Is The Ford Falcon A Good Car

XD Ford FalconIt's easy to forget that cars such as the XF lacked power steering though it was made standard in 1986, as were disc brakes all round. The XF was the best-selling of all Falcons, with nearly 280,000 sales. The XG discarded dated transmissions, adding a five-speed manual and four-speed auto. In 1993, the first XR6 model was released, featuring a feistier engine, quad headlights, sportier suspension, sports seats and 15-inch alloys. The XH updated the front suspension and introduced rack-and-pinion steering.

Visually similar to its forerunner, the BF update from October 2005 was developed with an emphasis geared more towards powertrain enhancements, rather than design. The turbocharged version of same engine also received further gains in output, with peak power rising to 245 kilowatts and 480 N⋅m (350 lb⋅ft) of torque. Ford, with the BF, also introduced the six-speed ZF 6HP26 automatic transmission and electronic stability control, both of which were made available on selected trim levels. When the facelifted EF was introduced in August 1994, it brought with it a new curvaceous body shape while sharing its doors and most of its body structure with the earlier EA–ED series cars. Unlike the sedan, the station wagon inherited the rear styling of the ED series. With the new model, came a thoroughly redesigned interior.

Cup holders were now prominent features in all models, and Ford paid particular attention to safety. A driver's airbag was made standard on all variants, a first for an Australian car, even though the Holden VR Commodore was the first to feature it as an option. From the outside, the reinforced body gave added rollover strength and front collision protection.

An original innovation introduced in the EF range was the "Smart Bar". A bullbar developed to work seamlessly with the vehicle's airbag system. The XH series Falcon utility and van, released in 1996, were essentially XG models facelifted to resemble the contemporary Falcon EF sedans and wagons.

The XH also gained an all-new front suspension and rack and pinion steering from the EA–EL series cars. This meant changes to the frame and bodywork, from the firewall forward. The turret panel on the utility was now domed and lost its squared-off appearance, increasing interior head room. By this time, the popularity of the panel van had faded and Ford released their final Falcon panel van in 1997 as part of the revised XH II series.

It was also with this model that the V8 engine was reintroduced into the Falcon utility commercial vehicle range. After 20 years, the fourth generation Falcon was discontinued in June 1999. It gained the EB II's 4.0-l OHC inline six-cylinder engine, with either a five-speed manual or four-speed auto transmissions , meaning Ford could retire the old engine and transmission options. It also gained interior updates from the EB including the instrument cluster, centre console (in two-seater models), steering wheel, and seats. Exterior changes were minimal, and included an EB-style grill, black window trims (as opposed to chrome on XF's) EB style door 'rubbing' strips, and indicator lights on the front quarter panels. Ford have cleverly made available to the new car buyer, the option of a factory fitted E-Gas engine.

This has been a great success for the company as Ford Falcon E-Gas drivers can enjoy travel, whether for business or with the family, that ensures peace of mind. The E-Gas engine is powerful and very torquey, and when linked to a first rate four-speed automatic transmission with sequential sports shift the drive is sure to be inspiring. The petrol versions of the XT wagon are powered by the reliable 4.0L DOHC DIVCT I6 engine. As the fuel crisis eased, Australians moved away from the downsized Commodore back to the traditional full-size Falcon. In 1982, for the first time in more than a decade, the XE Falcon, with its Watt's linkage coil-sprung rear suspension and fuel-saving differential ratios (4.1 L models) eclipsed its Holden rival in terms of sales.

Ford Falcon remained number-one seller in Australia until 1988, when Holden returned to the full-size Australian sedan design. A manual transmission was available in three-speed column shift (in six-seater vehicles) or four-speed floor shift, with a five-speed floor shift also available with the base 3.3 L engine. An automatic transmission was available as a three-speed, column or floor shift. Due to emissions non-compliance, the XR8 V8 was discontinued in 2010, the same year the station wagon was terminated.

The upper-end models came with accoutrements such as dual-zone air, a premium audio system, leather, sat-nav and electric driver's seat. In 2011, Ford introduced a new liquid-injection LPG system for the Falcon, marketed as EcoLPI. It boosted power by 27% and torque by 10% while fuel use dropped by 15%. Among its credits was becoming the first Australian-made car to achieve a five-star safety rating though, controversially, it didn't provide curtain airbags as standard.

Standard features that were a step up included automatic climate control, ESP, emergency brake assist, a driver-fatigue warning and alloy wheels. The XT, XR6 and G6E models came with a 195kW 4.0-litre inline six matched to a slick ZF six-speed auto . Getting the liveliness of the 270kW turbo six were the XR6 Turbo and G6E Turbo.

What Murray purchased was a 1961 Falcon two-door sedan with the optional two-speed automatic transmission and DeLuxe trim level. According to Luxford, the DeLuxe package offered extra chrome trim, a radio, ashtrays in each rear seat armrest and a limited-slip differential. His new car also had dual outside mirrors that would have been dealer-installed. Now a collector's dream, the 1961 Ford Falcon Deluxe was powered by a 144 cubic inch inline-six engine. The car was about a thousand pounds lighter than the full-sized Fords produced at that time. It was offered with an optional two-speed automatic transmission unless you preferred a manual.

The Deluxe was the Falcon dressed up in a special package that came with ashtrays in the armrest of each rear-seat armrest, a limited-slip differential, dual outside mirrors a radio, and extra chrome trim. The I6 is smoother, naturally balanced, has more power and torque and is far more refined. The left the 90 degree v and the result was a rough piece of crap despite many bandaid concepts such as balance shafts and offset crank pins that do nothing. There's no competition some people have no idea the AU was the best falcon of it's era surpassing the B/F series that followed it. The BA also featured a new North American designed 5.4 L 4V Boss and Barra 3V V8 engines.

In October 2004, Ford released the Mark II update of the BA. Amongst the changes was a six-speed manual transmission, four new exterior colours, and revised wheels trims. While the XR is the sports model of the Falcon range, it shares its 4-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with the base XT model.

Also available are a turbocharged version of this engine and an LPG-fuelled option. Topping the range is an XR8 powered by a 5.4-litre eight-cylinder engine. The engine in our XR6 review car produces a healthy 190kW and 383Nm. Performance is quick for a large, relatively affordable family car. It is a reasonably quick car, untroubled by a full load of people - the 0-100kmh sprint is achieved in just 7.4 seconds. All wagons offer balanced and grippy handling – even with the Ford Falcon XT wagon being a very large car.

The seats are supportive, and adult legroom and head room in the rear is simply superb. The Ford falcon Wagon comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels that have full wheel covers. The GT variant of the Ford Falcon was destined to become a legend in Australia. It came out with a special paint job called the GT Gold, matched with charcoal interiors. It was designed as a sporty version featuring ZA Fairlane bucket seats, new instrumentation, a steering wheel, gear knob, and dash that all matched with wood grain, and more. It was offered with a Mustang 289 V8 engine with a 40speed manual transmission and sports suspension.

The first update to the FG model was released in the second half of 2010. The Mk2 update adds several interior and exterior elements as standard to all vehicles. IPod Integration and Bluetooth are now standard across the range and all models except the XT receive an 8 in colour touch screen. The popular ZF six-speed 6HP26 and 6HP21 automatic has also been made standard across the range, spelling the end of the successful four- and five-speed automatics.

Other changes included an all new front bumper design, alternative wheel rim design, new floor mats and side step designs. Launched in October 1989, the Series II brought with it a four-speed automatic transmission, body-coloured B-pillars, and the 3.2 L engine was dropped. Despite the Series II models having significantly fewer problems than the Series I, Series II prices are also affected by curtailed resale values. The same problem also affects the NA Fairlane and DA series LTD, and even the ute and panel van variants, which persisted with the older XF architecture.

Power-assisted front disc brakes were now standard across the Falcon range. The GT variant of the XB also included four-wheel disc brakes (the earlier GT/GT-HO models used large finned drums at the rear). The twin driving lights remained, as did the bonnet locks.

It turns out that we Star Spangled singers have been getting the shaft for years. Ford introduced the Melbourne-built Falcon to Australia in 1960, and it never stopped evolving. Redesigned for 2003, today's Falcon has independent suspensions at both ends and overhead-cam engines across the line. It's an entire Ford dealership packed into one model, with various versions sold as taxis, cop cars, family wagons, executive limos, even pickup trucks.

In general they will represent brand new 2016 Ford Falcon cars but may also include quotes on ex demo Ford Falcons as well as new release deals, runout & EOFY sales, 2016 plated cars and previous model years . We also break the numbers down by specs, including transmission, fuel-type, bodyshape and transmission. You'll see resale values to help compare trade in offers, value showroom demos and to find a clearance sale near you. Our full range of Ford Falcon reviews are provided by me and GoAuto Media and will be updated throughout 2022. In 1978, inspired by a dominating 1–2 finish for Falcon hardtops at the 1977 Hardie Ferodo 1000, Ford introduced the limited-edition Cobra, which used the last 400 hardtop coupé bodyshells. The 5.8 L engines were installed in cars numbered 002 to 199 and No 351, and the 4.9 L engines were installed in the rest (001, plus 200 to 400 except for no. 351).

The upgraded Cleveland V8 in the 1971 XY GTHO Phase III produced an estimated 385 brake horsepower , although Fords official figures for this motor were much lower. The 750 cfm Holley carburettor of the XW GT-HO Phase II was replaced by a 780 cfm Holley, along with numerous other performance modifications. The Phase III was Australia's fastest four-door production car and possibly the fastest four-door sedan in the world at the time, with a top speed of 141.5 mph (227.7 km/h). Power figures are still debated today, as Ford still claimed 300 hp as the standard 351 Cleveland V8 in the GT though the GTHO Phase III received many modifications to increase its reliability and race performance.

In 1972, Ford made the 15 in Globe 'Bathurst' alloy wheels available as an upgrade to the GTHO Phase III. The first Falcon sold in Australia was the XK series, introduced in September 1960. It was initially offered only as a four-door sedan, in both Falcon and Falcon Deluxe trim levels. The XK was essentially a right-hand drive version of the North American model, although local country dealers often included modifications such as heavy-duty rear suspension and larger, 6.40 by 13-inch , tyres.

In its last incarnation as the FG X series, the body style of the Falcon range consisted of sedan and utility body styles. Luxury variants of the current model Falcon, collectively known as the G Series, were marketed as the Ford G6, G6 E, and G6 E Turbo, which replaced the long-standing Fairmont and Fairmont Ghia models. Previously the Falcon range also included a hardtop coupé, panel van and station wagon ., as well as the Futura variant. The Falcon platform had also spawned luxury models such as the Landau coupe and long-wheelbase Fairlane and LTD sedans. Antipodean fuel is pricey, however, so Ford has developed the new $36,065 XR6 Turbo, which is just a well-aimed spit from the XR8 in performance. It gets-now follow this closely-a 4.0-liter DOHC 24-valve inline-six with an electronic throttle and variable valve timing on both cams.

1970 was the last production year for the Ford Falcon in the North American market. It continued to be manufactured in Australia beyond this time. Today, the 1970 Falcon GT is one of the most highly desired collectible vehicles. In Australia, it was one of the most respected performance cars in the muscle category. It was the first Falcon to be built with a center air scoop that was fully exposed. It was nicknamed the XY Shaker because of this unique design for the air intake.

The front and rear spoilers gave it an extra sporty appeal. It was powered by a Cleveland 351 engine and remains one of the most iconic collectibles in the history of the Ford Falcon line. In an unprecedented move, at the 2008 introduction of the FG Falcon, the XR8 was the only V8 model available. The unique 5.4 litre V8 produced 290 kilowatts /520 newton-metres (380 lb⋅ft). In June 2010, new emissions regulations introduced meant that the iconic V8 engine had to be discontinued.

Ford phased this out quietly; motoring magazines did not even report on it. However, at the time the V8 was phased out, Ford's performance subsidiary, FPV, introduced a Ford America sourced V8, the 5.0 L Coyote . Prodrive specifically developed the engine in Australia to FPV's own standards . A new FPV model, the GS, was released to "plug the hole" between the XR6 Turbo and the higher level FPV V8 models when the XR8 was phased out.

The GS is an entry point to FPV, taking many of the sales that would have been destined for the former Ford XR8. Hence, Ford decided to commence local production of a Holden challenger. Initially, they intended to produce the Zephyr, Consul, and Zodiac, using expensive dies they would need to purchase from Ford of Britain.

Is The Ford Falcon A Muscle Car However, during a visit to Ford headquarters in Detroit in 1958, they were shown the new Falcon, which was being prepared for its United States launch. Immediately, the executives were attracted to the new car- it was about the same size as Holden, but it was low, long, wide and modern. The width allowed it to accommodate six people, and a two-speed automatic transmission was available. Besides all this, Ford Australia felt they had more experience building North American cars. Hence, they decided to make Falcon their new Australian car.

In 1959, Ford built a factory at Campbellfield, a suburb of Melbourne, for local production of the North American Ford Falcon. The factory was designed in Canada, and had a roof that would facilitate dispersal of snow, notwithstanding the fact that snow does not usually fall in Melbourne. Out on the road, you understand anew what intentional automotive simplicity is. There is of course no hint of any drive assist systems, and by that I mean not blind spot warning or automatic cruise, but power steering or power brakes. Here, everything depends on the feeling of the person at the controls. However, once in motion, you forget about it and guide the little bird without overthinking things.

And, contrary to the model's bigger compatriots of the time, you don't feel the heaviness that characterized so many cars of that era. I won't say it's agile, but the Falcon behaves almost nimbly. Paired with the V8 is a six-speed automatic transmission.