The XF sedan and wagon range was sold between October 1984 and February 1988,[1] with the utility and panel vans running through to March 1993.

It was to be replaced by a smaller front-wheel drive car derived from the Ford Telstar/Mazda 626 platform, in a program dubbed Project Capricorn.

However, the market success of the XD Falcon against the smaller Holden Commodore saw Bill Dix, who became CEO in 1981, cancel the project.

The production total was boosted by a prolonged run of the utility and panel van models, Ford not having developed an EA Falcon-based replacement for the commercial vehicle range.

Maximum power for the 4.1 litre engine decreased slightly from 105 to 103 kW (141 to 138 hp), while torque increased from 310 to 316 N⋅m (229 to 233 ft⋅lb)[7][6] The optional 4.1 litre EFI engine underwent a significant upgrade for the XF series, with a switch from Bosch Jetronic LE to Ford's EEC IV electronic fuel injection system.

Conversely, maximum power output from the 4.1 EFI engine increased slightly to 121 kW (162 hp), although torque fell to 325 N⋅m (240 ft⋅lb).

[4] The ride and handling were described as competent, but the unpowered steering was heavy at low speeds with an overly strong castor action after performing a manoeuvre such as a U-turn.

In an attempt to rationalise the Australian automotive industry, the Button plan induced car manufacturers to share core platforms.

The plan was generally considered a "disaster" by the industry, as the car buying public steered clear of the badge-engineered vehicles.