My week with a BF Falcon...

[Febs]

Hi guys,

I've just spent the past 6 days with a BF XT and thought I'd post up a bit of a review. I'm a Holden fan, but don't worry, I'll be honest. :) I was supposed to get a Magna (which I wasn't too keen on, though I would've loved to try a 380!), but as always with rental companies, "we've upgraded you today sir", so I got a BF. :)

Overall? Not bad...but some serious quality/refinement issues that shouldn't exist on a 2006 model car with 7,000km on the clock.

First of all the engine, which I thought was actually pretty good. Smooth, quiet, no harshness like the Ecotec (and Alloytec to a lesser extent). Even though I'm used to a 300kw V8, I found it had plenty of go, with a decent amount of torque and top end that wasn't too bad.

Gearbox (it was an XT so it had the 4sp Auto) - not too bad, but a bit clunky. Not as easily "confused" as the 4L60E. Shifts were a bit soft, but no worse than any automatic that hasn't had it's shifts altered. Would've loved to try the new ZF box, but oh well. The manual mode is good for a bit of a laugh, but that's about it.

Diff - do XTs come with an LSD standard? I doubt it. Anyway, the diff was pretty clunky. I'm sure it's had a harder than normal life (being a rental), but with only 7,000km, it shouldn't have been so clunky.

Cabin - while I like the design, I've gotta say it's a pretty "budget" interior. Seats were nice enough (a little uncomfortable at first though. I'm 6ft and 78kg, and found it a little too tight. I'd hate to be a big bloke and have to sit in it every day), dash felt pretty cheap, a few rattles etc..

Don't get me wrong...I wasn't expecting a European quality interior...but I had hoped it'd be a little bit nicer than an Executive. No such luck.

There were also some features missing that should be considered essential on a modern car IMO. Eg:

1) Even in my old VS Commodore (1995), when you open the door with the ignition off, the headlights go off (if you left them on). The BF didn't do this, even when the headlights were in Auto mode (maybe they were on a timer. I didn't have time to wait and see). Further to this...when you flick the headlights off, you can often turn the knob too far, to "auto" mode, and so they come back on. Annoying. The headlights themselves were OK. Highbeam wasn't fantastic, but it was sufficient.

2) Auto-down windows, where you hold the switch down for a second, and it automatically winds all the way down. My 2001 Calais does it, you'd think a 2006 Falcon would.

3) Two stage locking (1 click for driver's door, 2 clicks or hold for all four doors). Again - 11 year old Commodores have it, why not a 2006 Falcon?

Anyway...

Handling - I'm sorry guys, I know people says the XR models handle pretty well, but this thing was shocking. It was felt like it was all over the road at 100km/h, and the bodyroll was terrible. Granted it's a base model family car...but again comparing it to something I'm used to - my Calais has terrible, standard suspension..and even it feels more composed. Taking corners quickly induced an interesting mix of understeer then oversteer. :)

Rattles - A couple in the door, a couple in the back. One thing that I found really annoying was the way the door closes. You know when you close your door, but not hard enough, and it stays half-closed? Every time you closed the driver's door, it sounded exactly like that (no matter how hard you slammed it). It closed every time, but sounded like it didn't. Felt very cheap to me.

Stereo - pretty poor, but then it's a base model. No tweeters I could see (Commodores have had them for 11 years as standard). One thing I found very strange was whenever you opened a window, it sounded like that door's speaker switched off. Eg: Open the driver's window, and the sound staging sounded like it was coming from the passenger footwell. Open both front windows and it sounded like the sound was coming from the rear. Very odd. The speakers were actually working, but you just couldn't hear anything from them, even at a standstill. Poor accoustics I guess.

Lastly - fuel. I prepared myself for the worst, but was sort of surprised. I did 500km, mostly along Melbourne's M1 (going against the traffic flow each way) with maybe 2km in the CBD each day. Averaged 9.6l/100km, giving it a bootfull at times. Not too bad I guess, but I would've liked to see what it'd average in suburban/city driving. I know taxi drivers who own BA wagons and LS1 Statesmans (all well-maintained), and the Stato's use less gas.

What else..? Boot - reasonably big (not as big as a VY boot, but the hinge design is a million times better in the BF). Glovebox - pathetically small.

I think that's about it. Overall it wasn't a bad car, and had plenty of go for a 6...but I still wouldn't buy one over a Commodore. That said, if Holden went bust, or stopped making large V8 RWD sedans, then I'd probably buy an XR8. :)

Cheers,
- Febs.

[Tron2004]

We have the same model (in wagon form) where I work.
Just one question... How do you turn the headlights OFF after you start the car??? They seem to be permanently on!!!

IMHO, I think it's a terrible model.
Ergonomics are pretty much non existant.
Another problem I found was it's damn hard to see the intruments... bloody steering wheel is in the way!!!

[Minikeg]

2) Auto-down windows, where you hold the switch down for a second, and it automatically winds all the way down. My 2001 Calais does it, you'd think a 2006 Falcon would.


My 1989 Calais does that too.

But as you say it is a budget family car.

[PaulST]

1) Even in my old VS Commodore (1995), when you open the door with the ignition off, the headlights go off (if you left them on). The BF didn't do this, even when the headlights were in Auto mode (maybe they were on a timer. I didn't have time to wait and see). Further to this...when you flick the headlights off, you can often turn the knob too far, to "auto" mode, and so they come back on. Annoying. The headlights themselves were OK. Highbeam wasn't fantastic, but it was sufficient.

Yep, there's a timer and they'll go off after you've had time to walk to your door.

2) Auto-down windows, where you hold the switch down for a second, and it automatically winds all the way down. My 2001 Calais does it, you'd think a 2006 Falcon would.
That's because your Calais is a luxury car while the XT is a taxi. Does the Executive have auto windows? Everything above the XT does.

3) Two stage locking (1 click for driver's door, 2 clicks or hold for all four doors). Again - 11 year old Commodores have it, why not a 2006 Falcon?
That can be programmed in if you look at the users manual.

[Febs]

Yep, there's a timer and they'll go off after you've had time to walk to your door.

Fair enough...wasn't game to try as I was leaving the car with the valet parkers, and didn't want a flat battery in the morning.


That's because your Calais is a luxury car while the XT is a taxi. Does the Executive have auto windows? Everything above the XT does.

Fair enough. I don't know if a VZ Exec has auto-down windows, but my mate's VY SS did, and that had a pretty "poverty pack" interior.


That can be programmed in if you look at the users manual.

Yeah so I heard. Should be programmed like that from the factory IMO.

Cheers,
- Febs.

[fieldey]

Another problem I found was it's damn hard to see the intruments... bloody steering wheel is in the way!!!

I second that!!!
Givs me the sh#ts when ever I get in the missus BF.

Sounds stupid but, one thing I do like is the window washers. They dont just squirt 2 jets of water on the screen. They apply to a larger area in a mist like fashion.

And yes the headlights are on a timer.

I dont mind the BF. It's a good car. Im just used to the featurs u get with the commodore.

fieldey

[kayman]

Fair enough. I don't know if a VZ Exec has auto-down windows, but my mate's VY SS did, and that had a pretty "poverty pack" interior.


My VT2 Exec has auto-down on the drivers window only!

[Tron2004]

My VT2 Exec has auto-down on the drivers window only!
The variations with this are weird.
My SV8 has the auto-down feature on both the driver and front passenger sides.

[Febs]

The variations with this are weird.
My SV8 has the auto-down feature on both the driver and front passenger sides.

It came in with the VY I think.
My VX Calais has it only on the driver's window.

[cutter bob]

That's because your Calais is a luxury car while the XT is a taxi. Does the Executive have auto windows? Everything above the XT does.



the Vz executive has auto windows

[maxter]

the Vz executive has auto windows

Yup, I can confirm that. My VZ Exec has auto windows.

Cheers,

[Souljah]

Fair enough. I don't know if a VZ Exec has auto-down windows, but my mate's VY SS did, and that had a pretty "poverty pack" interior.
Once again, your compairing an SS to a base model.
My ute doesnt have auto down on the passengers side.

[Danv8]

Hi guys,



Handling - I'm sorry guys, I know people says the XR models handle pretty well, but this thing was shocking. It was felt like it was all over the road at 100km/h, and the bodyroll was terrible. Granted it's a base model family car...but again comparing it to something I'm used to - my Calais has terrible, standard suspension..and even it feels more composed. Taking corners quickly induced an interesting mix of understeer then oversteer. :)
.

Its a typical standard Falcon suspension package has plagued them for years.
Floaty feeling with a lot of body roll.
Can cause sea sickness. :doh: :burnout:

[Nobby]

Awesome suspension, old chassis.

[steen]

Its a typical standard Falcon suspension package has plagued them for years.
Yeah but with wishbone front/multilink rear, you'd think they could've come up with a formula of reasonable compromise by now. They seem to be caught between sports handling & comfort & do neither well in standard trim.

For the OP, no question NVH from the I6 is pretty good indeed. Good job Ford. NA runs out of a little puff at high rpm, better than ecotec but tough to match the alloytec 190 there.

[shockwavexr6na]

The Suspension in the Falcon certainly is miles ahead of the VT setup under the VZ, anyone who drives both cars back to back will always say the Falcon corners better, a Calais will obviously have sports tuned suspension, so in saying that your better off comparing base for base, compare a Fairmont Ghia to a Calais and you'll soon see which one performs the best, especially considering that all Ghia variants now come with the six speed auto box.

[Guzzles]

The Suspension in the Falcon certainly is miles ahead of the VT setup under the VZ, anyone who drives both cars back to back will always say the Falcon corners better, a Calais will obviously have sports tuned suspension, so in saying that your better off comparing base for base, compare a Fairmont Ghia to a Calais and you'll soon see which one performs the best, especially considering that all Ghia variants now come with the six speed auto box.
His is a VX I Calais AFAIK these don't have the sport luxury suspension. :stick:

[Febs]

a Calais will obviously have sports tuned suspension

As Guzzles said, my Calais is a VX1. That means bog stock FE1 suspension - just like you'd find in a VZ Executive, with two important differences:

1) Mine doesn't have the extra link in the rear that they've all had since VX2.
2) Mine has 125,000km on the clock, and the suspension is old and needs replacing.

Go XT!

:p

[Devil CV8]

Once again, your compairing an SS to a base model.
My ute doesnt have auto down on the passengers side.
And an SS has the luxury level of an executive... check out the vin sometime, there is executive, berlina and calais levels, SS, SV6 and SV8 are all executive levels..

[dj007]

Diff - do XTs come with an LSD standard? I doubt it. Anyway, the diff was pretty clunky. I'm sure it's had a harder than normal life (being a rental), but with only 7,000km, it shouldn't have been so clunky..

lol Do base execs come with LSD standard? I doubt it too :doh:



There were also some features missing that should be considered essential on a modern car IMO. Eg:
1) Even in my old VS Commodore (1995), when you open the door with the ignition off, the headlights go off (if you left them on). The BF didn't do this, even when the headlights were in Auto mode (maybe they were on a timer. I didn't have time to wait and see). Further to this...when you flick the headlights off, you can often turn the knob too far, to "auto" mode, and so they come back on. Annoying. The headlights themselves were OK. Highbeam wasn't fantastic, but it was sufficient.


Yeah its a feature to assist a driver walking in the dark.


2) Auto-down windows, where you hold the switch down for a second, and it automatically winds all the way down. My 2001 Calais does it, you'd think a 2006 Falcon would.


Yeah you're right here. But you'd also think a 1999 AU Forte would have power windows when 'my old' 1970 Mercedes had it?? Remember its a different class of car.


3) Two stage locking (1 click for driver's door, 2 clicks or hold for all four doors). Again - 11 year old Commodores have it, why not a 2006 Falcon?


As someone said this is programable. But you're right 7 year old falcons don't have this.


Anyway...

Handling - I'm sorry guys, I know people says the XR models handle pretty well, but this thing was shocking. It was felt like it was all over the road at 100km/h, and the bodyroll was terrible. Granted it's a base model family car...but again comparing it to something I'm used to - my Calais has terrible, standard suspension..and even it feels more composed. Taking corners quickly induced an interesting mix of understeer then oversteer. :)


XR and XT have different suspension. XT has a much more softer drive to it.

To be fair the XT is a nice car, expecally for the money. But its no good comparing it to a luxuary class car, cause the XT will look like shite lol :nyuk:

[lumina ss]

I think the falcon and the holden as an overall package are as good and bad as each other, very little in it. The only reason I dont drive a falcon is because no matter how hard I try my knee bashes into the forward part off door armrest, the thing is damn hard, this means as far as Im concerned I might as well be driving a Viva because theres six inches between my right knee and the door trim that is unusable that makes me sit closed leg like a nun. Baaaaaaaaaaad design.

[Swordie]

If I needed to run a car on LPG I would be more tempted by the Ford as there are more around. With the way fuel prices are going LPG is looking more attractive in the future. A second hand BA with dedicated gas with 70,000km can be picked up for $17,000 at auction.

I remember driving a BA and around town it felt as strong as the Buik 3.8 down low. When revved hard it was allot smoother and had more power up top. I haven’t had a drive of 3.6 175Kw but from what I have read I’m not missing out on much.

[OzJavelin]

Its a typical standard Falcon suspension package has plagued them for years.
Floaty feeling with a lot of body roll.
Can cause sea sickness. :doh: :burnout:
Not that most people on this Forum would be seen dead in an AU, but personally I think that AUs drive/handle sharper than BA/BFs .. at least the base models. AUs are pretty sharp in the handling dept, which was a bit against the traditional Ford buyers liking, so I think they "worked" on fixing that in the BA. The BAs I've driven at work, with decent brand 16" tyres and mags handle like the proverbial warm bucket of sago ..

[lowriding]

Not that most people on this Forum would be seen dead in an AU, but personally I think that AUs drive/handle sharper than BA/BFs .. at least the base models. AUs are pretty sharp in the handling dept, which was a bit against the traditional Ford buyers liking, so I think they "worked" on fixing that in the BA. The BAs I've driven at work, with decent brand 16" tyres and mags handle like the proverbial warm bucket of sago ..

I'd agree with this - The base AU2/3 definately had smoother handling than BAXT /futura . The BA rides better but is "floaty" and has too much turn in for its size/weight and tyres .They feel very unbalanced on the std suspension.

[RedVYIISS]

I'm currently driving a BA XT, seems as though the 'control blade suspension' is made of marshmellow!! The XR6 I had a few weeks ago wasn't a bad drive though. Still seemed a bit 'soft' for its sporty pretensions, but not bad.

[Lucifer]

I have driven several hire cars of numerous brands and I always request the Falcon wherever possible. Two reasons. First I don't normally drive one so I am keen to see how the oposition is fairing. Second, The base falcon is better, more comfortable, faster than the Commodore/magna/camry alternative.

A friend of mine that writes for a magazine publication reminds me that there have been several comparisons done over the last couple of years and the Ford has won every one. Even the new 380 was a big disappointment.

I must say the stock suspension on the BA/BF is very good. It feels far more secure on the open read (130km/h plus) than the executives/Altise/380 I have driven.

Just my 2c worth.

[SSBarney]

Not that most people on this Forum would be seen dead in an AU, but personally I think that AUs drive/handle sharper than BA/BFs .. at least the base models. AUs are pretty sharp in the handling dept, which was a bit against the traditional Ford buyers liking, so I think they "worked" on fixing that in the BA. The BAs I've driven at work, with decent brand 16" tyres and mags handle like the proverbial warm bucket of sago ..


Interesting comments. I wondered how long until the well hated AU starts to get noticed for its positives.
The wifes car is an AU she has had from 2000, bought it at about 30,000km now has 130,oooplus. I tried to convince an upgrade, but she only leaves it at the station anyway.
But i drive it occasionally, and it surprises me of the tightness of everything, not a single rattle at 6 years old and 130K's, needless anyone with a commodore knows about rattles.
But yes it floats, like Captain Feathersword from the wiggles, definetly needs tighter suspension. But to be fair i'm comparing my fe2 to stock suspension that has not been touched in 130k's. So maybe some new shocks would help.
I also abuse it, it has had two oil changes since it clicked over 80,000km's, and that is its service history since then, besides me throwing on some brake pads if it squeels.
Dont get me wrong, i dont like it, but in durability, it seems to be proving it self.

Barney

[Swordie]

I don't some AU's like the series II/III XR8 and Fairmont wagon.

There was a Motor article a few years ago comparing a AUIII XR8 and VXII SS, the vote went with Ford.

[Aus8]

I am a holden nut but disagree with Febs in the way of I would pick a BA XT over a VZ exec anyday. For me the choice is quite easy in terms of the base models. My current company BA has 105 000 on it and it still feels extremly tight and quiet with no clunks etc. I prefer the Ford interior etc and the ICC system and as Febs has said the Gearbox and Engine are miles ahead in refinement and driver feel. Going back to a Ecotec or even the Alloytec after driving a Barra is quite a uninspiring experience. The Alloytec would be alot better behind a new gearbox so bring on the VE. But then again the Barra would probably get further ahead behind the ZF A6.

One more thing is I have always found my Commodores to have dead feeling steering, My work BA is very direct and makes me feel confident behind the wheel.

Just my experiences from racking up a hell of a lot of kays in base model compay hacks.

Cheers

Aus8

[dj007]

Not that most people on this Forum would be seen dead in an AU, but personally I think that AUs drive/handle sharper than BA/BFs .. at least the base models. AUs are pretty sharp in the handling dept, which was a bit against the traditional Ford buyers liking, so I think they "worked" on fixing that in the BA.

I've driven both the AU and BA and agree with this. The AU was stiffer and perhaps more direct. Some people like the extra softness of the BA tho.

Its like a friend of mine who drove the AU who didn't like the smoothness and directness of the steering compared to his SS Commy lol. He put a positive into a negative.

The AU wasn't that bad... maybe some 'out there' styling issues but a nice and reliable package overall.

[Febs]

I must say the stock suspension on the BA/BF is very good. It feels far more secure on the open read (130km/h plus) than the executives/Altise/380 I have driven.

Interesting you mention that. Moving onto the the perfomance models..
Dad was having a chat with some HWP guys a while ago, and they all agreed that, given the choice, they'd take the SS over the XR8 for high-speed duties. They said the SS just felt a lot more stable at higher (150+) speeds, and they felt a lot safer in it.

I can't say personally (I've been in both at 180+, but in different situations. One on a dodgy road, one on a racetrack). I'm guessing they'd have a fair idea though. :)

Cheers,
- Febs.

[Aus8]

To be fair to the Falcon I will add a few things that have been standard since the EA that are still not standard on a 2006 VZ which are far more annoying IMO than the things Febs has listed.

These 3 things would give me the absolute sxits when I had my VT2 and VX2 sedans. God only knows why these are standard on a 2006 VZ. Im gathering it will be rectified for the VE.

1. Why must the contents of my boot and the top of my head get saturated with water when I open the boot after its been raining

2. Why can I not have 60 40 split fold rear seats instead of a useless porthole

3. Why is my boot capacity and ability to carry large boxes or suitcases severely hampered by intrusive boot struts.

[Febs]

1. Why must the contents of my boot and the top of my head get saturated with water when I open the boot after its been raining

2. Why can I not have 60 40 split fold rear seats instead of a useless porthole

3. Why is my boot capacity and ability to carry large boxes or suitcases severely hampered by intrusive boot struts.

Agreed on all counts.

[HSVMAN]

To be fair to the Falcon I will add a few things that have been standard since the EA that are still not standard on a 2006 VZ which are far more annoying IMO than the things Febs has listed.
These 3 things would give me the absolute sxits when I had my VT2 and VX2 sedans. God only knows why these are standard on a 2006 VZ. Im gathering it will be rectified for the VE.
1. Why must the contents of my boot and the top of my head get saturated with water when I open the boot after its been raining
2. Why can I not have 60 40 split fold rear seats instead of a useless porthole
3. Why is my boot capacity and ability to carry large boxes or suitcases severely hampered by intrusive boot struts.

I agree with the getting wet thing, the Falcon responds by scalping tall people when they get in or out of the car (with folded edge doors and narrow entry to rear)
The rear seat in commodores was not made 60/40 because of structural strength requirements - take that how you may
The boot hinges are terrible on Commodore but if you are aware of them then you usually think first before stacking and closing.
There are many pros and cons of both but its interesting the cons of the C/door are nit picky.
When I had a BA XR6 it always peeved me off I couldnt cross my feet over in front passenger seat due to lack of room under dash. I prefer the BA/BF interior on base spec models but the eqipment level is lacking as said earlier

[DK-3800]

nice review, thanks for the read
always wondered what the 6's where like

[Ghia351]

To be fair to the Falcon I will add a few things that have been standard since the EA that are still not standard on a 2006 VZ which are far more annoying IMO than the things Febs has listed.

1. Why must the contents of my boot and the top of my head get saturated with water when I open the boot after its been raining

Rumour has it that during all prototype testing of the VT, spilling of water into the boot area after rain was never noticed as water leak testing of boot seals was all that was checked and with the heavy camo on the rear during public road testing it never showed up until it was too late to change it....makes for a good story if nothing else...

[lowriding]

I'd agree with this - The base AU2/3 definately had smoother handling than BAXT /futura . The BA rides better but is "floaty" and has too much turn in for its size/weight and tyres .They feel very unbalanced on the std suspension.

Further to this it could be that the extra weight of the BA is just more apparent in the low spec models on softer suspension.

[Nobby]

I think people who are saying the BA is floaty should remember that, whilst they're not necessarily wrong, they are coming from a background of driving hard planted cars (ie XR, SS, GT, ClubSport, or anything else with some sort of sports suspension).

All base cars will feel like barges after jumping out of a lowered beast.

THAT SAID HOWEVER... I would never buy a car without the sports suspension option ticked. :D

[vybarbs]

mate these new BFs arnt to shabby in their own right,

ive punched 2 XR6 Turbos (one auto, one manual) and they go just as hard as my calais

from jumping from a commodore into a falcon it all feels weird and squashy (6ft 3" 115big kgs) but you get used to it.

ill always prefer my holdens but i wouldnt reject driving a BF like i did an AU (i just couldnt stand them)

[Swordie]

Try driving an American SUV, that's floaty.

[FPV GTHO]

Most journo's comment the BA went backwards with the steering compared to the AU, but they dont seem to mention any issues such as these with the suspension..

[cams290]

Just comparing little things, we have a BA Pursuit and a VY Exec wagon !!

Performance and handling aside.

VY has a better trip computer set up, more functions etc, but you cant adjust the intermittant wiper delay on the stalk.
The VY's steering wheel buttons are awkward to use compared to the BA.
When you use the windscreen washers with the drivers window down a bit in the VY, you get saturated, this doesnt happen in the BA.
The Ford knobs and controls feel far superior in the BA, the BA has about 12 different fan speeds.

Both are good cars, each has their good and bad points !

[Brendan24688]

Just comparing little things, we have a BA Pursuit and a VY Exec wagon !!

Performance and handling aside.

VY has a better trip computer set up, more functions etc, but you cant adjust the intermittant wiper delay on the stalk.
The VY's steering wheel buttons are awkward to use compared to the BA.
When you use the windscreen washers with the drivers window down a bit in the VY, you get saturated, this doesnt happen in the BA.
The Ford knobs and controls feel far superior in the BA, the BA has about 12 different fan speeds.

Both are good cars, each has their good and bad points !


I think you'll find that there is actually 14 speed :lmao:

[SSBarney]

I think you'll find that there is actually 14 speed :lmao:
WOW thats a huge point, f*ck u laugh easily

[lowriding]

When i had my company BA i liked the multi speed fan - those little extra adjustments were good to get it exactly as you wanted . Not sure what the Commodore is now but the car i drive at the moment has 7 speed fan:bravo: Not gimmacky at all imo.

[saaz]

I prefer just putting the climate on auto, don't have a clue what speeds there are.

[SSBarney]

Not sure what the Commodore is now but the car i drive at the moment has 7 speed fan:bravo: Not gimmacky at all imo.

Niethers my after market one i fitted it has 275 different fan settings. Definetly not gimmicky.
Setting number 225 is such a babe she knows just how i like it.:bounce:

[lowriding]

Niethers my after market one i fitted it has 275 different fan settings.

sounds awesome to me . More to play with in Sydney traffic:dance:

[HSVMAN]

Personally I prefer fan setting 181....... and the headlight dimmers are great too, saves blinding the possums

[Pacey]

I agree with you on the level of trim it is pretty sad. but the auto lights are on a timer (I think fords are scare of the dark) the windows should auto down (does on ours) butyep the diff was clunky on ours form day dot the pannel fit was terible and wind noises and rattels never ever got fixed properly under new car warranty yet my wifes VY was an ex Police car and its 5 times the car the BA is