Likes
- Muscle car dynamics, especially if you get a V8
- Good examples may become collectable in years to comes
- Decent features
- Great family car
Used Ford Falcon FG X review
2014 - 2016
Dislikes
- Not the best fuel economy
- Unfortunately, some may have been driven beyond the car’s and driver’s abilities
- Not as practical as an SUV
Stuff you should know
The Australian-delivered Ford Falcon FG X, introduced in late 2014, was the final chapter in the storied Falcon line, a series of vehicles that had been in production since 1960. Built and designed primarily for the Australian market, the FG X featured a sleek and aerodynamic design that appealed to the local tastes.
Under the hood, the Falcon FG X offered various engine options including a 4.0-litre inline six-cylinder, producing 195 kW and 391 Nm of torque, and a turbocharged version of the same engine with 270 kW and 533 Nm. There was also a 5.0-litre V8 engine option delivering an impressive 335 kW and 570 Nm.
Transmission options were a six-speed automatic or manual, and fuel consumption ranged from 8.0 to 13.7 litres per 100 kilometres, depending on the engine and configuration. Inside, the FG X featured contemporary technology and a comfortable cabin, while maintaining traditional rear-wheel drive dynamics.
Though admired by many enthusiasts, the Falcon FG X marked the end of an era as Ford ceased manufacturing in Australia in 2016, making this model a significant piece of Australian automotive history.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
The FG Falcon has been known to suffer from premature tyre wear, especially on the front tyres. This is often due to the car’s weight and the way it distributes weight over the tyres.
Interior:
The air conditioning system on the FG Falcon can be problematic and is often the cause of complaints from owners. Common problems include the air conditioning not working at all, the air conditioning blowing warm air, and the air conditioning compressor making noise.
There have been reports of the glove box on the FG Falcon warping and not fitting properly. This can make it difficult to open and close the glovebox, and can also cause the glovebox to come open while driving.
There are multiple reports of the interiors developing rattly interiors.
Mechanically:
The alternator is a common failure point on the FG Falcon, and can often lead to a dead battery. The alternator is located underneath the power steering pump, and is subject to fluid leaking from failed hoses which causes internal damage.
The rear differential bushings are designed to hold the differential within the subframe and also absorb any driveline vibrations so they are not transferred into the cabin. Unfortunately, the rubber components they are made from are not durable enough and failure occurs. This can cause vibrations, noise, and even loss of power.
The brake discs on the FG Falcon can warp, which can cause vibration and noise when braking. This is usually due to excessive heat build-up, which can be caused by hard braking or driving on long downhill stretches.
Exterior:
The FG Falcon has been known to suffer from premature tyre wear, especially on the front tyres. This is often due to the car’s weight and the way it distributes weight over the tyres.
Interior:
The air conditioning system on the FG Falcon can be problematic and is often the cause of complaints from owners. Common problems include the air conditioning not working at all, the air conditioning blowing warm air, and the air conditioning compressor making noise.
There have been reports of the glove box on the FG Falcon warping and not fitting properly. This can make it difficult to open and close the glovebox, and can also cause the glovebox to come open while driving.
There are multiple reports of the interiors developing rattly interiors.
Mechanically:
The alternator is a common failure point on the FG Falcon, and can often lead to a dead battery. The alternator is located underneath the power steering pump, and is subject to fluid leaking from failed hoses which causes internal damage.
The rear differential bushings are designed to hold the differential within the subframe and also absorb any driveline vibrations so they are not transferred into the cabin. Unfortunately, the rubber components they are made from are not durable enough and failure occurs. This can cause vibrations, noise, and even loss of power.
The brake discs on the FG Falcon can warp, which can cause vibration and noise when braking. This is usually due to excessive heat build-up, which can be caused by hard braking or driving on long downhill stretches.
Exterior:
The FG Falcon has been known to suffer from premature tyre wear, especially on the front tyres. This is often due to the car’s weight and the way it distributes weight over the tyres.
Interior:
The air conditioning system on the FG Falcon can be problematic and is often the cause of complaints from owners. Common problems include the air conditioning not working at all, the air conditioning blowing warm air, and the air conditioning compressor making noise.
There have been reports of the glove box on the FG Falcon warping and not fitting properly. This can make it difficult to open and close the glovebox, and can also cause the glovebox to come open while driving.
There are multiple reports of the interiors developing rattly interiors.
Mechanically:
The alternator is a common failure point on the FG Falcon, and can often lead to a dead battery. The alternator is located underneath the power steering pump, and is subject to fluid leaking from failed hoses which causes internal damage.
The rear differential bushings are designed to hold the differential within the subframe and also absorb any driveline vibrations so they are not transferred into the cabin. Unfortunately, the rubber components they are made from are not durable enough and failure occurs. This can cause vibrations, noise, and even loss of power.
The brake discs on the FG Falcon can warp, which can cause vibration and noise when braking. This is usually due to excessive heat build-up, which can be caused by hard braking or driving on long downhill stretches.
Should you buy it?
It really depends on why you’re buying one.
For many, sedans like the Falcon have simply fallen out of favour with Australian buyers. This, along with many other reasons, is why the Falcon nameplate no longer exists in Australia. People simply weren’t buying them (sedans, that is).
But, if you’re still a die-hard Falcon fan, or you think sedans still offer a great solution to the need for hauling a family and some stuff around, then the Ford Falcon FG X would be a great car. Plus, you have the added benefit of owing a piece of Australian motoring history, being the final iteration of one of the longest-running nameplates in Australia.
Though not without it’s faults, the FG X Falcon still has some reliability issues, make sure the one you’re buying hasn’t been flogged, has a full service history, and has had a pre-purchase inspection.
What’s more, if you can get your hands on something more special with a V8, like an XR8, there’s a good chance those will appreciate in value, much like other bygone V8 Australian sedans, like the Holden Commode SS. So please, do us all a favour and don’t crash it.
It really depends on why you’re buying one.
For many, sedans like the Falcon have simply fallen out of favour with Australian buyers. This, along with many other reasons, is why the Falcon nameplate no longer exists in Australia. People simply weren’t buying them (sedans, that is).
But, if you’re still a die-hard Falcon fan, or you think sedans still offer a great solution to the need for hauling a family and some stuff around, then the Ford Falcon FG X would be a great car. Plus, you have the added benefit of owing a piece of Australian motoring history, being the final iteration of one of the longest-running nameplates in Australia.
Though not without it’s faults, the FG X Falcon still has some reliability issues, make sure the one you’re buying hasn’t been flogged, has a full service history, and has had a pre-purchase inspection.
What’s more, if you can get your hands on something more special with a V8, like an XR8, there’s a good chance those will appreciate in value, much like other bygone V8 Australian sedans, like the Holden Commode SS. So please, do us all a favour and don’t crash it.
Should you buy it?
It really depends on why you’re buying one.
For many, sedans like the Falcon have simply fallen out of favour with Australian buyers. This, along with many other reasons, is why the Falcon nameplate no longer exists in Australia. People simply weren’t buying them (sedans, that is).
But, if you’re still a die-hard Falcon fan, or you think sedans still offer a great solution to the need for hauling a family and some stuff around, then the Ford Falcon FG X would be a great car. Plus, you have the added benefit of owing a piece of Australian motoring history, being the final iteration of one of the longest-running nameplates in Australia.
Though not without it’s faults, the FG X Falcon still has some reliability issues, make sure the one you’re buying hasn’t been flogged, has a full service history, and has had a pre-purchase inspection.
What’s more, if you can get your hands on something more special with a V8, like an XR8, there’s a good chance those will appreciate in value, much like other bygone V8 Australian sedans, like the Holden Commode SS. So please, do us all a favour and don’t crash it.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of August 08, 2023.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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