1966 Ford Galaxie Reviews

Could a van be your next adventure vehicle? Ford thinks so, and to that end has introduced an adventure-focussed van, the Trail, to its Transit Custom line-up. The Trail is based on the long-wheelbase Transit Custom Trend and it’s equipped with all-wheel drive, raised suspension, and a Trail drive mode, 16-inch matt black alloy wheels, black wheel arches as well as yellow exterior decals.

Ford Australia has a popularity problem. By that I mean, the Ranger is so popular it is Australia’s best-selling new vehicle any given month, but at a time when the government is looking to crack down on emissions. The New Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NVES) have been designed to motivate both car makers and customers alike to choose a new vehicle with lower emissions.This is part of the reason why Ford has invested so much time and effort into adding the Ranger plug-in hybrid to its range. But, unfortunately for Ford Australia, buyers so far seem pretty happy to stick with good old fashioned turbo-diesel power. So, as we look at the missing pieces across several of Australia’s leading car brands, there is a very obvious gap in the Ford line-up - a small or mid-size SUV powered by either a plug-in hybrid or all-electric powertrain to help offset all those diesel Ranger emissions under NVES.Under the Federal Government’s policy it will penalise car makers for not getting their vehicles below a mandated CO2 emissions target. The good news is a car maker can effectively offset those vehicles over the limit by claiming ‘credits’ for its vehicles that are below the threshold. Obviously electric cars are rated with zero CO2 emissions, so enjoy the most credits.The problem for Ford is that its biggest selling models are the diesel-powered Ranger and Everest and the V8-powered Mustang. That trio accounts for more than 90 per cent of Ford Australia’s total volume. The all-electric Mustang Mach-E is less than one per cent of the company’s local sales.So, what Ford would likely love is for a more popular SUV, that could help both with NVES but also grow sales. Ford simply gave up on the SUV market, dropping the Escape, despite it being the biggest single segment of the market. It also dropped the Puma and Endura, leaving the Everest to fight on alone.It’s believed Ford will add the Chinese-built Bronco sometime in the not-too-distant future, and the range-extender mid-size SUV could be just what the brand needs at this moment in time. It’s powered by a 110kW 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and electric motor, which is powered by a BYD battery to provide over 200km of range.What’s more, it’s a Bronco. The Escape was a perfectly fine mid-size SUV, but it was very easy to overlook in a crowded and highly competitive market, which is not something you can say about the Bronco.This is arguably Ford’s best chance of reestablishing itself into the mid-size SUV market. Hopefully being built in China allows it to be price competitive and Ford Australia can stop being so reliant on the Ranger for its success.

Amid the seemingly endless influx of new cars coming our way there are some that are simply more important than others.

Four-wheel drive vehicles are widely considered ‘real’ off-road vehicles, but all-wheel drive vehicles are also capable of tackling off-road adventures in their own right.However, for the purpose of this yarn, we’ll focus on 4WDs.So, what are the top five off-roaders of all time? This is a purely subjective yarn, so feel free to pitch in with your opinion and your own top five off-roaders of all time.Read on. (Note: all prices in this yarn were correct at time of writing.)All versions of this legendary 4WD have for a long time found favour with off-road adventurers because of their drivability (ease of use and comfort); its capability (in general driving terms, as an off-roader, and for hauling heavy loads); its reputation for reliability (which, some say, has lapsed in recent years); and its fixability if something goes wrong. Rest assured, if you suffer experience vehicle-based strife, even out past the black stump, you’ll likely be able to find Toyota parts somewhere near-ish without too much hassle.Many Cruisers are used as off-road vehicles (for work and play), but which Cruiser variant should be your preferred choice if you’re after a reliable, capable and comfortable long-distance tourer to haul camping gear or tow your camper-trailer or caravan? Take your pick: 40 Series, 60 Series, 70 Series, 80 Series, 100 Series, 200 Series. The 105 (more widely known here as the Prado) is the Cruiser’s less macho little brother, but it is still very popular because of its reputation as a capable, comfortable touring platform.Our mate Alf Johnston's 80 – pictured throughout this yarn – is a 1996 GXL 80 Series with a 24-valve 6-cylinder 1HD-FT turbo-diesel engine and automatic transmission. It has a touring friendly 270-litre fuel tank – a long range fuel tank set-up – and 30-litre water tank. A standard version had a 90-litre fuel tank and a 45-litre fuel tank.For me, the 4.5-litre V8 twin turbo-diesel engine (200kW and 650Nm) is the stand-out.There is a massive trade-off when buying most Cruisers though: new or used, it may be on the wrong side of expensive. Just ask anyone trying to buy a second-hand Cruiser about ‘Toyota tax’, i.e. the persistently high re-sale value of any Toyota that’s for sale, especially a Cruiser.Towing capacity is listed as 750kg (unbraked) and 3000kg (braked).Price: Expect to pay from $9999 for a 1999 Toyota Landcruiser 100 Series GXL 4X4 (with almost 391,000km on the odo) through to $242,000 for a 2022 Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series GXL (dual-cab chassis, loaded up with aftermarket gear and with 38,294km on the odo).Pros:RobustReliableNigh-on unbreakableCons:Hard to find oneEven harder to find one that hasn’t been thrashedWhen you do find a good one, it’ll be expensiveAnother Cruiser bonus: you can build up and customise your ultimate tourer with the help of Australia’s fantastic aftermarket industry – think ARB, Ironman 4x4, TJM, and the like.The Y63 is on its way but until then take your pick from new and used Patrols: GQ, GU, whatever.This well-respected 4WD wagon is another of Australia’s favourite touring vehicles and can be seen everywhere on the nation’s roads, and parked in caravan parks, or set up for camping.Any Patrol can be built up and customised as an ultimate tourer, but for me the mission-ready current-generation V8 Patrol Warrior wins out over the rest.Let me explain: a few years back Nissan Australia enlisted the expertise of Melbourne-based automotive engineering company Premcar to transform the Navara into the hard-core Pro-4X Warrior, which was a great success – and then Premcar did the same to the Patrol.At time of launch Premcar had baked into the Patrol more than $15,000 worth of top-notch conversion work, engineering upgrades and fitment of accessories to turn the 4WD wagon into the Warrior.It is bigger, wider and taller than the Ti spec Patrol on which it’s based and it has upgraded Aussie-tuned suspension, a Warrior-specific wheel-and-tyre package, a bi-modal exhaust system, substantial underbody protection, a 48kg increase in payload over the Ti to 736kg, as well as a whole lot of other stuff intended to turn the legendary 4WD wagon into an even more appealing vehicle, on- and off-road.The Warrior has the same 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine as the regular Patrol line-up but that’s fine because that engine – producing 298kW at 5800rpm and 560Nm at 4000rpm and matched to a seven-speed automatic transmission – is a bloody cracker.It also has a re-engineered version of Nissan’s Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, a 50mm total suspension lift with new springs front and rear (increasing vehicle height to 1990mm, 50mm more than the Ti), and increased ground clearance (323mm, 50mm more than the Ti) and wheel track (1735mm front and rear, 40mm more than the Ti).As with the Cruiser, the Patrol can be built up and customised as an ultimate tourer with the help of Australia’s great aftermarket industry (ARB, Ironman 4x4, et al).Price: Expect to pay anywhere from $115,990 for a 2025 Nissan Patrol Warrior (4X4) Y62 MY25 (with 546km on the odo) through to $122,990 for a 2025 Nissan Patrol Warrior (4X4) Y62 MY25 (with 5698km on the odo).Pros:GutsyIt’ll go anywherePlenty of sparesCons:ThirstyHard to find a good one for the right priceHard to find a good one that hasn’t been driven hardWhile older versions of the Ranger are well worth considering, let’s focus on the newer post-2022 versions here.The Ranger and its wagon stablemate, the Ranger-based Everest, are both refined, comfortable and capable, and either of them make a great platform as an on- and off-road touring vehicle.The Ranger – with either a 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine (147kW/470Nm) a 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine (157kW/500Nm), or the new-ish 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine (184kW/600Nm) – is a solid and nice-driving unit.Obviously, if it’s your cup of tea, the Raptor is the go.Same goes for the Everest, though because it’s a wagon, it lacks the Ranger’s work-friendly versatility, but it does yield a smoother ride and handling overall.Long-distance road trips aren’t daunting if you know you’re clocking up the kays in these vehicles, which both offer refined on-road driving experiences.Ford’s all-wheel drive system is smooth in its application and helps to make these vehicles comfortably capable in most off-road scenarios.The Ranger and Everest have become increasingly prevalent on our roads in recent years and they appeal to off-road adventurers who want comfortable and capable touring vehicles.The Ranger has listed towing capacities of 750kg (unbraked) and 3500kg (braked). The Everest has listed towing capacities of 750kg (unbraked) and 3000kg (braked) or 3100kg (braked), depending on the variant.Price: Expect to pay from $28,888 for a 2022 Ford Ranger Xl 3.2 (4X4) Px MkIII MY21.75 (with 219,805km on the odo) through to $95,990 for a 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor 3.0 (4X4) MY25.25 (with 255km on the odo).Price: Expect to pay from $33,888 for a 2022 Ford Everest Trend (4WD) (with 176,099km on the odo) through to $88,999 for a 2023 Ford Everest Platinum (4WD) (with 22,212km on the odo).Pros:RefinedNice to driveWell-appointedCons:ExpensiveNew versions almost too reliant on techV6 can become thirsty off-roadThe legendary Land Rover Series I, II, III preceded the Defender, but while the older Landies have the monopoly on that ye olde Insta-friendly romantic vision of off-roading, the 75th anniversary Defender 110 of 2023 does it for me.This limited-edition 75th anniversary five-door 110 body style Landie with like-it-or-loathe-it Grasmere green exterior is based on the high-grade HSE variant. Note: three-door 90 body-style versions are also available.The Defender manages to retain the old Defender’s distinctive shape and spirit while introducing the new-generation’s style and presence into the mix.This is a P400 MHEV (mild hybrid electric vehicle) and has a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, supported by a small electric motor. That engine produces 294kW at 5500-6500rpm and 550Nm at 2000-5000rpm and it’s matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission.The P400 MHEV has a 48-volt lithium-ion battery, aimed at reducing engine load and fuel consumption, and it has a 7kW electric supercharger aimed at minimising turbo lag.The Defender has permanent all-wheel drive and a dual-range transfer case with high- and low-range 4WD. It has a comprehensive suite of driver-assist tech – including Land Rover’s Terrain Response 2 system, with switchable modes such as Grass/Gravel/Snow, Sand, Mud and Ruts, and Rock Crawl. That system tweaks throttle response, engine outputs, transmission shifts and diff control to best suit the terrain.It also has centre and rear diff locks.Defender buyers can add to their vehicle from a range of accessories and Packs, which include grouped accessories to suit your specific lifestyle, i.e. Adventure, Explorer, Country or Urban.Price: Expect to pay from $112,950 for a 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 P400 75th Edition Auto AWD MY23.5 (with 50,970km on the odo) through to $125,800 for a 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 P400 75th Edition Auto AWD MY23.5 (with 25,000km on the odo).Pros:Old-school charmNew-age styleIt’ll go anywhereCons:Price-tagHard to find a good one for the right priceThe Pajero is on its way back – hopefully in the not-too-distant future – but until then if you can find a previous-gen Pajero you’re in luck.Mitsubishi officially ceased production of its fourth-generation Pajero in March 2021, but this no-frills 4WD wagon still holds tons of appeal for seekers of adventure – and that’s why you see a lot of them everywhere: on the blacktop, out in the bush and on our beaches.It’s not the most dynamic or exciting off-roader on the market, in terms of looks or performance, but the 3.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel Pajero (141kW/441Nm) has a legion of fans due to its simple, no-fuss approach to life on and off the road. It’s also not the heaviest hauler around (tow capacity is 3000kg), but it’s a gutsy unit.It’s easy to drive, very capable and very functional. The 4WD Pajero also has 'Super Select II' 4WD system which offers four drive modes: 2H (two-wheel drive, rear), 4H (4WD high range but, in this, safe to use at high speed on bitumen), 4H LC (4WD/all-wheel drive with locked centre diff; suitable for off-road driving at 30km/h or so) and 4L LC (4WD with locked centre diff and low-range gearing engaged; suitable only for low-speed 4WDing (below 30km/h). Turns out 4H is a good state of play for general driving.The 2.4-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel Pajero Sport (133kW/430Nm), though light on in terms of towing capacity (3100kg, braked) still compares favourably to segment rivals and dual cab utes in terms of general standard packability and it remains an appealing proposition as an all-round touring machine.Price: Expect to pay from $43,990 for a 2022 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Exceed (4WD) seven-seat eat MY22 (with 72,349km on the odo) through to $60,888 for a 2024 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Exceed (4WD) seven-seat MY24 (with 10km on the odo).Pros:Nice to drive on-roadVery capable off-roadDecent fuel consumptionCons:Feels a bit old compared to rivalsTowing capacity (on paper) is less than rivalsSmaller inside than most rivals

The Federal Government is soon set to announce the carmakers that have and haven’t met the first phase of its tightening CO2 emissions standards.The New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) came into effect on January 1, 2025, with mandatory compliance and fines coming into effect from July 1, 2025.As of December 31, 2025, the first performance period will end and the findings will be published by the NVES Regulator in February 2026.In this forthcoming report every carmaker will receive its so-called interim emissions value (IEV) which will indicate whether it is either above or below the predetermined CO2 emissions target.It’s worth noting that each vehicle has its CO2 target adjusted in terms of its vehicle type and weight. It’s currently a two-tiered system providing separate CO2 limits for smaller and larger vehicles.For brands that are under the CO2 emissions target they will also receive NVES credits. These can be used to offset higher CO2 polluting vehicles, or sold to other carmakers that aren’t meeting the CO2 targets at a price they determine.Polestar CEO Scott Maynard has previously told CarsGuide the company will be opting for the latter as it only sells electric vehicles (EVs) which don’t emit any CO2. However, it won’t be selling its credits to every car brand.While fines for carmakers that are above the tightening CO2 targets are now in effect, they have until December 31, 2027 to “extinguish units against a 2025 final emissions value (FEV)”.This means carmakers have until the end of 2027 to offset the fines they have incurred with either more hybrids or EVs, or by purchasing credits from other brands.If a carmaker is still above the 2025 FEV by this point it will be issued an infringement notice in February 2028.This will be charged to the carmakers, however a number of brands have previously noted some or all of the cost will be passed onto the consumer.Brands like Ford, Hyundai and Nissan have previously admitted, at least in part, that their price increases are due to the tightening CO2 standards.The companies have also started to axe certain models and engine types with high CO2 emissions. Examples include the 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine in the Ford Ranger and Everest, as well as the 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine in the Hyundai Kona.Nissan also delayed the local introduction of the Ariya electric SUV, but the introduction of the NVES prompted its arrival.The Japanese carmaker is also set to make its Qashqai small SUV hybrid-only in Australia during 2026 when it introduces the new-generation version of its e-Power hybrid powertrain.

Ford Australia is recalling the Escape Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) due to a battery issue that may cause a vehicle fire.

Ford Australia has issued a recall for its Transit Custom and Tourneo vans due to a risk of toxic gases potentially leaking into the cabin under certain driving conditions.

A popular SUV has been given further off-road pedigree overseas.

Utes have been the dominant force in the Australian new car landscape for the past decade.

Aussies love their diesel utes but with crunching emissions regulations coming into place, it’s unclear how much longer they will reign supreme.