Cost of a new Ford AU Falcon
- Base sedan models started at approximately $32,000–$33,000
- Futura, Fairmont, and XR6/XR8 models ranged from $34,000–$42,000 depending on options
- The AU Falcon introduced a completely new platform, with more modern styling, improved aerodynamics, enhanced suspension, and updated electronics
Cost of a Ford AU Fairlane
- Base AU Fairlane sedan started at around $50,000–$52,000
- Higher-spec models could exceed $60,000, offering luxury interiors, climate control, advanced audio, and full power accessories
Cost of a Ford AU LTD
- Base AU LTD models started at approximately $65,000–$68,000
- The LTD remained Ford Australia’s flagship luxury sedan, featuring executive-level comfort, premium finishes, and advanced features for safety and convenience
Average wage
- Average weekly wage: about $850–$870 per week
- Average annual wage: about $44,500–$45,500
Average house price
- Around $220,000–$230,000
Price of petrol
- Around $1.10–$1.15 per litre
Prime Minister
- John Howard (Liberal Party)
Population of Australia
- About 18.4 million people
Top-grossing movie
- Titanic, Saving Private Ryan, and Armageddon dominated box offices internationally and in Australia
Top song
- My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion topped Australian charts
Significant world event
- The late 1990s were characterised by economic growth, globalisation, and the rise of the internet
- Technology and telecommunications were rapidly shaping business, media, and daily life
Popular TV / radio in Australia
- Popular shows included Home and Away, Neighbours, and Hey Hey It’s Saturday
- FM radio and early online music channels began influencing youth culture
Significant Australian news story
- Economic growth and the dot-com boom dominated headlines
- Car buyers increasingly valued technology, comfort, safety, and performance, influencing Falcon, Fairlane, and LTD models
Interesting comparisons
- The AU Falcon cost roughly 0.7 of a year’s average wage, XR6/XR8 variants approached 0.9 of a year’s wage
- The average house cost about 5 times a yearly wage
- Filling the ~70L tank in an AU Falcon cost about $80, while Fairlane and LTD tanks could cost $95–$105
- A week’s wages could buy roughly 620–630 litres of petrol
- The AU Falcon represented modern, tech-forward family and performance sedans, while AU Fairlane and AU LTD offered executive luxury and prestige