The BA Ford Falcon was released in 2002. Here is a bit of a snapshot of what things were like and what things costs in Australia at that time. The landscape has changed a lot since the BA was first released and it is interesting to see where things were back then vs how they are today. Where were you when the BA Falcon was first released?
Cost of a new Ford BA Falcon
- Base sedan models started at approximately $33,000–$34,000
- Futura, Fairmont, and XR6/XR8 models ranged from $36,000–$45,000 depending on options
- The BA Falcon introduced refined styling, improved safety, upgraded suspension, and enhanced electronics
Price of a Ford BA Fairlane
- Base BA Fairlane sedan started at around $56,000–$58,000
- Higher-spec models could exceed $65,000, offering premium luxury interiors, advanced features, climate control, and executive appointments
Cost of a Ford BA LTD
- Base BA LTD models started at approximately $70,000–$72,000
- The LTD remained Ford Australia’s flagship luxury sedan, featuring top-tier comfort, premium finishes, technology, and executive appeal
Average wage
- Average weekly wage: about $900–$920 per week
- Average annual wage: about $47,000–$48,000
Average house price
- Around $250,000–$260,000
Price of petrol
- Around $1.20 per litre
Prime Minister
- John Howard (Liberal Party)
Population of Australia
- About 19.0 million people
Top-grossing movie
- Spider-Man, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, and Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones were major hits
Top song
- Complicated by Avril Lavigne topped Australian charts
Significant world event
- Global focus on economic growth, post-2000 tech expansion, and international conflicts
- Australia continued to benefit from economic stability and low unemployment
Popular TV / radio in Australia
- Popular shows included Home and Away, Neighbours, and The Panel
- FM radio stations and emerging digital media shaped music and youth culture
Significant Australian news story
- Economic growth and political stability dominated headlines
- Car buyers were increasingly influenced by safety, comfort, technology, and performance, reflected in Falcon, Fairlane, and LTD sales
Interesting comparisons
- The BA 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 5–5.5 times a yearly wage
- Filling the ~70L tank in a BA Falcon cost about $85, while Fairlane and LTD tanks could cost $95–$110
- A week’s wages could buy roughly 630–650 litres of petrol
- The BA Falcon represented modern Australian family and performance sedans, while BA Fairlane and BA LTD offered executive luxury, technology, and comfort
- BA Falcon