Ford Falcon XR8 & XR6: Ultimate Aussie Sedan Guide

What if one car could define an entire nation’s love affair with driving? For over five decades, the Ford Falcon did just that in Australia, evolving from a practical family sedan to a high-performance legend that battled Holden Commodore on roads and racetracks alike. Though production ended in 2016 with the final FG X models rolling off the Broadmeadows line, its spirit lives on in collector circles and the hearts of enthusiasts. Today, we’re revisiting this Australian icon, blending its storied history with the standout features of its final generations.

Exterior Evolution: From Humble Beginnings to Aggressive Stance

The Ford Falcon’s design journey tells a story of adaptation and bold styling. Early models like the XK series brought compact American roots to Australian conditions, but by the FG X era, it boasted a muscular, wide-body look with sharp lines, aggressive grille, and signature XR badging. Those flared wheel arches and bold LED accents gave it a commanding presence on highways or winding coastal roads.

First impressions? It feels purposeful and proud, a true Aussie battler that commands respect. Whether in classic XR6 Turbo guise or the supercharged XR8, the Falcon’s exterior screams performance without sacrificing everyday usability.

Inside the Cabin: Spacious Comfort with a Touch of Luxury

Slide into the Ford Falcon’s interior, and you’re greeted by a roomy cabin built for long hauls across the outback or city commutes. The FG X offered supportive leather seats, ample legroom for five adults, and a practical layout with large door bins and a massive boot.

Tech highlights included a touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and premium audio options in higher trims. It felt refined yet tough, blending luxury touches like dual-zone climate control with durable materials that held up to real-world use.

• Seating and Space: Generous rear legroom and comfortable front buckets for all-day drives.
• Infotainment: Intuitive SYNC system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto in later updates.
• Practicality: Huge cargo area perfect for family trips or weekend gear.

Power and Thrills: The Heart of the Falcon Legend

Hit the accelerator in a Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo or XR8, and you’ll feel that signature surge of Aussie muscle. The final FG X models featured the legendary 4.0-liter Barra inline-six (up to 325 kW in Sprint variants) or the supercharged 5.0-liter V8 delivering 335 kW and 570 Nm of torque. Zero to 100 km/h in under 5 seconds for the top performers made it a Bathurst hero.

Handling was sharp thanks to independent rear suspension and precise steering, while the ride stayed composed on highways. It was a driver’s car that rewarded enthusiastic piloting, whether carving twisty roads or straight-line blasting.

Fuel Economy: Practicality in a Performance Package

Real-world fuel economy varied by engine, but the efficient Barra six-cylinder delivered around 10-12 L/100km combined in mixed driving. The V8s were thirstier at 13-14 L/100km, yet the optional EcoLPi variants offered better economy for fleet buyers.

For everyday owners, it struck a balance: powerful enough for fun, efficient enough for daily duties.

Safety First: Top Marks for Protection

The Ford Falcon earned a 5-star ANCAP rating in its final years, thanks to six airbags, electronic stability control, and advanced braking systems. Features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning appeared in higher trims, providing solid peace of mind.

Reliability? Owners praise the durable Barra engine and robust build, with many Falcons clocking hundreds of thousands of kilometers with minimal issues. Resale value remains strong among enthusiasts.

For more on its safety legacy, explore this comprehensive Ford Falcon history.

Trims and Pricing: Options for Every Driver

The final FG X range simplified choices with trims like base Falcon, sporty XR6, luxury G6E, and fire-breathing XR8. Pricing started affordably for base models and climbed for performance variants, offering tremendous value in the large-car segment.

• Base Models: Practical and well-equipped.
• XR Series: Performance-focused with manual options.
• Overall Value: Strong warranty and low running costs made it a smart buy.

Curious about modern alternatives? Check out the capable 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor for similar thrills in a ute format.

Pros and Cons: The Honest Breakdown

Pros:

• Legendary performance and handling.
• Spacious, comfortable interior.
• Proven reliability and strong resale value.
• Iconic Aussie heritage with Bathurst wins.

Cons:

• Production ended in 2016, so new models unavailable.
• Higher fuel consumption in V8 variants.
• Parts for older models can be pricey.

Rival Showdown: Falcon vs. the Competition

How does the Ford Falcon stack up against its arch-rival, the Holden Commodore? The Falcon often edged out in handling and engine refinement, while Commodore fans loved its raw power. Against imports like the Toyota Camry or Hyundai Sonata, the Falcon delivered superior rear-wheel-drive dynamics and space.

Is the Ford Falcon reliable? Absolutely, with countless owners reporting bulletproof longevity.

For family-focused buyers, the rugged Ford Everest offers similar versatility in an SUV package.

Who Should Own a Ford Falcon?

The Ford Falcon suits enthusiasts who crave rear-wheel-drive fun, families needing space and comfort, or collectors chasing Aussie muscle legends. Commuters appreciated its reliability, while performance seekers loved the XR models for weekend blasts.

It’s perfect for anyone who values heritage and a proper driving experience.

Final Verdict: Why the Ford Falcon Still Matters

The Ford Falcon remains an enduring symbol of Australian automotive passion, blending raw performance, everyday usability, and unmatched reliability. While no longer in production, its strengths in horsepower, safety, and resale value make classics worth seeking out. Worth buying today? If you’re after a piece of motoring history that drives like a dream, yes – hunt one down and experience the legend yourself. Head to a specialist dealer or auction and relive the glory days.