Forgotten Models.

[onfire]

I just had this thought driving the other day, and it stuck with me for a couple of days.

Theres a lot of cars that just sort of fade away from people's attention.

What sparked it, was seeing a VY Commodore. Sure theres thousands of them on the road. But it was the reasons why the VY and VZ are so forgettable.

The VT and then the VX were smash hits. Total game changers in the late 1990s. At that point in time, the AU was a horrible example of a Falcon from a styling point of view.

The AU was too well known for all the wrong reasons, The BA put the Falcon back on the map, then one upped it with the BA mkII and the BF and finally, the FG.

By 2007, it had all changed again for the Commodore, the VE was introduced and a huge who-haa was made about the thing, it reinvented the Commodore and made every model prior look old. The VY VZ years became the transition period for the Commodore, and were completely forgettable.

[Airmon]

I don't agree, I think the VE made the VZ look 100x better.

[04redxr8]

The VY looked good, until you drove it. By far the worst car I have ever owned.

[shadowrunner]

Originally Posted by 04redxr8

The VY looked good, until you drove it. By far the worst car I have ever owned.

you never drove a VN/lexen then did you

[DJM83]

Forgotten for me is the AU i had 2 and i loved them both, i did hate them when first released but after 'diving' in and buying one i loved it people who give them curry havnt driven one i think, i mean who could not like this

[OzJavelin]

Originally Posted by 04redxr8

The VY looked good, until you drove it. By far the worst car I have ever owned.

I still own one .. it's quiet, comfortable, powerful and reliable. Can't really ask more of a car. But I don't disagree that it's basically a forgettable car. It's in good company at my house with two Ramblers and a Plymouth (orphan brands).

[XR_Strider_GuY]

Originally Posted by OzJavelin

I still own one .. it's quiet, comfortable, powerful and reliable. Can't really ask more of a car. But I don't disagree that it's basically a forgettable car. It's in good company at my house with two Ramblers and a Plymouth (orphan brands).

Dads VYII SS is a nice car. Quiet, powerful, bullet proof 4 speed (mock as you will, but its stronger than an BTR 4 speed auto).

[ThaFlash]

snake pliskin, now that you mention it i have to agree with everything you said mate.

though you might get the AU mob fired up, even from a styling point of view if you know what I mean ;-)

[Ford_The_Win]

I wouldn't say the AU was a horrible example of styling. At the time, the AU was too "out there" for most people, including me. Sure, it was a massive departure from the well-proportioned and even graceful E-series, but it's aged brilliantly. I've really come to like the AU styling, and I love the way they harked back to the XY with little styling touches. By comparison, the VT/VX looks to me like a blown up Hyundai Excel, even though I preferred it back then.

You are dead on the money about the VY being a forgettable car though. It was a decade behind the BA tech-wise and the sheet metal and styling changes from the VX were very slap-dash. I'd say it would be more of an equal competitor to the AU/AU2.

[JG34JA]

Originally Posted by mick_1010

I wouldn't say the AU was a horrible example of styling. At the time, the AU was too "out there" for most people, including me. Sure, it was a massive departure from the well-proportioned and even graceful E-series, but it's aged brilliantly. I've really come to like the AU styling, and I love the way they harked back to the XY with little styling touches. By comparison, the VT/VX looks to me like a blown up Hyundai Excel, even though I preferred it back then.

You are dead on the money about the VY being a forgettable car though. It was a decade behind the BA tech-wise and the sheet metal and styling changes from the VX were very slap-dash. I'd say it would be more of an equal competitor to the AU/AU2.

+1. I loved (and still do) the fact that the styling on the AU was/is so out there. It's as if, on today's roads they are a separate, more extreme species of smaller Falcon to the FG. To look at the Mercedes CLS, you can see the AU's common design themes, again, a very striking car.

Personally I won't forget the AU, might even try to shed and retire an upper spec or XR version (how's the AUI XR body kit? Wild!) As a result of the sales, I don't think Ford (or Holden, who were watching) will ever try a mainstream product as 'out there' as the AU again. Pity but understandable.

[FNQracing]

Originally Posted by mick_1010

I wouldn't say the AU was a horrible example of styling. At the time, the AU was too "out there" for most people, including me. Sure, it was a massive departure from the well-proportioned and even graceful E-series, but it's aged brilliantly. I've really come to like the AU styling, and I love the way they harked back to the XY with little styling touches. By comparison, the VT/VX looks to me like a blown up Hyundai Excel, even though I preferred it back then.

Yeah. I agree. Up until recently, I thought the AU was the most hideous thing around. When I saw the spy shots, I honestly thought Ford was taking the pis5.

Conversely, the VT was gorgeous! Not a bad line on it.

Now though, the VT hasn't aged very well, and I find myself admiring the AU. Funny how things change.

I always found the VT/X/Y a nice car to drive. The VZ did'nt go down real well because the new V6 wasnt any better than the old one.

[Sample]

im sure ford would like to forget the AU

[trippytaka]

Originally Posted by Sample

im sure ford would like to forget the AU

Cheers :( I have an AU... actually about to ditch it and replace with a company car - a Rukus none the less.

Most forgettable model, I think is a Holden - the HB Torana. Who even knew it was built?

[Rev28K]

Originally Posted by trippytaka

Most forgettable model, I think is a Holden - the HB Torana. Who even knew it was built?

A local version of the Vauxhall Viva.
Don't tell me you don't know about the "hot" Brabham version?

[Perko]

The AU was a car that Ford Australia was forced into styling wise. The hurried styling is evident and it is testament to them for fixing it towards the end. I still love the TE50, the XR utes and that wonderful stroked motor. They showed the models full potential but then came the BA...wow.

What I would like to see however is the original concepts for the Falcon before the styling was changed to the edge design. Would be interesting to see what the AU could have been.

[BENT_8]

The AU when first released was a shock and public opinion reflected this.
The one thing AU had on its side was build quality and reliability when compared to the fashionable VT.

When you look at the shape of the rear of the FG, taillight shape, rounded boot, you can see where the AU was 10yrs ahead of its time, had Ford released the FG in 98 i believe it too would have failed.

The VT styling was spot on for its era and the whole package flowed, i was never fond of the tear drop lights or the rear bar which looked like the reflectors were a forgotten extra on the VX.
The VY/Z however always seemed wrong with the chiseled ends on the round VT body.

[4.0i OHC]

Originally Posted by Iggypoppin'

The AU might not have been everyones cuppa tea but heck it was (and still is) a fantastic Aussie car. Robust, strong and capable of heavy abuse, it has certainly aged well and still gets looks in the XR versions and tickfords especially. I think everyone who bags it out needs to get over the past and remember what was good about it.

As for forgotten models? VR commodore in my opinion. They are almost as nondescript as camrys and corollas.

I agree with everything you said. My grandfather, who has owned Fords almost all his life, says that his 1999 Futura is the best car he's ever owned. It has done approximately 225000 kilometres, and not a single thing has gone wrong with it.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by fairlaneman

I disagree. In my opinion, the VY and VZ Commodores look much nicer than both the VT/VX (which are far too bland for my tastes) and VE (which simply does not work). As well as this, the interior quality of the VE Commodore is a significant downgrade from that of the VY and VZ Commodores.

The AU Falcon is a fine car. It's a shame that the public didn't recognise it as such. Surprisingly, I even prefer the styling to that of the VT Commodore.

You know I sometimes wonder if FoA had been given a bit more freedom with AU
whether they would have lead with something like Series III nose and BA tail...

Things might have been completely different...

[Brazen]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

The VY/Z however always seemed wrong with the chiseled ends on the round VT body.

Even Holden admitted at the time that the design was compromised, but with 400,000 VT/VXs on the road Holden knew that new and existing customers needed it to look as different as possible, hence the awkward tapered and chiseled ends against the round body.

The VY update also made the Commodore look smaller and lighter, and thanks to dumb luck this was just as fuel prices were jumping, against the just-released BA which looked larger and heavier than the identically sized AU.

VY and VZ will never win design awards, but its sales win over the much improved BA shows it was a success.

[aualright]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

The AU when first released was a shock and public opinion reflected this.
The one thing AU had on its side was build quality and reliability when compared to the fashionable VT.

Still have an AU XR8 and 11 years later the interior (except for the roof lining) is of such good quality. The padded vinyl dash is still mint and everything fits so well. That is, no unintended gaps where one bit meets another. The centre console is not everyone's cup of tea but overall I still regard it as put together better than the BA - BF models and better than the Territory Ghia we recently sold.

Oh yeah...and I like the XY touches too such as the 'Falcon' badge on the back.

Definitely not forgettable...in fact with so many similar shapes on the road these days (albeit 12 yrs after it came out) it will be impossible to forget once I have moved on to hopefully an FG.

****

[DanielXR8]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

The AU when first released was a shock and public opinion reflected this.
The one thing AU had on its side was build quality and reliability when compared to the fashionable VT.

When you look at the shape of the rear of the FG, taillight shape, rounded boot, you can see where the AU was 10yrs ahead of its time, had Ford released the FG in 98 i believe it too would have failed.

The VT styling was spot on for its era and the whole package flowed, i was never fond of the tear drop lights or the rear bar which looked like the reflectors were a forgotten extra on the VX.
The VY/Z however always seemed wrong with the chiseled ends on the round VT body.

The AU did miss out on some things too. Carpet and head lining were both a big step backwards in quality from EL.

I think the styling was one thing, but the EL was a very well sorted car too, head gasket issue aside, so AU had to be something special to get people to move to it and it wasn't. It was out there styling with cost cutting evident. BA was what AU should have been all along, although the cost cutting never went away unfortunately.

Dan

[XR_Strider_GuY]

The AU was certainly not a forgotten car, and in the words of Mr Polites, "polarised" opinions even within models. Look at a stock AU Forte, one cannot say its a nice looking car but because of this very reason you do notice it because it has a personality.
Now whenever I see an AU1/II XR with the full Tickford bodykit and 17inch wheels, I think wow thats a bold, sharp and nice looking car. I take a 2nd look to this day. Again it has personality.

Forgettable cars, are cars that its looks do not offend. Yet they do not attract either. Another orange in the orange pile.
Like the 1986-1993 Honda Accord, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Tiida, Toyota Camry and lastly the Nissan Pulsar. The Nissan Pulsar was a case in point, when it came out back in 1997/1998 with the plus pack (spoiler, alloys, key less entry) it was the talk of town for the well off kids backed by their parents who wanted a brand new car. But in truth there is really nothing there apart from reliability and a new car. Today the car is forgotten, you just don't care if its there or not. At the lights its just another car that one is stuck behind.

In regards to the VY, I will defend it in that the SS models were bold when they came out. Compared to the VT/VX it was sharp creases, triangle lights. Holden adopted "sharp" into their design theme. I must say looking at it now, even comparing it to the VE the VY does not look too dated. Dare I say alot more modern than the VT/VX shape. Having said that I do like the shape of the VT/VX SS from day one.

Compare the back of a VYSS v VE SS, there are those traingular lights, the double stacked spoiler, the highish back end, the blacked out under bumper trim, its all there in the VY.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by onfire

I just had this thought driving the other day, and it stuck with me for a couple of days.

There's a lot of cars that just sort of fade away from people's attention.

Sadly, FG Series II seems to be going that way...

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Sadly, FG Series II seems to be going that way...

ha...why is that? EB and diesel not good enough? Oh LILPG?

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Polyal

ha...why is that? EB and diesel not good enough? Oh LILPG?

Yes but when, first quarter, second quarter or third quarter?

Down to 2,000 odd sales and lots of unplanned down days when sales were going up earlier this year,
not sure what has changed but I feel glum especially when hearing delays on new Tech
Ecoboost and LILPG may not turn up until Q3.....

Don't beat me up but I have a feeling that Ford has taken far too long with diesel Territory,
can't help feeling that some permanent die back is happening with Falcon and Territory...

God I hope not.

[Neale]

what about the 4 cyl VB commodore & in not talking about the 6 or 8's that run on 4 cyl's lol

[Mr Hardware]

What I would like to see however is the original concepts for the Falcon before the styling was changed to the edge design. Would be interesting to see what the AU could have been.

There's a book I read one time, True Blue: 75 Years of Ford in Australia by Bill Tuckey - and in it there is a picture of a half and half full size clay model of the two finalist AU designs - I think I preferred the one they didn't go with, and I'm an AU lover.

[Iggypoppin']

The AU might not have been everyones cuppa tea but heck it was (and still is) a fantastic Aussie car. Robust, strong and capable of heavy abuse, it has certainly aged well and still gets looks in the XR versions and tickfords especially. I think everyone who bags it out needs to get over the past and remember what was good about it.

As for forgotten models? VR commodore in my opinion. They are almost as nondescript as camrys and corollas.

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by Iggypoppin'

The AU might not have been everyones cuppa tea but heck it was (and still is) a fantastic Aussie car. Robust, strong and capable of heavy abuse, it has certainly aged well and still gets looks in the XR versions and tickfords especially. I think everyone who bags it out needs to get over the past and remember what was good about it.

As for forgotten models? VR commodore in my opinion. They are almost as nondescript as camrys and corollas.

I agree. When the AUs first came out I like most people thought they were ugly, but as time as gone on they have aged very well IMO.

The VT/VX I think were hits, because their styling was pretty much the norm for that time whereas the AU has styling that the general population weren't used to. Ahead of its time I would say.

Everytime I see a VT/VX I can't help, but think how outdated they look whereas the AU still looks reasonably fresh.

Anyway a couple of forgotten cars the TA, and HB Toranas.

[4.0i OHC]

Originally Posted by onfire

I just had this thought driving the other day, and it stuck with me for a couple of days.

Theres a lot of cars that just sort of fade away from people's attention.

What sparked it, was seeing a VY Commodore. Sure theres thousands of them on the road. But it was the reasons why the VY and VZ are so forgettable.

The VT and then the VX were smash hits. Total game changers in the late 1990s. At that point in time, the AU was a horrible example of a Falcon from a styling point of view.

The AU was too well known for all the wrong reasons, The BA put the Falcon back on the map, then one upped it with the BA mkII and the BF and finally, the FG.

By 2007, it had all changed again for the Commodore, the VE was introduced and a huge who-haa was made about the thing, it reinvented the Commodore and made every model prior look old. The VY VZ years became the transition period for the Commodore, and were completely forgettable.

I disagree. In my opinion, the VY and VZ Commodores look much nicer than both the VT/VX (which are far too bland for my tastes) and VE (which simply does not work). As well as this, the interior quality of the VE Commodore is a significant downgrade from that of the VY and VZ Commodores.

The AU Falcon is a fine car. It's a shame that the public didn't recognise it as such. Surprisingly, I even prefer the styling to that of the VT Commodore.