2001 Ford Falcon AU3 Forte I6 4.0L SOHC from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Great handling/performance and cheap parts

Faults:

180,500 Exhaust Leak - replaced by the mechanic that gave it the RWC.

195,000 Clunking diff - replace with a reconditioned diff.

195,000 high pressure power steering hose leak.

General Comments:

Have the car as a weekend car, so not treated too nice...

Love this car; the handling/performance/comfort of it when it was stock was amazing. The clutch is fairly heavy, but I like the feedback from it...

Have added some BF XR Mags, lowered Tickford suspension and cat back exhaust. Since then I haven't had the back end of the car come out... it just grips to the road and with no body roll feels greet accelerating through corners.

The ride quality has got a lot worse with the new larger, wider mags... Feel a lot more of the road, but I don't mind.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th March, 2008

2001 Ford Falcon AU Series II XR8 5 litre V8 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Windsor V8s. Gotta love 'em!

Faults:

Passengers electric window slow to wind up (problem rectified after cleaning out window rails)

Instrument panel plastic was cloudy and hard to see through.

Crack in the exhaust.

General Comments:

The faults listed were rectified during services with no problems whatsoever.

The car is the 220 kw model and accelerates quickly and has good torque for overtaking. The car performs well and starts first time, every time.

The seats and the cabin layout are quite good and I find the car a pleasure to drive. Nothing has broken or failed in the interior.

Economy is reasonably good on long trips once cruise control is engaged (and if I keep my right foot off the firewall), however, she can be a little thirsty around town.

Handling and steering are good. Care has to be taken on wet roads, but I believe that has more to do with my driving style than the car.

Having owned a few performance Fords over the years, the wife and I decided it was time for another. I was originally going to purchase a new XR6 Turbo, but decided against it due to it being the first model run (the dreaded lemon). The dealer had this car in the lot also, so after much deliberation, we purchased this car. We were going to hold onto the car for a couple of years then purchase another. After owning the car for 3 years, I have no plans of getting rid of it. The car has met and exceeded expectations.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th November, 2005

2001 Ford Falcon xr8 ute 5L V8 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Built to cruise and show off

Faults:

- It developed an exhaust rattle. This was only a loose bracket how ever and was easily fixed.

- Squeaky fan belt. Once again easily fixed.

No real failures.

General Comments:

This model of Xr8 (Ute). Looks the goods. Very sporty appearance. Yet it still remains functional.

Handling is also very good for a Ute. I was surprised with the amount of traction available, being a Ute I expected it to be a little tail happy. But unless you really provoke it, it is very well composed.

Performance is reasonably strong (200kw) Beautiful when you want to cruise and yet has enough stick to get up and go when you want it to.

I am a very tall guy (6'6") I found this car quite easy to fit into and very comfortable. The seats and steering both provided heaps of adjustment. And the leather seats feel exceptional. They also seem to be wearing very well.

Mine has the factory fitted Satellite navigation. And let me just say it is unreal. I have never been lost since owning this car. Very accurate.

Lockable Tonia cover was great to have as well. For 1 it is water proof, and 2 it keeps peoples hands off your stuff.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th September, 2003

2001 Ford Falcon AU III 4.0 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Great buy for fleet or private use - Buy it!

Faults:

Nothing at all.

General Comments:

Sometimes it feels like a lower gear is required driving around the city. Perhaps because it's not as responsive at low speed than my previous car (a Commodore). However it is very very powerful during normal driving.

Very comfortable and great value for money.

LPG only model.

Used as a Taxi.

This vehicle lives and works full time, and yet it seems to be reliable as ever.

I think the power windows should be standard on all windows and not just the front.

I am a very tall person and sometimes feel that the seat doesn't go back far enough.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th May, 2003

2001 Ford Falcon AUII SR 4.0 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Tough Aussie big sedan

General Comments:

Fantastic value, would only own an AU Falcon if it had the body kit that the SR offers.

Great performance, this car would leave my previous VS Commodore for dead. Engine sounds mean at high revs.

Solid build, great color, good sound system.

Only complaint is that the dealer delivered the wrong interior - received black instead of cool grey.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th May, 2002

29th Jul 2002, 00:27

I bought the stock standard Forte, and am very happy.

Only criticisms are that it is a little light in the rear end, so with nothing in the boot it can slip around a bit in the wet or when putting your foot to the floor, and that the idle is a little harsh. The NRMA review was spot on with the idle issue.

Love the shape, hate the new Falcon shape. I think Ford should have persisted a little longer with the AUII shape. The new shape is too much like a boxy old Commodedoor.

I'll be hanging on to this car for a while.