Ford Falcon (XH)
| Company type | Commercial vehicle lineup |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Ford Falcon (XG) series |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Defunct | 1999 |
| Fate | Replaced by AU Falcon-based Ute models (utilities); Van discontinued |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Utility vehicles, panel vans |
The Ford Falcon (XH) series represents a lineup of commercial vehicles manufactured by Ford Australia between 1996 and 1999. It succeeded the XG series, which consisted of utility and panel van variants derived from the XF full-size car. This iteration brought the commercial models technologically and comfort-wise closer to the contemporary sedan range (EL Falcon), while also reintroducing a V8 engine option after approximately fourteen years—returning over four years following the sedan’s reintroduction of the 5.0L Windsor EFI V8 in 1992.
Introduction
Debuting in April 1996 as an updated version of the Ford XG Falcon, the XH was offered solely in two body styles: coupe utility and panel van. During its initial months, it was marketed alongside the EF Falcon sedans and wagons until October 1996, after which it continued alongside the facelifted EL Falcon sedans and wagons, extending into the early production phase of the AU Falcon.
Ford refreshed the XG by incorporating the front-end design from the EF sedan and wagon, delivering a modernized look. Key improvements encompassed a redesigned bonnet featuring a raised center section, a more rounded roofline, updated front and rear suspension systems, enhanced steering responsiveness, upgraded powertrains, redesigned seating arrangements, a new instrument cluster pod, and refined interior finishes—strengthening its position in the commercial vehicle segment.
Model range
The XH lineup comprised two-door coupe utility and two-door panel van variants marketed under these designations:
- Ford Falcon Longreach GLi utility
- Ford Falcon Longreach GLi panel van
- Ford Falcon Longreach S utility
- Ford Falcon Longreach Outback utility
- Ford Falcon XR6 utility
- Ford Falcon XR8 utility (introduced October 1997)
Both GLi utility and panel van models offered a "1 Tonne" package option, which included reinforced rear leaf springs, upgraded tyres, and an automatic transmission oil cooler.
Several limited edition XH models were produced:
- Longreach GLi Tradesman: equipped with air conditioning, vinyl bed liner, 15-inch alloy wheels, Tradesman decals, and remote central locking. Available May–June 1997 (520 utilities, 80 vans) and reissued October 1998–June 1999 (820 utilities, 80 vans).
- Longreach S Splash (utility): featured alloy sports bar, EF Fairmont Ghia-inspired alloy wheels, cruise control, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Manufactured July 1997–November 1998 (300 units).
- Longreach GLi Special Edition (utility): came with air conditioning, alloy wheels, and "Special Edition" decals. Sold December 1998–June 1999 (600 units).
XH Series II
The XH Series II update launched in October 1997 introduced a 5.0-litre V8 engine option for the Automatic S Ute model and made it standard on the newly introduced XR8 variant; production included 624 XR8 utilities, with 212 featuring manual transmissions. The XR8 and revised XR6 models adopted the nosecone styling from the EL series Falcon XR8 Sedan.
Replacement
By June 1999, Ford replaced the XH Falcon Ute models with Ute versions based on the AU Falcon platform. At this stage, the XH design was considered dated, tracing its origins back to the 1979 XD Falcon. The XH Van was discontinued without a successor, marking the conclusion of Australia's "Falcon Van" lineage that began with the introduction of the two-door panel van in the 1961 XK Falcon.