Ford Falcon XR6 2005-2008 used car review

The ‘BF’ Ford Falcon is a large family car that offers space, reasonable handling and big powerful engines. It is thirsty at the pump and it can be hard to find one that has not had a hard life.

Australian vehicles like the Falcon use model codes to differentiate between generations. The ‘BF’ Ford Falcon was launched in 2005 as an update to the very successful ‘BA’ series. Changes on the surface were minor, with small cosmetic tweaks. 

After a year on sale, a ‘Mark II’ range of engines was updated to meet new emissions standards. A new high-tech automatic transmission was also added. Sedan, ute and wagon versions were available – the latter was in production until 2010 as the final Falcon of the shape.

Inside, the car feels very spacious. The interior quality is reasonable, though the plastic surfaces look like they were chosen for durability rather than their good looks or for being nice to touch. The steering wheel is adjustable for both height and reach. It also features stereo and cruise control functions. The instruments have a sporty look to them, with XR graphics and plastic bezels. In the centre of the dash is a non-touch screen showing information about the climate control system and stereo. The screen graphics look older and basic, though are also functional and easy to read.

XR models have sports front seats with XR emblems embroidered into the backrest. They are supportive though, unlike some sports seats, you don’t feel like you are squeezed at the sides. The driver’s seat base can adjust for tilt using a dial on the side. Rear seat legroom is excellent, with enough space across the seat for three adults. The centre seat passenger will need to straddle a large hump in the floor with their legs.

The XR6’s boot is massive. At 504 litres it has space for four large suitcases and the potential to squeeze in smaller soft luggage as well. The boot opening is wide and deep, which makes it easy to load. The rear seat back folds forward to allow for larger items to be carried. The station wagon version has a huge boot.

The XR6 has a six-speed automatic as standard. This is an excellent German-developed transmission, also used by BMW. It is smooth, smart and can be shifted manually. It significantly improves both the performance of the vehicle and its fuel efficiency. A six-speed manual is available only in the V8 and turbocharged Falcons.

A highlight of the Falcon’s handling is the steering. It is very well weighted and responsive. It provides excellent feedback as to how much grip the front of the car has. In general, the Falcon will stick well to the road. In damp conditions, the rear end can drift out if you use too much power, although the electronic stability control does a good job of intervening in such situations. The brakes are good but the pedal does feel a little soft.

Ride comfort in the XR6 is good. The XR6 has slightly firmer suspension than other Falcons so you do feel a few bumps, though not to a level where passengers will be uncomfortable. Although engine noise is low, we found the tyre and road noise in our review vehicle reasonably high. That could be down to the choice of tyres fitted to the car.

Towing is one of the Falcon’s talents. It can pull up to 2,300kg (braked), provided a heavy-duty towing kit is fitted. Check with your local dealer if this has been done. The wagon uses a durable solid axle with leaf springs which reduces ride comfort but makes it excellent for hauling heavy loads.

Reversing cameras are not standard on the BFII Falcon and only the top models get parking sensors. Visibility is good from the driver's seat. As the car is so long, we would recommend fitting one or both to make parking easier.

To find this issue, drive slowly and gently go on and off the accelerator. If the car is not smooth doing this, there could be a problem. Additives for the differential oil can reduce the issue. Ultimately, the differential will need to be replaced or refurbished, and this will cost from $1,500. A similar noise from the rear can also be a sign of worn rear differential mounts. That repair is more affordable at around $300.

As Falcons are heavy, performance-orientated cars, they're known for being hard on brakes. If you feel a shudder through the steering wheel when braking, the cause is likely to be warped front brake rotors. These can be skimmed for around $100 or replaced for around $300.

There can be some oil seepage from the rocker cover gasket, a cheap fix at around $300. Coil packs can fail, causing the engine to run roughly when under load. They cost around $100 and are very easy to replace.

Corrosion can appear on this generation Falcon. Look for it around the edges of the boot and bonnet where water can collect, the boot hinges, around the driver's door and the strut towers in the engine bay. If you find significant bubbling or discolouration in those areas have the car checked professionally as repairs can be costly.

This review covers the Ford Falcon XR6 for model years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Review vehicle supplied by Turners Cars.

*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.