• The Falcon XD, Ford's attempt to gain a foothold in Australia, made its debut in March 1979. The vehicle struggled initially, according to Unique Cars and Parts, but eventually achieved the goal of becoming the market leader in Australia. The vehicle's rise was impeded by a sudden change in buying patterns. Customers began buying four-cylinder cars at a higher rate in early 1980, which left the Falcon, as well as the best-selling Commodore, out of the race. A hard sales push with price decreases saw the Falcon make a comeback by mid-1980.
  
  

Brake System

• The Falcon XD's brake system utilized a split-circuit hydraulic system and a mechanically operated booster. It had an alloy master cylinder with a pressure differential switch and integral pressure proportioning valve.
  
  

Front Brakes

• The front brake had a ventilated disc with a 286-by-24-millimeter, single-piston disk and a self-adjusting floating caliper.
  
  

Rear Brakes

• The rear brake system varied by model. The GL and Fairmont used a 259.44-millimeter self-adjusting dual servo drum system, while the Fairmont Ghia used a ventilated 259-by-44-millimeter single-piston, self-adjusting floating caliper system.