1 Mar 1988
EA was the biggest Falcon change to date.
A striking new body heralded better aerodynamics, more interior space and improved ergonomics, while upgraded mechanicals ran to re-engineered I6 engines featuring overhead-cam (OHC) design, new front suspension, a change to rack and pinion steering, fuel injection across the range, and a standard 5-speed manual gearbox.
Early quality glitches affected the EA’s reputation, though scores of improvements were continuously implemented.
The initial 90kW/235Nm throttle-body EFI 3.2L I6 base engine was upstaged by the VN Commodore’s 125kW V6, so it was quietly dropped for the 120kW/311Nm single-point EFI 3.9L I6 in December 1988.
However the EA suffered for still offering a 3-speed auto transmission. The wagon retained leaf-spring rear suspension. The S became its own separate model.
New standard features: Fully adjustable steering column, split/fold rear seats, remote boot release Engine options: 120kW/311Nm single-point 3.9L I6 (made standard from Dec ’88), 139kW/338Nm multi-point EFI 3.9-litre I6.
