The FG Ford Falcon was released in 2008. 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 FG was first released and it is interesting to see where things were back then vs how they are today. Where were you when the FG Falcon was first released?
Cost of a new Ford FG Falcon
- Base sedan models started at approximately $35,000–$36,000
- XR6, XR8, and XR6 Turbo models ranged from $38,000–$50,000 depending on options
- The FG introduced significant styling updates, improved aerodynamics, refined suspension, and advanced electronics
Average wage
- Average weekly wage: about $1,000–$1,020 per week
- Average annual wage: about $52,000–$53,000
Average house price
- Around $320,000–$330,000
Price of petrol
- Around $1.40 per litre, reflecting rising global oil prices
Prime Minister
- Kevin Rudd (Labor Party)
Population of Australia
- About 21.0 million people
Top-grossing movie
- The Dark Knight, Iron Man, and Mamma Mia! were major hits internationally and in Australia
Top song
- Low by Flo Rida topped Australian charts
Significant world event
- The Global Financial Crisis (GFC) was beginning to affect markets worldwide
- Technology, mobile phones, and the internet were increasingly central to daily life and business
Popular TV / radio in Australia
- Popular shows included Home and Away, Neighbours, and Rove Live
- FM radio and early online streaming were shaping music and media consumption
Significant Australian news story
- The GFC and its impact on the economy dominated headlines
- Car buyers were increasingly focused on safety, comfort, technology, and reliability, reflected in FG Falcon sales
Interesting comparisons
- The FG cost roughly 0.7 of a year’s average wage, XR6/XR8 variants approached 0.95 of a year’s wage
- The average house cost about 6 times a yearly wage
- Filling the ~70L tank in an FG Falcon cost about $100, while Fairlane and LTD tanks could cost $105–$110
- A week’s wages could buy roughly 700 litres of petrol