Ford Falcon XF
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 1
Introduction
The XF represented the last of the fourth generation cars, and featured softer, more rounded styling with revsions to the grille and bumpers, and new tail lamps. The XF had big shoes to fill, the
XE having taken Ford to the top of the sales charts, however Ford needed the XF to be something special with the General's
VK Commodore quickly closing the margin.
The Ford enginners gave the XF a softer styling treatment, and even a new dash which presented a far more modern look than the outgoing
XE. Very popular, the XF would remain in production for 3 and a half years, from October
1984 through to February
1988. During its run, Ford made numerous improvements, and for the first time offered a 5 speed manual gearbox to most models.
The design was almost entirely new forward of the front pillars, and the rear had the obligatory tail lamp revision. Other less noticeable inclusions were the padded head rests, adjustable
steering column on all models except the GL, and a fold down panel in the centre of the rear seat to allow long items to extend through from the boot.
The
Ghia went one further, fitted with beautifully elegant
alloy wheels, a body coloured grille, cruise control and one of the most impressive ever electronic dash displays. Having a long production run meant revisions were the order of the day, and the XF was available in Family Edition and S-Pack.
The Family Edition featured a centafold front bench seat and two-tone paint scheme, while the S-Pack featured firmer
suspension, was lowered 10mm and fitted with
alloy wheels shod with performance tyres. The fuel injected six cylinder engine, introduced in the previous model to replace the V8 received new management systems, and midway through the production run were modified further to allow the use of unleaded fuel.
The 25th Anniversary XF
September
1985 saw the release of the special 25th Anniversary Falcon, featuring a choice of three colour schemes and unique badging and interior. 2000 were sold. Ford did have something to celebrate. In
1986 there was a very minor XF Falcon facelift. A Ghia wagon - affected by the luxury car tax to the extent that a few standard items had to be removed from the specification just before it was announced - a manual five speed version of both 4.1 litre engines available for the first time, power steering and four wheel disc
brakes standard for all passenger models, plus a touch of colour-coding for front and rear ends.
Perhaps a little boring, but it was all part of the honest, straightforward image projected by the Falcon since the “Blackwood” first made its appearance as the
XD in
1979. At the time, Ford claimed the strategy with the revised XF was to build on the Falcon's strengths and expand its attributes. Mechanically, there had been few actual changes to the big Fords, but what was done help to refine what was, in reality, a pretty basic car. The availability of the five speed gearbox, for example, allowed the lowering of the final drive for better in-gear response while actually allowing a slightly higher-geared top. Wagons received a lot of NVH attention which included the fitment of a new, tuned driveshaft on five speed models, plus a quieter fuel pump to eliminate the whine of previous models, and a new
exhaust system with a third muffler. The effect was to greatly reduce the familiar station wagon "boom".
The Ghia wagon, which hit the showrooms late in
1986, was fitted with the full top-line regalia, except for the premium sound system which, unfortunately, became a dealer fitment item as a result of the Keating luxury tax. The Ghia came with EFI engine, automatic
transmission, central locking, electric windows, electric mirrors, digital instrument panel and
alloy wheels. Previously listed factory options (such as the aforementioned premium sound system and trip computer) were now dealer-fitment items. Prices for the updated Falcons started at A$15,739 for the 3.3 litre GL four speed sedan (four speed became the standard transmission late in
1986). With previous XF models that may not have been fitted with four wheel discs or standard power steering, that represented an increase of around 6.5%. Other models were generally up by around 3.5%, except in cases where the standard equipment level changed.
The XF was finally replaced by the 5th generation Falcon, the
EA, in February
1988, however the utes and vans would continue in production and, in April
1991, an S version was made available complete with sports wheels and wider side body stripe. Power
steering and a five speed manual gearbox was fitted as standard on all versions, and all this happened over 3 years after the last XF sedan had rolled off the production line!
FORD 20 years behind HOLDEN and counting.
I found that door handle breakages are more common on these X-series falcons - that and the hinges drop (making the whole door drop out of alignment with the frame) but go figure, when supporting these heavy doors. They would be the biggest cons for falcons. Pros: These girls are designed to take the family and all their luggage, they are big! Comfortable too (taking into consideration their age and market rivals at their inception) with great leg-room in the rear - especially if you have a short-arse driving. I've found they are also great at towing - solid on the road and so easy to drive, it's like you're not towing anything. Nowadays, I think they are more popular as paddock-bashers unfortunately.
4.1 litre 4 spd manual i had a bit of work done to it but the doors where a problem but never had a problem with the power it went pretty well transmission starting sticking but other then that it did well
PROS
Although i had lpg i only used gas due to the lack of servo's with lpg pumps but i felt it weld well on the fuel so that to me was a plus.
CONS
Transmission-I realised that the transmission was leaking alot of tranny fluid and a kept topping it up but did not think of getting it fixed. Because i left it the bands wore out and i was left with basically no reverse. I took it to the mechanics and they said it is a common problem amongst falcons thus wreckers know this which means exspensive parts. Seeing i got the ute for 1600 and it would cost 1100 for a new tranny and rego i traded it in.
Doors- this may be due to the doors not being aligned properly but i put my key in once and the internal cable broke off meaning a broken door.
so yeh preety much make sure the tranny is serviced when buying
but i want to put a bigger engine in it. Whats the biggest engine that will fit? Im not a car enthusiast just need a little help
cheers