The Ford Falcon holds a special place in automotive history, particularly in Australia, where it was a dominant force for decades. Choosing the right Falcon can be tricky, as some years offer superior performance, reliability, and styling compared to others. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the best and worst years for the Ford Falcon, helping you make an informed decision whether you're a collector, enthusiast, or simply looking for a classic ride.
Ford Falcon Model Years: A Quick Overview
| Model Year | Key Features & Highlights | Potential Issues & Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| XP Series (1965-1966) | Updated styling, improved interior, more powerful V8 options available. | Rust issues, particularly in coastal areas. |
| XR Series (1966-1967) | First Falcon to offer a GT model, a true muscle car icon. | GT models command a premium price; rust susceptibility. |
| XT Series (1968-1969) | Refined styling, improved safety features, wider range of engine options. | Some electrical issues reported, rust remains a concern. |
| XW Series (1969-1970) | Bold new styling, introduction of the GTHO Phase I, a performance legend. | GTHO models are highly sought after and expensive; rust. |
| XY Series (1970-1972) | Arguably the peak of the Falcon GT era, introduction of the GTHO Phase III. | GTHO Phase III models are incredibly valuable and prone to counterfeiting; rust. |
| XA Series (1972-1973) | Radical styling change, more modern and aerodynamic design. | Rust, particularly around the rear wheel arches and sills. |
| XB Series (1973-1976) | Minor styling updates, continued popularity. | Rust, carburation issues with some engines. |
| XC Series (1976-1979) | Significant styling changes, improved interior comfort. | Rust, particularly in earlier models. |
| XD Series (1979-1982) | Introduction of the alloy head engine, more fuel-efficient models. | Some electrical issues, rust. |
| XE Series (1982-1984) | Minor styling updates, improved suspension. | Rust, particularly in the lower body panels. |
| XF Series (1984-1988) | Significant facelift, more modern interior. | Rust, particularly around the windscreen and rear window. |
| EA Series (1988-1991) | All-new body style, independent rear suspension (IRS) on some models. | Build quality issues, particularly in early models; some engine problems. |
| EB Series (1991-1992) | Minor styling updates, improved reliability. | Some transmission issues, rust. |
| ED Series (1993-1994) | Updated styling, improved interior. | Some electrical issues, rust. |
| EF Series (1994-1996) | Major styling overhaul, more modern design. | Some transmission issues, particularly in the early models. |
| EL Series (1996-1998) | Minor styling updates, improved safety features. | Some engine issues, particularly with the 6-cylinder models. |
| AU Series (1998-2002) | Controversial styling, improved handling and ride. | Divisive styling, some engine and transmission issues. |
| BA Series (2002-2005) | Significant improvement in styling and performance, introduction of the Barra engine. | Some electrical issues, particularly with the early models. |
| BF Series (2005-2008) | Minor styling updates, improved fuel economy. | Some transmission issues, particularly with the automatic models. |
| FG Series (2008-2014) | Modern styling, powerful and efficient engines. | Some electrical issues, particularly with the early models. |
| FG X Series (2014-2016) | Final iteration of the Falcon, improved technology and features. | Limited production run, potentially higher prices for well-maintained examples. |
Detailed Explanations
XP Series (1965-1966): The XP Falcon brought a welcome update in styling, making it visually appealing. The availability of more powerful V8 engines added to its appeal. However, like many cars of that era, rust was a significant problem, especially in coastal regions.
XR Series (1966-1967): The XR is legendary because it was the first Falcon to offer a GT model. This made it a true muscle car and a highly sought-after classic. Due to its iconic status, XR GT models command a high price. Rust is again a major consideration.
XT Series (1968-1969): The XT featured refined styling and improvements to safety. A wider range of engine options offered buyers more choice. However, some electrical issues have been reported, and rust remained a prevalent problem.
XW Series (1969-1970): The XW introduced a bold new styling direction. More importantly, it marked the arrival of the GTHO Phase I, a performance legend still revered today. GTHO models are highly collectible and command significant prices. Rust is a concern.
XY Series (1970-1972): Many consider the XY series to be the peak of the Falcon GT era. It saw the introduction of the GTHO Phase III, arguably the most iconic Australian muscle car. GTHO Phase III models are incredibly valuable, making them targets for counterfeiting. Rust is a major issue.
XA Series (1972-1973): The XA brought a radical styling change, adopting a more modern and aerodynamic design. Despite the updated looks, rust continued to be a significant problem, particularly around the rear wheel arches and sills.
XB Series (1973-1976): The XB series featured minor styling updates and continued the Falcon's popularity. However, like its predecessor, rust remained a concern. Some engines also suffered from carburation issues.
XC Series (1976-1979): The XC series introduced significant styling changes and improved interior comfort. Rust continued to plague earlier models, so careful inspection is essential.
XD Series (1979-1982): The XD marked a step forward with the introduction of the alloy head engine, improving fuel efficiency. Some electrical issues have been reported, and rust remains a factor.
XE Series (1982-1984): The XE series featured minor styling updates and improvements to the suspension. Rust was still a problem, particularly in the lower body panels.
XF Series (1984-1988): The XF brought a significant facelift and a more modern interior. Rust remained a common problem, particularly around the windscreen and rear window.
EA Series (1988-1991): The EA series represented an all-new body style and introduced independent rear suspension (IRS) on some models. Early models suffered from build quality issues and some engine problems.
EB Series (1991-1992): The EB series featured minor styling updates and improved reliability compared to the EA. However, some transmission issues have been reported, and rust remains a concern.
ED Series (1993-1994): The ED series brought updated styling and an improved interior. Some electrical issues have been reported, and rust remains a factor.
EF Series (1994-1996): The EF series introduced a major styling overhaul, resulting in a more modern design. Some transmission issues have been reported, particularly in the early models.
EL Series (1996-1998): The EL series featured minor styling updates and improved safety features. Some engine issues have been reported, particularly with the 6-cylinder models.
AU Series (1998-2002): The AU series is known for its controversial styling. It offered improved handling and ride comfort, but the styling was divisive. Some engine and transmission issues have also been reported.
BA Series (2002-2005): The BA series marked a significant improvement in styling and performance. It introduced the Barra engine, a highly regarded powerplant. Some electrical issues have been reported, particularly with the early models.
BF Series (2005-2008): The BF series featured minor styling updates and improved fuel economy. Some transmission issues have been reported, particularly with the automatic models.
FG Series (2008-2014): The FG series offered modern styling and powerful, efficient engines. Some electrical issues have been reported, particularly with the early models.
FG X Series (2014-2016): The FG X series was the final iteration of the Falcon. It featured improved technology and features. Its limited production run means well-maintained examples may command higher prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most desirable Ford Falcon model? The XY GTHO Phase III is widely considered the most desirable Ford Falcon, due to its performance and iconic status.
Which Ford Falcon is best for a first-time classic car buyer? An XF Falcon is a good starting point, offering a balance of affordability, reliability, and classic styling.
What are the most common problems with older Ford Falcons? Rust is the most common problem, followed by electrical issues and engine wear.
Are Ford Falcon parts easy to find? Parts availability varies depending on the model, but many parts are still available through specialist suppliers and online retailers.
Which Ford Falcon series is the most reliable? The BA and FG series Falcons are generally considered the most reliable, thanks to modern engines and improved build quality.
Conclusion
Choosing the best Ford Falcon depends on your priorities and budget. For performance enthusiasts, the GTHO models are highly desirable but expensive. For a more affordable and practical classic, the XF or later models offer a good balance. The BA and FG series provide modern performance and reliability. Remember to thoroughly inspect any potential purchase for rust and mechanical issues before making a decision.