Faults:

Rear section of exhaust rusted out. Haven't bothered replacing.

Plastic surround around antenna/demister button on dash shattered, and was never to be seen again. :/

Other than this, there are no other faults.

General Comments:

This is the 3rd Ford I've owned in 5 years, and something keeps bringing me back. The previous Fords I owned were the EF model, and the EL brings very noticeable differences.

Cosmetic: New grille and badging, better colour co-ordination in the interior (grey buttons instead of the horrid black), new instrument cluster facia, much more colourful velour seats/patterns with extra lumbar support.

Hardware/Mechanical: better handling (lowering the pivot point of Fords watts link 20mm), smoother gearbox operation + refinement of shift points in both power and economy mode (no torque converter lock-up at 50km/h in econ mode, only when 3 is selected on the shifter), more soundproofing in the firewall, and the replacement of troublesome coilpacks with a good ol' distributor.

I find these cars to make excellent family movers, and comfortable daily drivers. They handle long distance trips with ease, and fuel economy on the open road is great. Gets a bit thirsty in traffic, but once you're moving, generally returns about 8-9L/100km above 70-80km/h.

The new seats in this model aren't as comfortable as the previous EF seats, and make you sit higher than usual.

Ample performance in all conditions, but mostly whilst on the open road. Makes overtaking a breeze.

Would recommend this car to anyone looking for a cheap, yet reliable family car.

Faults:

Interior door handle broke.

General Comments:

Very comfortable.

The Ghia as comes standard with the performance motor from the XR6.

Quite powerful and quick for such a large car.

Safety features are excellent, including dual airbags, side intrusion bars, ABS, roof strength.

Excellent standard feature, 9 speaker stereo, climate control, cruise control, power windows/steering/mirrors, central locking and immobiliser.

Overall a great car!

Faults:

-temporary electrical failure

-floor light globe blew

-driver's exterior door handle broke

-stereo died (after-market)

-hood ornament was snapped off by horrible child.

General Comments:

This is my first car and I love it. Handles surprisingly well for a large, non-IRS sedan, and combined with the sheer grunt of the engine makes for fun driving.

Engine is smooth, can be caught with its pants down, but absolutely flies once you get it up and running. 3 speed transmission is sufficient, if a little crude with its low speed gear changes.

First gear whine gives the car an endearing character that all Falcons share.

Comfort and gadgets really make this car feel modern. Awesomely comfy too.

Economy is not as bad as you would expect, but still can be a pig.

Rattles occasionally and not much grip in wet, but feels safe.

Parking is another matter.. extremely frustrating at times.

This is a well looked after example with metallic grey colour and sunroof.

I cannot think of a better value car or more reliable than the Ford Falcon.