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Ford Falcon (XG)
Ford Falcon (XG)
Ford Falcon (XG)
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Ford Falcon (XG)
1994 Ford Falcon (XG) Longreach GLi panel van
Overview
ManufacturerFord Australia
ProductionMarch 1993 – April 1996[1]
Body and chassis
Body style2-door coupe utility[1]
2-door panel van[1]
LayoutFR layout
RelatedFord Falcon (XF)
Powertrain
Engine4.0 L Ford I6 (petrol)
Transmission4-speed M91LE automatic (I6)
5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,957 mm (116.4 in) (utility)[1]
Length4,920 mm (193.7 in) (utility)[1]
Width1,860 mm (73.2 in) (utility)[1]
Height1,366 mm (53.8 in) (utility)[1]
Curb weight1,525 kg (3,362 lb) (utility)[1]
Chronology
PredecessorFord Falcon (XF)
SuccessorFord Falcon (XH)

The Ford Falcon (XG) is a range of commercial vehicles which was manufactured by Ford Australia from 1993 to 1996. It was derived from the Ford Falcon (XF) full-size car.

Introduction

[edit]

The XG Falcon was introduced in March 1993 as a facelift of the XF commercial range, which it replaced.[1] The XG was marketed in coupe utility and panel van body styles[1] and during its three years in production it was sold alongside the EB Falcon, ED Falcon and EF Falcon sedan and wagon models.

The XG carried over the XF Falcon body, with a new radiator grille, and repeater indicator lamps and engine displacement badges mounted behind the front wheels, similar to the treatment of these components on the EB Falcon.[1] The significant changes were mechanical, with the 4.0 litre fuel-injected single overhead camshaft (OHC) engine and the four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission options offered in the EB Falcon range replacing the previous carburetted 4.1 litre overhead valve (OHV) engine and three-speed transmissions offered in the XF.[1] The interior also saw minor updates, with the instrument panels of EB Falcon GLi and S models being adapted to the carried-over XF dashboard.

Model range

[edit]

The XG range included two-door coupe utility and two-door panel van body styles, marketed as follows.

  • Ford Falcon Longreach GLi utility[1]
  • Ford Falcon Longreach GLi panel van[1]
  • Ford Falcon Longreach S utility[1]
  • Ford Falcon Longreach Outback utility (released June 1995)[1]
  • Ford Falcon XR6 utility (released October 1993)[1]

A limited edition Longreach GLi Tradesman utility was offered from December 1995, with 800 examples produced.[1]

Engine and transmissions

[edit]

The XG was powered by a 4.0-litre SOHC straight six 148 kW (198 hp) 4.0-litre six cylinder overhead camshaft engine.[1] The XR6 model was fitted with a 161 kW (216 hp) version of this unit.[1] Five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions were available.[1]

60th Anniversary model ute

[edit]

In 1994, Ford produced a special limited edition model ute to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the first coupe utility (introduced by Ford Australia in 1934). It featured body coloured bumpers and mirrors, alloy bullbar, alloy wheels, floor carpet and full instrumentation at no extra cost.[2]

Replacement

[edit]

The XG series was replaced by the Ford Falcon (XH) in April 1996.[3]

[edit]
  • 1993 Ford XG Longreach Ute
    1993 Ford XG Longreach Ute
  • 1995 Longreach GLi panel van
    1995 Longreach GLi panel van
  • 1995 Longreach GLi utility
    1995 Longreach GLi utility
  • 1995 Longreach GLi panel van
    1995 Longreach GLi panel van

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ford Falcon (XG)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Ford Falcon (XG) is a range of light commercial vehicles manufactured by Ford Australia from March 1993 to April 1996, primarily comprising two-door (ute) and body styles derived from the preceding XF Falcon platform. It introduced significant updates including the 4.0-liter overhead inline-six from the EB passenger car series, producing 148 kW (199 hp) at 4500 rpm and 348 Nm of torque at 3750 rpm in standard form. Available with a five-speed manual or four-speed , the XG offered a payload capacity of up to one for the first time in the Falcon ute line, along with optional (ABS) and as standard on higher trims. Key variants included the base GLi Longreach for everyday work duties, the sportier S pack with stripes and alloy wheels, the rugged edition launched in mid-1995 with increased ground clearance and a , and the limited-edition XR6 ute featuring a tuned 4.0-liter outputting 161 kW (216 hp) and Tickford-sourced enhancements like a performance and ECU remap. The XG received a facelifted exterior with a revised grille and front bumper inspired by the EB sedan, while retaining the durable XD-era architecture that had originated in 1979, emphasizing its role as a workhorse for Australian tradespeople and rural users. Production was short-lived due to the impending shift to the all-new AU Falcon platform, with the XG ute and lines succeeded by the XH series in 1996, concluding nearly two decades of the XD-derived commercial Falcon design.

Overview

Introduction

The (XG) was a series of commercial vehicles manufactured by from March 1993 to April 1996, introduced as a facelifted update to the XF commercial range. It featured revised front styling aligned with the contemporary EB-series passenger , while retaining the core platform from its predecessor to maintain cost efficiency and familiarity for fleet buyers. Available exclusively in coupe utility (ute) and panel van body styles, the XG was positioned as rugged, no-frills work vehicles tailored for Australian trades and rural applications, sold concurrently with the more refined EB, ED, and EF Falcon sedans and wagons. These commercials emphasized payload capacity and durability over luxury, with a base model including and basic audio as standard. Branded as the "Falcon Longreach" to underscore its tough, outback-ready character, the XG measured 4,920 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, 1,366 mm in height, with a 2,957 mm and curb weight of 1,525 kg. Powertrain options included a 4.0-liter inline-six paired with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.

Development and design

The Ford Falcon (XG) series emerged as a direct continuation of the XF commercial lineup, which had been in production since 1984 for utility and variants, even as transitioned passenger car models to the all-new EA platform in 1988. This approach allowed Ford to maintain cost-effective production for the commercial segment by evolving the established XF body and chassis rather than redesigning from scratch. Development focused on integrating select updates from the contemporary EB-series passenger (introduced in 1991) to refresh the model without major retooling, ensuring compatibility with commercial demands like capacity and durability. The XG was launched in March 1993 and produced until 1996, bridging the gap until the XH successor. Exterior design changes were limited to the front end for visual alignment with the EB passenger models, incorporating an EB-style grille, revised indicator lamps integrated into the headlight clusters for a quad-headlight appearance, and new engine badges to denote the updated . These modifications maintained the overall XF body shell, including the coupe utility cab and load bed, to minimize manufacturing costs and preserve the proven and structural integrity suited to commercial use. Rear-end styling remained unchanged, emphasizing practicality over aesthetics, with options for or basic alloys on higher trims. Inside, the XG adopted elements from the EB series for improved driver tailored to commercial operators, including an updated dashboard layout with instrument panels adapted from the EB and S models onto the carried-over XF base structure. This provided better visibility of gauges and controls, with options for a column-shift to free up floor space for gear shifting in work environments. Seating was vinyl or cloth-upholstered for durability, and minor refinements like adjustable columns enhanced comfort during long hauls. The cabin retained the XF's spacious front bench or bucket seats but benefited from EB-derived for functions like lights and wipers. The chassis and suspension were largely carried over from the XF to retain reliability and load-handling capabilities, featuring an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and a live rear axle supported by leaf springs for the ute variant's reinforced frame, which supported payloads up to 1,000 kg. This setup balanced ride quality on highways with robustness for off-road or laden conditions, with heavy-duty options available for models like the Longreach edition. features included standard four-wheel disc brakes across the range, with (ABS) available as an option on higher GLi and S trims, while the structure incorporated EB-influenced reinforcements for better crash energy absorption, though advanced features like dual airbags were absent. Fuel economy for standard models hovered around 12-14 L/100 km in combined city and highway driving, reflecting the 4.0-liter inline-six engine's efficiency in commercial applications.

Model lineup

Standard variants

The Ford Falcon (XG) standard variants encompassed the Longreach GLi and Longreach S ute and panel van models, along with the Longreach Outback ute, designed primarily for commercial and rural applications. These vehicles shared a common platform derived from the earlier XF series, with a focus on durability and practicality for tradespeople and farmers. The Longreach represented the base-level offering, available as both a ute and panel van, equipped with standard and a radio/cassette player. It provided a payload capacity of 820 kg for the ute and 780 kg for the panel van, supporting everyday work demands. Launched in March 1993, the GLi ute carried an introductory price of AUD $21,181. Building on the GLi, the Longreach S introduced mid-level enhancements, including distinctive styling with fancy stripes and 15-inch sports wheels, while retaining the same and payload ratings of 820 kg for the ute and 780 kg for the . This variant targeted users seeking a balance of utility and visual appeal, with an introductory price of AUD $23,898 in 1993. The Longreach Outback, added in mid-1995 and available only as a ute, catered to off-road and rural needs with modifications for improved versatility, such as raised via heavy-duty dual-rate rear springs and 13% stiffer front springs for greater ground clearance, a long-range , and optional and anti-lock brakes. It maintained a of 820 kg and was priced at AUD $29,685 for the 1996 . All standard variants paired with the 4.0 L inline-six engine detailed in the powertrain section.

Performance and special variants

The XR6 ute variant of the Ford Falcon (XG) was introduced in October 1993 as a performance-oriented addition to the commercial lineup, featuring sport-tuned suspension for enhanced handling, 15-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, and a distinctive . These upgrades positioned the XR6 as a halo model to elevate the appeal of Ford's vehicles, with production limited to approximately 1,050 units sold through March 1996. Utility enhancements across performance variants like the S and XR6 included a reinforced rear bumper for durability and a braked towing capacity of up to 2,000 kg, supporting heavy-duty applications. Optional features further bolstered towing capability, such as a (Hydratrak) with a heavy-duty 3.45:1 rear axle ratio and heavy-duty cooling systems to manage thermal loads during extended pulls. The XR6 was powered by a Tickford-modified 4.0-liter inline-six delivering 220 horsepower.

Powertrain

Engines

The Ford Falcon (XG) commercial range was powered exclusively by variants of the 4.0 L SOHC inline-6 engine derived from the EB II passenger car series, featuring multi-point electronic and electronic engine control via the EEC-IV system. This primary power unit delivered 148 kW of power at 4,500 rpm and 348 Nm of at 3,750 rpm, providing robust low-end suitable for and applications. The engine operated on unleaded petrol with a minimum 91 RON , and no options were offered for the XG series commercials. The XR6 performance variant utilized a Tickford-enhanced version of the same 4.0 L SOHC inline-6, incorporating a revised camshaft, upgraded exhaust system, alloy cylinder head, and stiffer valve springs to boost output to 161 kW at 5,000 rpm and 365 Nm at 3,500 rpm. These engines enabled representative acceleration performance of 0-100 km/h in approximately 9.5 seconds for the standard variant and 8.5 seconds for the XR6, with an electronic top speed limiter set at 180 km/h across both.

Transmissions and drivetrain

The Ford Falcon (XG) employed a rear-wheel-drive configuration exclusively, providing robust power delivery suited to its utility and van variants. This setup featured a solid rear with an open differential as standard, while an optional (LSD) was available on performance-oriented models like the XR6 and the Outback ute variant for improved traction under load or on uneven surfaces. The LSD utilized a speed-sensitive BTR design, enabling progressive torque transfer to the wheel with better grip. Transmission choices included a 5-speed Borg-Warner T5 manual gearbox with a floor-mounted shift , optimized for and load-hauling duties through gear ratios that emphasized low-end multiplication, often paired with a 3.45:1 final drive ratio in ute applications. The manual unit handled the 4.0-liter inline-six engine's output reliably, with final drive ratios varying from 3.08:1 to 3.45:1 depending on the model and intended use, such as lighter vans versus heavier utes. For automatic-equipped models, the 4-speed M91LE electronic overdrive transmission from BTR was standard, offering smooth shifting and fuel-efficient overdrive in fourth gear; it was available with either a floor shifter for passenger comfort or a column-mounted shifter to facilitate commercial operations like those in utes. This unit integrated electronic controls for adaptive shift points based on engine load and speed. Early production examples occasionally experienced leaks from seals or gaskets, which Ford addressed through improved sealing materials and assembly processes in subsequent builds. To maintain reliability, transmission fluid changes were recommended every 40,000 km under normal conditions, or more frequently for severe-duty use such as .

Special editions

60th Anniversary ute

In 1994, Ford Australia released the 60th Anniversary ute as a limited-edition variant of the Falcon (XG) to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the company's first , which debuted in 1934. This model paid homage to the original design's enduring legacy in the Australian market, where the —often simply called the "ute"—had become an icon for trades and rural use. Based on the Longreach GLi ute platform, the 60th Anniversary version retained the standard 4.0-litre inline-six delivering 148 kW of power, paired with either a four-speed automatic or five-speed . It featured distinctive cosmetic enhancements to evoke a premium, heritage-inspired appearance, including body-coloured bumpers and side mirrors, 15-inch wheels, an bullbar, carpeted flooring in the cab, full analogue instrumentation, and special "60th Anniversary" badging on the exterior and interior. Ford marketed the ute as a collector's item tailored for tradespeople, emphasizing its blend of practical utility and commemorative exclusivity. A dedicated promotional folder accompanied sales, detailing the model's and positioning it as a modern tribute to six decades of Ford's contributions to Australia's working vehicle culture.

Limited editions

The Longreach GLi Tradesman was a limited-run utility variant of the Ford Falcon XG, released in December 1995 with production limited to 800 units through August 1996. It built on the standard base by incorporating practical enhancements such as and a durable bed liner, designed for fleet and trades use with a focus on reliability for work-oriented buyers. The Outback variant, introduced in June 1995, served as an off-road edition tailored for rugged applications. It featured increased ground clearance via heavy-duty suspension upgrades including 20% larger shocks for a 28° rear departure angle, underbody bash plates for protection, twin fuel tanks providing 126 L capacity for extended range, a for improved traction, and 15-inch wheels with off-road tires, targeting rural and markets where durability in challenging terrain was essential.

Production and legacy

Manufacturing details

The Ford Falcon (XG) series was manufactured at Ford Australia's Broadmeadows Assembly Plant in Victoria, the primary facility for Falcon production during this era. Overall production totaled 24,592 units between March 1993 and April 1996, reflecting a focus on commercial variants for the Australian market. This figure encompasses key models such as the 1,050 XR6 performance utilities and the limited-edition Longreach GLi Tradesman, of which 800 were produced from December 1995. Assembly of the XG shared the Broadmeadows production line with the concurrent EF series passenger cars, where cab units were completed before ute and van bodies were fitted in subsequent stages. Production concluded in April 1996 to facilitate the transition to the XH facelift, which incorporated updates aligned with the ongoing EF series revisions. Exports were minimal, with the XG targeted almost entirely at the domestic Australian market.

Market reception and replacement

The Ford Falcon XG ute enjoyed strong commercial success, particularly in rural and sectors where its robust appealed to buyers seeking durable work vehicles. It maintained Ford's position in the Australian utility market during the mid-1990s. This performance underscored the XG's appeal as a reliable option for fleet and individual operators, bolstered by its shared with the passenger Falcon lineup. Market reception highlighted the XG's strengths in practicality and , with owners praising its high payload capacity—up to 1,000 kg—and proven reliability for heavy-duty tasks, often exceeding 300,000 km with minimal issues. However, it faced criticism for its dated styling, which lagged behind the more modern aesthetics of Ford's EF-series sedans, resulting in a boxy appearance that felt outdated by 1995. Popular owner modifications included suspension lifts to enhance off-road capability, reflecting its frequent use in regional environments. The XG series was replaced by the XH in April 1996, which introduced a facelift to align the ute's front-end design more closely with the EF sedan, incorporating new such as revised guards and grille along with minor mechanical refinements like improved standard equipment and suspension tweaks. In legacy terms, the XG reinforced the ute's pivotal role in Ford's dominance of Australian commercials, helping sustain nearly half a million total ute sales from 1961 to 2016 and marking the platform's final evolution before broader market shifts ended local production.

References

  1. https://www.goauto.com.au/used-car-research/ford/falcon-ute/xg-falcon-ute/1993-03-01/6572.html
  2. https://autocade.net/index.php/Ford_Falcon_%28XG%29
  3. https://www.boostedfalcon.net/falconfacts/falcon/xgfalcon.html
  4. https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2020/07/rare-rides-a-1995-ford-falcon-xr6-ute-trucking-with-tickford/
  5. https://xr793.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1993-Ford-XG-Falcon-Ute-Van-AUS.pdf
  6. https://www.tradeuniquecars.com.au/ford-falcon-history-xd-xe-xf-series-1979-1988/
  7. https://www.fordforums.com/threads/xg-to-xf-instrument-cluster-conversion.29749/
  8. https://healeyfactory.com.au/product/1995-ford-falcon-xg-xr-6-ute/
  9. https://xr793.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1995-Ford-XG-Falcon-Longreach-Outback-Ute-AUS.pdf
  10. https://www.carsales.com.au/research/ford/falcon/1996/outback/
  11. https://www.hemmings.com/stories/auction-highlight-1995-ford-falcon-xr6-ute/
  12. https://www.carsales.com.au/research/ford/falcon/1994/s/
  13. https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/more-vehicle-topics/fuel-and-fuel-economy/what-fuel-is-recommended-for-my-vehicle/
  14. https://www.automobile-catalog.com/performance/1993/1001000/ford_falcon_gli_sedan_4_0l_automatic.html
  15. https://www.automobile-catalog.com/performance/1993/1001705/ford_falcon_xr6_wagon_automatic.html
  16. http://www.fordforums.com/threads/xg-diff.68958/
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  18. https://www.tradingpost.com.au/automotive/cars/car-parts-and-accessories/car-parts-and-panels/in-vic/epping-suburb/ad-f4cfcw
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  20. https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/q-and-a/leaking-transmission-in-falcon-32286
  21. https://autoexpert.com.au/posts/the-truth-about-servicing-automatic-transmissions-even-the-sealed-ones
  22. https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/game-changer-australia-invents-the-ute-142117/
  23. https://xr793.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1994-Ford-XG-Falcon-Ute-Folder-AUS.pdf
  24. https://www.carsguide.com.au/ford/falcon/price/1995/gli-longreach-tradesman
  25. https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/falcon-friday-fast-facts-104165/
  26. https://www.drive.com.au/news/ford-falcon-ute-production-ended-today/
  27. https://autocentricmedia.com/features/car-feature-it-came-from-down-under/
  28. https://www.goauto.com.au/news/ford/falcon-ute/falcon-ute-swooped-by-holden/2005-02-25/22645.html
  29. https://www.carsales.com.au/owner-reviews/ford/falcon/1993/
  30. https://www.drive.com.au/reviews/fords-longrunning-hard-worker-20100824-13njv/
  31. https://www.drive.com.au/reviews/getting-more-than-what-you-see-20100824-13nmu/
  32. https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/ford-falcon-from-catastrophe-to-icon-104143/
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