Ford Falcon
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| Ford Falcon | |
|---|---|
| Ford | |
| aka | FPV FPV GT Fairmont Ghia |
| Production | 1960 - present |
| Class | Full-Size Family Car Sports Sedan |
| Body Style | 4-door, 5-seat Sedan Utility, Cab chassis |
| Length | 4967 mm |
| Width | 2110 mm |
| Height | 1433 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2838 mm |
| Weight | Weight - you get the point |
| Transmission | 5 speed Automatic, RWD ZF 6 speed Automatic, RWD Tremec 6 speed Manual, RWD |
| Engine | 4.0 litre inline-6 G6 turbocharged inline-6 5.4 litre BOSS V8 |
| Power | 270 kW @ 5250 rpm 533 Nm of torque @ 2000-4750 rpm 290 kW (394 cv) @ 5750 rpm 520 Nm of torque @ 4750 rpm |
| Similar | Holden Commodore |
| Designer | Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort) |
The Ford Falcon was the forerunner of the popular Mustang. It is now only marketed in New Zealand and Australia as a family sedan and utility vehicle. A higher-performance variant is available, however, called the FPV.
See Wikicars' comprehensive Ford Falcon Review.
Recent Changes
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- For 2007, FPV released the Ford Falcon F6 R-spec Typhoon.
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- For 2008, The Falcon XR receives a minor facelift. Featuring a new body kit including new side rockers and extensions for the front bumper, as well as a new insert in the rear valance, side mirrors and a set of 5-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with a "shadow chrome" finish (in NZ this was called the 'Rebel'). Along with the refresh is a 650-unit limited-edition UTE model dubbed "XR by Craig Lowndes". This option package includes $6,000 of equipment for just $1,000 above the Falcon XR's base price. [1]
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- In 2010, Ford Australia will introduce a Falcon ECOnetic which featured a hi-tech turbocharged 4 cylinder engine capabile for around 207 kW of power while retaining better fuel consumption. [2]
- In 2009, Ford released the Limited Edition of the Falcon G6 boosts an impressive list of features such as Bluetooth connectivity, Shadow leather trim, side curtain airbags and iPod integration and design cues such as the sports leather wrapped steering wheel, unique foglamp bezels, front and rear bumper, a choice of 18 inch 7 spoke or 17 inch 5 spoke alloy wheels and unique "Limited Edition" badging. The Limited Edition G6 is priced at $36,490 driveaway.[3]
Styles and Major Options
XT
- 5 speed Automatic
- 16 inch Alloy wheels
- Human Machine Interface (HMI)
- Multi Function Display (Displays distance to empty, average speed and fuel consumption and speed warning)
- Cruise control
- Single zone climate control air conditioning
- Front and rear power windows
- Electronically adjustable side mirrors
- 4-way adjustable driver's seat
- 60/40 split fold rear seats
- Standard audio system with monochrome display, AM/FM radio, single slot CD player and 4 speakers
- Technology pack - iPod Integration and Bluetooth mobile phone integration (Optional)
- Safety Enhancement Pack (Optional - See Safety)
Optionals
- Reversing camera
- E-Gas (See Ford Falcon E-Gas)
XR6
- 6 speed Manual
- 17 inch alloy wheels
- Sports Control Blade Independant Rear Suspension
- Sports body kit (front spoiler, side skirts, rear bumper and spoiler)
- Cloth trim sports seats
- Front foglamps
- Sports leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls
- Alloy pedal covers
Optionals
- 6 speed ZF Automatic with sequential sportshift
- 18 inch alloy wheels
- 19 inch alloy wheels
- Prenium audio system with 7 inch colour display, AM/FM radio, 6 disc in-dash CD player, 8 speakers plus 150 watt amplifier and subwoofer (total 262 watts)
- Satellite navigation with Suna Traffic Channel
- Leather seat inserts
- Side thorax and curtain airbags
- Reverse sensing sysem and camera
- Technology pack
- Safety Enhancement Pack (See Safety)
- XR Luxury Pack - leather seat inserts, prenium audio, dual zone automatic climate control, 19 inch alloy wheels and prenium sports interior appearance
- E-Gas (See Ford Falcon E-Gas)
Pricing
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Gas Mileage
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As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:
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Engine and Transmission
Specifications, details, graphs, pictures and other information regarding the powertrain is placed in this section.
Performance
Please make sure to write information of the vehicle's performance in a third-person point of view. This section should include information about the car's acceleration figures, handling, braking, etc.
If using information gathered from Road Test articles from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.
Reliability
Warranty
3 year 100,000 km with 1 year roadside assistance
Falcons have been regarded as reliable cars being low maintenance. Engines and gearboxes gave out little trouble as they rack up large distances. Many problems Falcons have are blown head gaskets, faster than normal rate of oil darkening and fast front brake wear. Models AUII, BA and BF hadn't fared well compared with other models as reduced build quality is mostly the main reason. However, with improved quality in the FG, no problems have so far appeared.
Paint issue
There has been a quality issue regarding the paintwork. An owner of a 2005 Falcon XR6 noticed paint coming away when he washed the car. A smash repairer said the paintwork was contaminated but so far, Ford payed for the rear door to be resprayed.
Another owner had the similar problem. The car is a red 2006 Mk2 Falcon ute and in 4 months since purchased new, the owner noticed rust bubbles on the passenger door sill.
RECALL ALERT
Ford launched a recall to replace brake hoses in 200,000 Falcons made between September 2002 and March 2007. [4]
Safety
The FG Falcon is the first Australian-built car to achieve a 5 star rating from ANCAP. It scored 14.61 out of 16 in the frontal crash test and also scored a total 16 points for side impact crash testing and extra 2 points in a pole impact crash test. The overall score of the FG Falcon is 34.61 out of 37 and it scored 2 stars in the pedestrian test.
Safety features
- Dual front airbags
- Anti-lock braking system
- Electronic brakeforce distribution
- Head/thorax airbags
- Emergency brake assist
- Electronic stability control (Now available in E-Gas from April 2009)
- Seat belt reminders (Front)
- Seatbelt pretensioners
- Power adjustable pedals
- Reversing camera
Older generations
The safety rating of these model Falcons are rated as years on production, Australasian Used Car Safety Ratings (UCSR) and safety features standard (features with "Optional" in brackets beside it are options).
AU (1998-2002)
UCSR Rating: 3 stars
- Driver's Airbag
- Rear Centre Seatbelt (3 point)
- Adjustable Steering Column
- Front Passenger's Airbag (Optional)
- ABS Brakes (Optional)
AU Ute (2000-2002)
UCSR Rating: 3 stars
- Driver's Airbag
- Adjustable Steering Column
- ABS Brakes (Optional)
BA-BF (2002-2007)
UCSR Rating: 4 stars
- Dual Front Airbags
- ABS Brakes
- Rear Centre Seatbelt (3 point)
- Seatbelt pretensioners (Driver and Front Passenger)
- Adjustable Steering Column
- Driver's Side and Front Passenger's Side Airbag (Optional)
- Traction Control (Optional)
BA-BF Ute (2003-2007)
UCSR Rating: 4 stars
- Driver's Airbag
- Seatbelt Pretensioners (Dirver and Front Passenger)
- Adjustable Steering Column
- Front Passenger's Airbag (Optional)
- ABS Brakes (Optional)
EA-EB Series 1 (1988-1992)
UCSR Rating: 3 stars
EB Series 2-ED (1992-1995)
UCSR Rating: 3 stars
EF-EL (1994-1998)
UCSR Rating: 3 stars
- Driver's Airbag
- Rear Centre Seatbelt (3 point)
- Adjustable Steering Column
- Front Passenger's Airbag (Optional)
- ABS Brakes (Optional)
Panel Van (1982-1995)
UCSR Rating: 3 stars
Ute (1996-1999)
UCSR Rating: 3 stars
- Adjustable Steering Column
- Driver's Airbag (Optional)
- ABS Brakes (Optional)
Panel Van (1996-1999)
UCSR Rating: 4 stars
- Adjustable Steering Column
- Driver's Airbag (Optional)
- ABS Brakes (Optional)
Photos
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Please make sure not to use copyrighted photos.
Colors
Falcon XT
- Vixen
- Winter White
- Lightning Strike (Optional prestige colour)
- Sensation (Blue - Optional prestige colour)
- Harmony (Light Aqua - Optional prestige colour)
- Ego (Dark Grey - Optional prestige colour)
- Silhouette (Black - Optional prestige colour)
- Steel (Blue Grey - Optional prestige colour)
- Serenity (Sand Yellow - Optional prestige colour) Available in October 2009
Interior
Metro and Domain Shadow
Falcon XR6, XR6 Turbo & XR8
- Winter White
- Vixen
- Lightning Strike (Optional prestige colour)
- Sensation (Blue - Optional prestige colour)
- Ego (Dark Grey - Optional prestige colour)
- Silhouette (Black - Optional prestige colour)
- Steel (Blue Grey - Optional prestige colour)
- Seduce (Heavy Red - Optional prestige colour)
- Viper (Violet - Optional prestige colour)
- Mystic (Dark Green - Optional prestige colour)
- Dash (Bright Green - Optional prestige colour)
- Nitro (Aqua - Optional prestige colour)
- Velvet (Optional prestige colour)
Interior
- Streetwise Graphite and Attitude Shadow
- Streetwise Dark Silver and Attitiude Shadow
- Streetwise Red and Attitude Shadow
- Nudo Shadow Leather with Silky Blue Stitch (Optional prestige package)
G6, G6E & G6E Turbo
- Winter White
- Lightning Strike (Optional prestige colour)
- Sensation (Blue - Optional prestige colour)
- Harmony (Light Aqua - Optional prestige colour)
- Ego (Dark Grey - Optional prestige colour)
- Silhouette (Black - Optional prestige colour)
- Steel (Blue Grey - Optional prestige colour)
- Seduce (Heavy Red - Optional prestige colour)
- Mystic (Dark Green - Optional prestige colour)
- Velvet
- Serenity (Sand Yellow - Optional prestige colour) Available in October 2009
Interior (G6)
- Oxford and Estate Shadow
- Oxford and Estate Cashmere
Interior (G6E & G6E Turbo)
- Oxford Leather
- Cashmere Leather
Main Competitors
Hybrid Models
If there are hybrid versions of this vehicle manufactured, then please elaborate a little bit on it here.
Unique Attributes
The new FG Falcon, with the average fuel consumption of 9.9L/100 km is similar to the fuel consumption of the Toyota Camry for its size. It's the most economical car made in Australia.
Interior
This section should include information on the interior's design, build quality, ergonomics, space (head and legroom, front and rear), features, stowage compartments and overall comfortability and livability. Add pictures wherever applicable and keep information in a third-person point of view.
Resale Values
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Criticisms
Please make sure to keep critiques in a third-person point of view. If using criticisms from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.
Generations
Fill in as many as appropriate. Add more if necessary and pictures wherever applicable.
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Current Generation: FG(2008–present)
As Australian cars were falling out of love with large cars, Ford Australia needed to turn the trend around with the Falcon. Dubbed the 'Orion' and a couple of test runs of fully-camouflaged prototypes, the FG was the best Falcon model ever. Released in 2008 to take on the VE Commodore, it's appearance is more sharper, more contemporary and a lot more refined than the AU Falcon (which the FG was based on). Along with the new body, the FG carries the same engines and suspensions, all of which are improved for better fuel economy and better ride and handling. The front features the kinetic design language largely based on the latest Mondeo, the tailights look Audi-esque and backseat passengers benefit from longer rear doors and a higher roofline over the rear doors.
The current 4 speed Automatic has been replaced with the new 5 speed Automatic which is helpful for fuel economy (It uses 9.9L/100km) but the E-Gas still retains the 4 speed Automatic. The models Futura, Fairmont and Fairmont Ghia have all been replaced with the new G-Series. The G-Series also featured a turbocharged 245T engine for the G6E Turbo.
The FG Falcon had a good reputation of sales and awards.
The station wagon remained under the BF II platform as a cut-price model for fleets.
BF(2005–2008)
The BF Falcon is an upgrade from the BA. To meet with stricter emmission requirements, it's exsisting Barra engine had been tuned to gain a bit more power and torque and a drop in fuel consumption. The Barra also gained a state-of-the-art dual independant variable camshaft timing and it provides a stronger spread of torque particularly at low speeds. The BF employs Bosche's latest ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and it's standard in all models. Traction Control is standard in all models except for the E-Gas model.
The new 6 speed ZF Automatic has been introduced and compared to the standard 4 speed automatic, it provides better fuel economy and acceleration. This transmission is available in Fairmont, Fairlane and XR models. The XT and Futura only have 4 gears.
BA(2002–2005)
The BA Falcon is a redesigned AU. It was 9 mm longer, 6mm narrower, 5 mm higher and the wheelbase is 36 mm longer than its predecessor. Under the bonnet, the Intech engine is replaced by the Barra engine which is more powerful, produces more torque but gains in fuel consumption making it less economical than its rivals the VY Commodore, the Camry V6 and the Mitsubishi Magna. The Windsor V8 is also replaced by the Baffra V8 in an attempt to out rival Holden's Gen V V8 (the base model had the Windsor V8 optional). Also, it gains a Tiptronic style 4 speed Automatic Transmission and ABS Brakes became standard in the base XT which replaced the Forte. Mk II XR6 Turbos and XR8s received a 6 speed Manual transmission as standard.
The Forte was replaced with the XT as the Falcon's new base model.
The BA Falcon has won 2002's Car Of The Year by CarsGUIDE.
Differential trouble
Differential problems have been well-known in BA Falcon utes. Owners had to replace one faulty differential and some others had to replace it more than once. The problem is usually associated with clunking noises and the problem's also common in XR6 models.
AU(1998–2002)
The AU Falcon was a major design revelation. This design is aimed to wow new crowds with the AU's sharp lines but instead, it was a flop as many consumers had turned to the VT Commodore. The entry-level Forte replaced the GL and is standard with an automatic, air conditioning and dual airbags. In 2000, the Series 2 Falcon underwent a facelift with a more conservative grille replacing the 'baleen' styled grille on the first series. The utility version had been launched and is designed to be up to date to the current AU range.
RECALL ALERT
In 2004, 219,429 Falcons in Australia, 13,362 exported to New Zealand and 1000 exported to South Africa have been recalled because of the over-tightened steering rack mounting. The over-tightened mounting could allow the stud to loosen. In worst cases, the stud could fall off and the results would be deterioration or loss of steering.
The models Forte, Futura, XR, Fairmont, Fairlane, FTE and Ute had been affected and no accidents or injuries were reported. [5]
EL(1996-1998)
EF(1994-1995)
ED(1992-1993)
EB(1991-1992)
EA(1988-1989)
The EA Falcon started off with a new design with a big-budget rethink. The car was made more compact, it offered European styling and a price tag of $23,000 AUD. Automatic models offer a 'Power-Economy' switch and what it does is that it alters the shift patterns electronically. With the 'Economy' function, it allows the gearbox to use higher gears to conserve fuel. This is ideal for economical driving. The 'Power' function allows the gearbox to use lower gears which is for more power output. The driver can always turn either the 'Economy' and 'Power' off and the gearbox will work normally. There's no utility version launched but there's the XF ute still available.
XF(1984-1988)
XE(1982-1984)
XD(1977-1982)
In about 1977, the Ford Falcon had been modernised and became the answer to Holden's newly released Commodore replacing the Kingswood. The XD had an alloy head and a plastic fuel tank. The plastic fuel tank had boosted the XD's safety because in a rear crash, the tank crumples and doesn't crack and therefore cause a leak of petrol. This prevents the car going up in flames in an accident.
XC(1976-1977)
XB(1973-1976)
XA(1972-1973)
XY(1970-1972)
The new design for the XY Falcon made it more powerful looking and this style matched the performance of the XY GT. The XY GT is a Bathurst legend.
XW(1969-1970)
XT(1968-1969)
XR(1966-1968)
XP(1965-1966)
Since the launch of the XP Falcon, Ford Australia had an indigenous idea. The idea was to porve the strength of their car with the XP durability run. This involved a group of racing drivers pushing five standard Falcons to the limit at the You Yangs proving ground in Melbourne. The goal was to clock up 112,654 kilometres (70,000 miles) at an average speed of 70 mph (112 km/h). Four of the five had rolled but after nine days driven at the limit, all cars topped an average speed of 71.3 mph.
The XP Falcon was the first model to win the Wheels Car of the Year.
Second generation (XM) (1964–1965)
As early examples of Falcons weren't tough enough for the roads that time, the Falcons needed a substantial beef-up and the new XM Falcon got that treatment. Lauched in 1964, the XM had serious claims to being a car designed and engineered by Australians for Asutralia. The car was now fit to take on the EH Holden. Two trim levels were the Falcon Deluxe and the Falcon Futura.
First Generation/Origins (XK) (1960–1963)
The XK Falcon was the first Falcon for Australia. It was based on the US model but it remains to be an Australian owned car to be built in the Geelong plant in Victoria, Australia. This model was sleek and modern for the time. Back in 1955, Ford Australia decided to build a project called the Zephir from the ground up.
Future generation
At the start of 2010, Ford Australia is considering switching the Falcon to front-wheel-drive. They're going to phase out their Barra straight 6 engine in favour of the new V6 but that wasn't likely to happen but instead, at the start of 2010, Ford Australia will build a 4 cylinder version which will offer better fuel economy.[6] The 5.4L Ford Baffra V8 will be replaced with a new all-alloy 5.0L V8 developed for the Jaguar XFR. Also in 2010, the Falcon will have the first diesel engine. A 2.7L PSA/Duratorq engine already in use in Europe.
For the BF II station wagon in production, there is an uncertain future. With dwindling sales, Ford Australia might pull the wagon out of production and replace it with a wagon version for the Mondeo as Ford's main wagon. [7]
Worldwide
The only market for the Falcon outside Australia is New Zealand and South Africa. Ford had leased the AU Falcon station wagons to Thailand to undergo trials for taxi services but sales didn't go ahead because of the car's high running costs. Ford Australia has plans to export the Falcons in North America and when it does, the Falcon has potential to replace the ageing Crown Victoria. The move came when Holden imported the Commodore to the US but the things that let the plan down is demand and the cost of re-engineering the Falcons to left hand drive. [8]
Design quirks and oddities
- Throughout the generations, the Falcons always has front seats set high. Drivers who are tall may find it quite uncomfortable for their posture.
- Ford Falcon models ranging from 1983-1990 ranked high with professional car thieves Australia wide.
- Most Falcons are capable of running on LPG.
- The BA Falcon is the third most secure large car according to the 2003 RACV Vehicle Security Rating with the score of 67.5 points out of 120.
- In Series 1 Episode 8 of Top Gear Australia, the Ford Falcon XT had bettered the VE Commodore Omega overall in the Ford vs. Holden face-off.
Clunky six-speed Automatic
An owner of a 2007 BF six-speed Falcon had clunking noises when changing gears. The gearbox was replaced and the replacement gearbox made clunking noises.
Drive's Bathurst 1000 Fuel Test
Drive journalists in 2009 went around the Bathurst track in a Falcon G6 and a new Commodore Omega with the newest engine, the 3.0 litre SIDI engine to see which car is economical. They travelled around 1000 kilometres in 20 hours. The cars are unmodified and travelled at speeds no more than 60 km/h. Despite Holden's new engine claimed as the most fuel efficient engine built in Australia used more than 11 L/100 km whereas the Falcon used 10.1 L/100 km. This means the Falcon is most fuel efficient despite the car's bigger engine and standard fuel injection. [9] [10]
Awards
2008 Cars Guide Car Of The Year
2008 RACV Australia's Best Large Car
2004 RACV Australia's Best Large Car
2003 RACV Australia's Best Large Car
2002 Wheels Car Of The Year
2002 RACV Australia's Best Sports Car Under $57,000 (Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo)
2002 RACV Australia's Best Large Car
2002 CarsGUIDE Car Of The Year
1966 Wheels Car Of The Year
1965 Wheels Car Of The Year
See also
| Ford cars made for the European market | ||
| Köln | Y | Rheinland | Eifel | C Ten | 7Y | 7W | Prefect | Anglia | Pilot | Zephyr | Consul | Squire | Taunus Vedette | Comète | Cortina | Popular | Classic | Corsair | Escort | Capri | Granada | Fiesta | Sierra | RS200 | Orion | Scorpio | Probe | Mondeo | Galaxy | Ka | Puma | Focus | Cougar | Maverick | Fusion | GT | Focus C-MAX | S-MAX | ||
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External Links
- Ford Falcon & G Series - Official website
- Aussie Love: FPV unleashes F6 R-Spec Typhoon
- All-New Ford Falcon Revealed
- The new FPV GT shows up in an Alice Cooper costume
- All New Ford Falcon & Ford Falcon Ute
- Next-gen FG Ford Falcon sedan unveiled in Australia
- Ford FPV GT E Falcon Revealed (AU)
- Ford Australia reveals new FPV Falcon range
- FPV celebrates 5th anniversary with special edition Falcon GT
- FPV 5th Anniversary GT Sedan Announced
- 2008 Ford Falcon Spotted in Detroit
- Ford Australia Announces AU Falcon Recall - Autoweb News
- Ford Australia to build four-cylinder Falcon and diesel Territory - www.drive.com.au
- Drive Video - The Bathurst 1000 with a twist
