1998 Ford Falcon EL 4.0 ohc from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

This is a fantastic all rounder

Faults:

Exhaust Manifold connection to the exhaust came loose. Tightened and leak has gone.

General Comments:

This car was bought to contain a growing family and handle trips to cycle events where lots of people and several cycles need transport.

It has buckets of room (a wagon) can fit all we need for a 2 week holiday in the back.

It tows great, managing our boat with no problems.

The car is heavier than my previous BMW, but handles surprisingly well. The live rear diff lets down the cornering in the end - it starts hopping a bit. There is no undue effects though - the car keeps its line and is very safe.

Performance is adequate in a straight line, the auto makes overtaking easy, just floor it and it's off. The engine is amazingly smooth, all the way to red line. it gets harsh over about 4000 rpm, which is seldom needed. It only needs about 2500 rpm for normal driving.

Gearing is very high. in 4th gear lock up, it pulls 1750rpm at 100 kph. The auto is quite responsive, and never seems to be in the wrong gear. 4 speeds seems enough considering the torque available.

Fuel economy seems OK to me. A 1600kg car is always going to use more than the 1200kg BMW I drove before. The extra stuff you can carry more than makes up for it.

I have owned the car for 2 months now. Nothing has gone wrong apart from a loose bolt on the exhaust.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th February, 2005

1998 Ford Falcon EL GLi V8 Wagon 4.9 windsor V8 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

An excellent tow beast

Faults:

Air conditioner compressor needed to be replaced. That's about it.

The car was basically very well maintained by the previous owner.

General Comments:

This car is an excellent tow machine it might not have the power and torque as the newer Falcons and Commodores, but it does a great job.

Its comfortable and very well made.

It looks great with XR rims on it. The exterior and interior is spotless. The fuel economy isn't too bad unless I am towing it likes to drink. I think the EL falcons was one of the best ever made so far.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 22nd August, 2004

1998 Ford Falcon EL Futura 4.0L six from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A beautiful, reliable, high performance and strong vehicle

Faults:

Rear rotors and pads needed replacing.

Headlight bulb needed replacing.

Injectors and throttle body needed cleaning.

General Comments:

It's a fully optioned Futura, the last before the AU's. I've only had the car a couple of month, but it's been great.

Cheap to run. It's on dual fuel and $20 of LPG can get me up to 350-400 kays. A $55 tank full of petrol lasts up to 600 kays.

It's a beautiful, comfortable car to drive.

Looks mean and performs really well. The big 6 has bags of torque and 157kw of power is ample. Very strong power and torque at higher revs.

4 speed auto seems nervous sometimes, but generally shifts well, especially in power mode.

Well appointed and attractive interior, ergonomic. Good driving position. The rear headrests are a nice touch.

It's lowered on tickford suspension so handles quite well. Though it's a big car it's easy to throw around corners.

I'm only 21 so I feel spoiled driving such a nice car. A beautiful machine. I am proud to own another tough reliable Falcon (previous car was 5-speed EA S-pack). I love this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th November, 2003

15th Jun 2004, 00:27

I wrote this original survey. I'd like to now add that I have fitted the EL with 17" rims with low profile tyres, and it handles even better.

Recently, someone tried to break into it by jimmying the lock and it's since been playing up (sometimes won't lock or unlock with remote)

It's now got 172,000 kays on the clock and I've been given the full service history on the car and it's been cheap and undemanding to maintain prior to me purchasing it. I recently drove it interstate (1200 kms each way, stopped only for fuel both ways) and it didn't miss a beat. It was so comfortable to drive for hours on end.

28th Oct 2008, 19:39

The AU cam out 1998 September not April, I have a 1998 June 1998 EL Futura.