The Ford Falcon AU was produced from 1998 to 2002, representing a significant and controversial redesign of the long-running Australian Falcon lineage. Ford Australia introduced a substantially reworked body and interior compared to the preceding EL, moving toward a more rounded, contemporary aesthetic that proved divisive among the Falcon's established buyer base. The AU also brought updates to the engine range and platform, continuing the model's role as one of the core full-size rear-wheel-drive sedans in the Australian market alongside the Holden Commodore. Sales struggled relative to expectations, and the generation is widely regarded as a commercial low point for the nameplate, a factor that influenced the more conservative styling direction taken with the subsequent BA series.
