THE final version of Ford's last-generation Falcon was the EL, released late in 1996. It was also the best, taking the 1988 EA Falcon theme to a more modern, safe and refined level. And it was Australia's best-selling car too, until the Holden VT Commodore arrived in August 1997 to take over from that spot. In Futura wagon guise reviewed here, the EL offers a reasonable level of safety and convenience features, including a driver's side airbag, anti-lock brakes and cruise control. They last a long time too, as many EL Falcon drivers will readily attest to.