Yes but so was the VP with its Subaru SVX rip of grill. There was not much between Holden and Ford in the 90's in style. That changed with the AU. EL was last Falcon to top sales chart for the year.
Hated the XE when it first came out but grew to love it later and actually ended up buying an ESP which I really loved...
XF got worse and the looks never really improved until BA. EB wasn't too bad I guess but the GT was horrible. ED was plain while EL was better but not great.
Hated the AU but also ended up buying one and the V8 which sits lower with decent wheels and a spoiler looks quite good.
Best thing about AU is the chassis is superior to BA onwards. I am talking about IRS version as AU had full wishbone independent rear suspension BA went to cheaper less sophisticated design. Its why I have owned first an AU 111 Forte V8 bought in 2003 at auction in Melbourne it was police car camera division Congo Green love that colour. Then AU 11 XR8 220 Silver in 2008 missed old AU which I sold for one tonner.