Ford Falcon (EF)

Ford Falcon (EF)
Company type	Automobile model
Industry	Automotive
Predecessor	Ford Falcon (ED)
Founded	August 1994; 32 years ago
Defunct	1996
Successor	Ford Falcon (EL)
Area served	Australia
Products	Full-size car

The Ford Falcon (EF) was a full-size car manufactured by Ford Australia between 1994 and 1996. It marked the fourth significant revision of the fifth-generation Falcon and included the upscale Ford Fairmont (EF) version.

Introduction and changes

Launched in August 1994, the EF Falcon represented a major facelift of the preceding Ford Falcon (ED), featuring redesigned exterior panels except for the doors. To distinguish them from the standard Falcons, the Fairmont and Fairmont Ghia models were equipped with unique front-end styling. In October 1995, the EF Series II update was introduced.

A notable innovation in the EF series was the adoption of polycarbonate headlight lenses instead of traditional glass, which reduced weight and enhanced resistance to shattering.

Model range

The EF series comprised six four-door sedan variants alongside four five-door wagon options:

Ford Falcon GLi sedan and wagon
Ford Falcon Futura sedan and wagon
Ford Falcon XR6 sedan and wagon
Ford Falcon XR8 sedan

Ford Fairmont sedan and wagon
Ford Fairmont Ghia sedan

Trim levels

Base models

The entry-level EF versions included the GLi and Futura trims, aimed respectively at fleet operators and family buyers. Both sedans and wagons were available in these trims. GLi models came with 15-inch wheels, body-matched bumpers (excluding insert mouldings), a standard driver airbag, and a five-speed manual transmission paired with a 4.0-litre SOHC inline six-cylinder engine; optional upgrades included a 5.0-litre V8 engine and a four-speed automatic transmission.

Sharing similar styling and engine options with the GLi, the Futura added enhancements such as body-coloured mirrors and bumpers, along with features like front power windows, cruise control, anti-lock brakes, rear headrests, map pockets, six-speaker audio systems (with an optional six-disc CD changer), a digital clock, variable intermittent wipers, a fold-out rear armrest, and interior grab handles.

Both base trims offered optional Tickford body kits, boot spoilers with integrated brake lights, alloy wheels in 15- or 16-inch sizes, six-disc CD players (except on GLi), driver disability packs, and airbag-compatible 'Smart Bar' bull-bars.

Sport models

Sport-oriented models consisted of the XR6 (offered as sedan and wagon) and XR8 (sedan only), distinguished by aggressive styling including twin headlamps, red or black bumper strips, and exclusive 15-inch alloy wheels.

Building on Futura equipment levels, XR variants featured Tickford-tuned four-speed automatic transmissions, sports-tuned suspension with lowered springs and enhanced sway bars, rear spoilers with integrated brake lights, limited slip differentials to boost traction during acceleration, adjustable transparent sports headrests, ‘Sports’ bucket seats with side bolstering, gauges for oil pressure and battery voltage, charcoal leather-wrapped steering wheels, warnings for low oil pressure and washer fluid levels, plus dual-tone horns.

The XR6 was powered by an upgraded version of the base 4.0-litre SOHC inline six-cylinder engine enhanced with Tickford alloy cylinder heads, camshaft modifications, increased valve spring pressure, tailored ECU programming, and a 2.5-inch exhaust system. This setup delivered at 5000 rpm, an increase over the ED Falcon’s output. The XR8 employed a 5.0-litre OHV V8 producing at 4500 rpm—also an improvement from its predecessor. Factory-fitted LPG options were not available for XR models.

Transmission choices included a standard five-speed manual or an electronically controlled four-speed automatic modified by Tickford.

Luxury models

Luxury editions bore the Ford Fairmont or Fairmont Ghia names rather than Falcon badges. The Fairmont was derived from the Futura but incorporated additional amenities such as a trip computer, climate control system, adjustable steering column, remote boot release with keyless entry, central locking mechanisms, and 15-inch alloy wheels. The Fairmont Ghia further upgraded this package by including a nine-speaker sound system with a boot-mounted six-CD stacker plus subwoofer, Ghia-specific badging, chrome detailing, distinctive headlights and bonnet design alterations, front bumper revisions, as well as featuring the only grille design in the EF range—which was non-functional.

All Fairmont variants came standard with a four-speed automatic transmission paired with either the 4.0-litre SOHC inline six or the 5.0-litre OHV V8 engines. The six-cylinder engine in the Ghia model was based on the XR6’s powerplant but delivered slightly reduced output due to a quieter exhaust system compared to that of the XR’s higher-flow setup.

Series II

Released in October 1995, the Series II introduced more than 1,000 enhancements and marked the discontinuation of the XR6 wagon. Notable improvements to the suspension involved elevating the front ball joint location, installing a thicker anti-roll bar, and using stiffer bushes to improve handling performance. A major safety upgrade was the addition of a passenger airbag, which came standard on the Fairmont Ghia and was available as a $510 option on other models equipped with bench seats. Distinctive features of Series II EF Falcons include redesigned GLi hubcaps, refreshed Futura side body rub strips, blacked-out B-pillars on the Fairmont Ghia, and wide-angle convex mirrors on the passenger side door.

Limited editions

The Series II debut was accompanied by two limited edition packages: the Classic pack, offered on GLi and Futura sedans and wagons from November 1995 through March 1996, and the Olympic Classic pack, which was available between May and August 1996.

Production

Before being replaced by the Ford Falcon (EL) in 1996, a total of 192,100 EF Falcons were manufactured.

Introduction and changes

Model range

Trim levels

Series II

Production

See also