The Ford Falcon is a full-size car which has been created by Ford Australia since 1960.
THE VERDICT
Good:
The Ford Falcon offers extremely comfortable ride and handling, exhibits sophisticated standard equipment and is an absolute example of the best Australian-built rear-wheel drive sedan. The highlight is the XR6 Turbo, which is simply terrific.
Not so Good:
Fuel utilization (however, the four-cylinder engine is on its way and will address this). The 'common' brand perception - blame the historically high number of Falcon's being sold as fleet & taxi vehicles.
THE REVIEW
Design and Engineering
Good:
As we there are certain changes made in the styling of this model. The rear doors are large and open wider for a comfortable come and go. The A pillars have been restructured for a better front visibility, required suspension and drive train upgrades. These improvements have riding and handling the Ford Falcon a pleasure and fuel economic.
Not so good:
The raised bonnet on the XR8 unbalances the Falcon's lines when viewed from the side (but from the front it looks tough!?)
Interior and Styling
Good:
The interior of the Ford Falcon gives a tough competition to the Holden Commodore. The centre console sports a balanced design with a logical layout of the controls. Also the driver's seat and the front passenger seat is a comfortable place to settle in with enough space for 5 adults to set in and a large boot.
Not so good:
Entry level XT interior is somewhat plain (with far too much grey!)
Performance
Good:
The inline six-cylinder loves to rev! The 5-speed auto (on entry to mid-level grades) may be devoid of a gear in comparison to a lot of competitors; however don't worry as this is one gentle gearbox, and the 6-speed auto on higher grades is even nicer again. XR6 Turbo is definitely fast (it's significantly swifter than Ford's V8 XR8 or Holden's SS Commodore).
Not so good:
Ford should have really considered moving a step ahead than the already upgraded XR6 front brakes while using XR6 Turbo.
Ride and Handling
Good:
Ford falcon offers great handling on all grades. It gives a firm ride but is hardly uncomfortable. The steering performs well on all grades. Surprisingly the G6E is exceptionally quiet even when rushing of a highway.
Not so good:
However this is still a huge family-sized automobile so don't presume it to keep up with a Lotus Elise down a twisty mountain pass.
Buying and Owning
Good:
4.0L naturally aspirated engine has quality fuel economy for such a big vehicle with this volume of power; in a number of group evaluation tests by Australian motoring publications the Falcon has tested decreased fuel economy figures than the Holden Commodore - even though the Commodore has smaller 3.0L & 3.6L six-cylinder engines.
Not so good:
Low resale score on entry-level grades - accuse the fact that the overwhelming majority of Falcons are government fleet buys and too many end up at auction three years later when it's time to enhance...
