like cab but an open cargo bed, making it ideal for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
During this period, the pickup had several versions and body styles, so before buying, check which version interests you.
Generations — what's the difference
The early P100 (1982–1987) was based on the Ford Cortina: boxy, simple, and built to last. It's considered the classic workhorse pickup style.
The later P100 (1988–1993) was derived from the Ford Sierra: more modern looks, better ride comfort, and different tech. These are more commonly seen today.
Engines and gearboxes
Engines were petrol and diesel: the main petrol options were 1.6 and 2.0 litres, with a diesel version. Power was modest, but depending on the load, it was sufficient.
Most vehicles have a manual gearbox. The cargo capacity was around one tonne, so the P100 was great for farm work.
What to check when buying a P100
Most importantly — corrosion. Check the cargo bed, floor, sills, and suspension mounting points, as pickups are often heavily used.
Check the suspension and springs — they wear out faster due to loads. Inspect the engine oil leaks and underbody, and ensure the car hasn't been modified.
Finding parts is easy through enthusiast clubs, as the P100 shared many components with the Cortina and Sierra.
Trim levels
P100 names weren't divided into trim levels — body and engine variants differed.
P100 (Cortina pagrindu)
1982–1987A boxy, straightforward pickup with classic tech.
- Petrol 1.6 or 2.0-litre engine
- Rear-wheel drive
- Load bed with a tailgate
P100 (Sierra pagrindu)
1988–1993A more modern version with a new look.
- Petrol engine
- More often — diesel
- Improved ride comfort
Comparing P100 versions
| Cortina pagrindu | Sierra pagrindu (benzinas) | Sierra pagrindu (dyzelis) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who's it for? | For classic car enthusiasts | For everyday use | For economical work |
| Engine | Petrol, 1.6–2.0 l | Petrol, 1.6–2.0 l | Diesel |
| Comfort | Basic | Better | Better |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | €€ | €€ | €€ |
Most buyers will find the Sierra-based P100 in good condition. Opt for the Cortina version if you're after classic style.
Pros
- A practical pickup for loads
- Simple and cheap to maintain
- Availability of parts through enthusiast clubs
- Rare and full of character
Cons
- Corrosion is a common issue
- An older car with limited comfort
- Very few are available in Lithuania
Frequently asked questions
Is the P100 a Cortina?
The early P100 was indeed based on the Cortina, but it's a distinct pickup model. The later one is based on the Sierra.
What is the P100's cargo capacity?
Around one tonne, but the exact limit is specified in the vehicle's documents.
Is the P100 suitable for daily use?
Yes, if the car is in good condition. But due to its age and basic comfort, it's better suited for work or leisure than long journeys.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically





























