The BF Ford Falcon was released in 2005. 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 BF was first released and it is interesting to see where things were back then vs how they are today. Where were you when the BF Falcon was first released?
Cost of a new Ford BF Falcon
- Base sedan models started at approximately $34,000–$35,000
- Futura, Fairmont, and XR6/XR8 models ranged from $37,000–$46,000 depending on options
- The BF featured refined styling updates, improved interior quality, enhanced suspension, and updated electronics
Price of a Ford BF Fairlane
- Base BF Fairlane sedan started at around $58,000–$60,000
- Higher-spec models could exceed $67,000, offering luxury interiors, climate control, advanced audio, leather trim, and executive features
Cost of a Ford BF LTD
- Base BF LTD models started at approximately $72,000–$74,000
- The LTD remained Ford Australia’s flagship luxury sedan, offering top-level comfort, premium finishes, executive technology, and prestige appeal
Average wage
- Average weekly wage: about $950–$970 per week
- Average annual wage: about $49,500–$50,500
Average house price
- Around $280,000–$290,000
Price of petrol
- Around $1.30 per litre, reflecting rising global fuel prices
Prime Minister
- John Howard (Liberal Party)
Population of Australia
- About 19.5 million people
Top-grossing movie
- Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and War of the Worlds were major hits
Top song
- Hollaback Girl by Gwen Stefani topped Australian charts
Significant world event
- Global concerns included oil price fluctuations, political instability, and technological expansion
- The mid-2000s marked rapid growth in digital technology, mobile communications, and the internet
Popular TV / radio in Australia
- Popular shows included Home and Away, Neighbours, and Rove Live
- FM radio and emerging online streaming were shaping music and media consumption
Significant Australian news story
- Economic stability, fuel prices, and consumer technology dominated headlines
- Car buyers increasingly valued safety, comfort, performance, and technology, reflected in BF Falcon, Fairlane, and LTD sales
Interesting comparisons
- The BF 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 times a yearly wage
- Filling the ~70L tank in a BF Falcon cost about $90, while Fairlane and LTD tanks could cost $100–$110
- A week’s wages could buy roughly 650 litres of petrol
- The BF Falcon represented modern Australian family and performance sedans, while BF Fairlane and BF LTD offered executive luxury, technology, and comfort