LAST OF THE BREED
Full-size family sedan stuck with the tried and true Falcon traits
The FG Falcon of 2008 was the last in a long line of Falcons dating from 1960. It was also the best but, by its release, buyers were turning their backs on big cars. In preference to the Falcon, they were buying SUVs and smaller, more fuelefficient cars, so its future looked grim.
Following the pattern set by past Falcons, the FG was a full-sized family car with seating for five. It came as a sedan or ute; the wagon was consigned to history with the BF series.
Ford rearranged its model line-up and made two sub-groupings within the FG family. The sporty group included the XT, XR6, XR6 Turbo and XR8 and the luxury line-up comprised the G6, G6E and G6E Turbo.
At the heart of the FG was a punchy 195kW 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine. There was also a dedicated LPG version for reduced running costs and, for those who wanted a thrilling ride, a sizzling turbo that pumped out 270kW and mountainous torque.
For those refusing to give up on the past, Ford kept a V8 in the XR8. The 5.4-litre pumped out 290kW/520Nm.
Just the XR6 and XR8 had a manual gearbox option. LPG versions of the six-cylinder ran a four-speed automatic but the other sixes were coupled to five or six-speed autos..
In a rapidly changing market Ford didn’t give up on the Falcon, instead giving it a new lease on life from 2011 when it released the FG Mark II, finally dropping the XR8, and introducing two new fuel-efficient engines.
The 4.0-litre EcoLPI, a direct-injection dedicated LPG engine, produced 198kW/409Nm, far more than the previous LPG engine and even more than the regular petrol 4.0-litre.
A year later it released the EcoBoost engine, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo with handy outputs of 179kW/353Nm and far less thirst.
On the road the FG handled well, was smooth, comfortable and quiet, and had all the performance you could want.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
Owners we consulted spoke highly of their FGs. They were impressed with its roominess and large boot, which was well suited to family use.
They liked its performance, and were also satisfied with the economy of the six-cylinder engine. None reported mechanical problems of note, suggesting that the FG is holding up well.
That accords with trade reports that the FG gives little trouble. Brake pads and rotors regularly need replacing.
There have also been reports of trouble with the six-speed auto, to the extent of needing a rebuild, or even replacement, sometimes at quite low kilometres.
When test-driving an FG carefully assess the automatic transmission, which should engage gears without hesitation of any jerkiness, and should shift smoothly. Also listen for knocks from the rear suspension; wear in the diff bushes is a known problem.
OWNERS SAY
GRAHAM DIXON: I bought a 2013 XR6 new. It was a pleasure to drive, the boot was large and the kids had plenty of room in the rear. The only trouble I had was a noise in the steering rack, which was replaced under warranty.
SHANNAN KIELER: My 50th anniversary XR6 is very comfortable. It has enough power and I get 7.5L-8.0 L/100km driving 150km to and from work. I do 30,000km a year and I haven’t had any problems with it at all.
LEN RICHMAN: My 2010 XR6 is the best car I have owned. I have covered 89,000km and I’ve had no problems at all, it’s economical and it still looks like new. CHRIS HUTCHINSON: I bought my 2008 G6E in 2012 with 40,000km. It has now done 140,000km, has always performed well, is comfortable, reliable and economical.
SMITHY SAYS
Size and fuel consumption work against it but it’s a solid and reliable family car.