Pros
- Class-leading levels of ride, road-holding and driving experience
- Barra 6-cyl has become an iconic engine for a reason
- Excellent practicality
- Robust construction and showing good signs of wear and tear
We wouldn't...
We'd be cautious
We would...
We desperately want to say yes because as Australians we should be bloody proud of the Ford Territory.
It was designed, engineered, developed and built here in Australia and when new, ended up being genuinely one of the best SUVs in the world, especially when it comes to driving.
However,...
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque risus nibh, mattis ut venenatis et, feugiat quis ligula. Praesent dignissim sed dui id hendrerit. Duis at commodo ligula. Praesent vel interdum nulla. Vestibulum vehicula accumsan cursus. Sed in dui aliquam, consectetur neque nec, mattis mauris. Maecenas iaculis nisi nulla, et porttitor ipsum consequat a. Donec urna dolor, posuere in auctor a, luctus varius lorem. Praesent pharetra nec odio non hendrerit. Mauris ac dui at arcu lobortis maximus et ut libero. Phasellus eros nisl, vehicula quis velit ut, faucibus posuere libero. Duis eu erat accumsan, varius dolor rutrum, eleifend turpis. Pellentesque ut tellus sit amet justo feugiat lobortis. Pellentesque varius, justo quis ullamcorper gravida, nibh leo ullamcorper ante, faucibus ullamcorper purus elit sed ante. Ut ac felis at mi rhoncus mattis a at erat.
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque risus nibh, mattis ut venenatis et, feugiat quis ligula. Praesent dignissim sed dui id hendrerit. Duis at commodo ligula. Praesent vel interdum nulla. Vestibulum vehicula accumsan cursus. Sed in dui aliquam, consectetur neque nec, mattis mauris. Maecenas iaculis nisi nulla, et porttitor ipsum consequat a. Donec urna dolor, posuere in auctor a, luctus varius lorem. Praesent pharetra nec odio non hendrerit. Mauris ac dui at arcu lobortis maximus et ut libero. Phasellus eros nisl, vehicula quis velit ut, faucibus posuere libero. Duis eu erat accumsan, varius dolor rutrum, eleifend turpis. Pellentesque ut tellus sit amet justo feugiat lobortis. Pellentesque varius, justo quis ullamcorper gravida, nibh leo ullamcorper ante, faucibus ullamcorper purus elit sed ante. Ut ac felis at mi rhoncus mattis a at erat.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque risus nibh, mattis ut venenatis et, feugiat quis ligula. Praesent dignissim sed dui id hendrerit. Duis at commodo ligula. Praesent vel interdum nulla. Vestibulum vehicula accumsan cursus. Sed in dui aliquam, consectetur neque nec, mattis mauris. Maecenas iaculis nisi nulla, et porttitor ipsum consequat a. Donec urna dolor, posuere in auctor a, luctus varius lorem. Praesent pharetra nec odio non hendrerit. Mauris ac dui at arcu lobortis maximus et ut libero. Phasellus eros nisl, vehicula quis velit ut, faucibus posuere libero. Duis eu erat accumsan, varius dolor rutrum, eleifend turpis. Pellentesque ut tellus sit amet justo feugiat lobortis. Pellentesque varius, justo quis ullamcorper gravida, nibh leo ullamcorper ante, faucibus ullamcorper purus elit sed ante. Ut ac felis at mi rhoncus mattis a at erat.
Firstly, if you are not sure of what a Ford Territory even is, think of what the BMW X5 SUV is to the 5 Series, that is in a way, what the Territory is to Australia’s iconic Ford Falcon.
In fact, the Territory initially shared its engine, transmission and rear suspension with the BA Series Ford Falcon although the SUV has a unique front suspension setup and a completely different underbody structure.
The Territory was available for 12 years from 2004 to 2016 and in that time, much changed.
Over this period the Territory has had the ability to seat 5 or 7 depending on the year and trim spec, and has been available across primarily three iterations, the 2004 to 2005 SX, the 2005 to 2011 SY and the 2011 to 2016 SZ.
While all generations of Territory look very similar short of a subtle visual update here and there, under the skin, there’s more than meets the eye.
Initially powered by a naturally aspirated version of the iconic 4.0-litre straight six Barra engine, the SX, and SX Series 2 were available across three trim specs, the TX, TS and Ghia, all with a choice of rear or permanent four-wheel-drive.
The SY introduced a couple of limited trim specs but most notably, two Turbocharged four-wheel-drive variants, the Turbo and Turbo Ghia.
Plus, the crazy kids over at Ford Performance Vehicles or FPV got their hands on the Territory and created the bonkers F6X but that deserves its very own
Firstly, if you are not sure of what a Ford Territory even is, think of what the BMW X5 SUV is to the 5 Series, that is in a way, what the Territory is to Australia’s iconic Ford Falcon.
In fact, the Territory initially shared its engine, transmission and rear suspension with the BA Series Ford Falcon although the SUV has a unique front suspension setup and a completely different underbody structure.
The Territory was available for 12 years from 2004 to 2016 and in that time, much changed.
Over this period the Territory has had the ability to seat 5 or 7 depending on the year and trim spec, and has been available across primarily three iterations, the 2004 to 2005 SX, the 2005 to 2011 SY and the 2011 to 2016 SZ.
While all generations of Territory look very similar short of a subtle visual update here and there, under the skin, there’s more than meets the eye.
Initially powered by a naturally aspirated version of the iconic 4.0-litre straight six Barra engine, the SX, and SX Series 2 were available across three trim specs, the TX, TS and Ghia, all with a choice of rear or permanent four-wheel-drive.
The SY introduced a couple of limited trim specs but most notably, two Turbocharged four-wheel-drive variants, the Turbo and Turbo Ghia.
Plus, the crazy kids over at Ford Performance Vehicles or FPV got their hands on the Territory and created the bonkers F6X but that deserves its very own cheat sheet.
These turbocharged Territory’s feature the same Barra turbo engine that is now something of a holy grail to those hunting insane power figures.
Finally this the SZ (and to a lesser extent SZ Series 2), not only featured the most substantial visual and equipment changes to the Territory but introduced a rear or all-wheel-drive 2.7-litre turbo-diesel V6 to the range, but unfortunately at the cost of dropping the Barra Turbo models,
Also it should be noted, the diesels all-wheel-drive system is completely different to the previous four-wheel-drive setups.
Also the petrol powered 4.0-litre 6 became a rear drive only option and the SZ, and SZ series 2, also shook up the trim, equipment and mechanical packages a little with the Ghia becoming the Titanium.
Firstly, if you are not sure of what a Ford Territory even is, think of what the BMW X5 SUV is to the 5 Series, that is in a way, what the Territory is to Australia’s iconic Ford Falcon.
In fact, the Territory initially shared its engine, transmission and rear suspension with the BA Series Ford Falcon although the SUV has a unique front suspension setup and a completely different underbody structure.
The Territory was available for 12 years from 2004 to 2016 and in that time, much changed.
Over this period the Territory has had the ability to seat 5 or 7 depending on the year and trim spec, and has been available across primarily three iterations, the 2004 to 2005 SX, the 2005 to 2011 SY and the 2011 to 2016 SZ.
While all generations of Territory look very similar short of a subtle visual update here and there, under the skin, there’s more than meets the eye.
Initially powered by a naturally aspirated version of the iconic 4.0-litre straight six Barra engine, the SX, and SX Series 2 were available across three trim specs, the TX, TS and Ghia, all with a choice of rear or permanent four-wheel-drive.
The SY introduced a couple of limited trim specs but most notably, two Turbocharged four-wheel-drive variants, the Turbo and Turbo Ghia.
Plus, the crazy kids over at Ford Performance Vehicles or FPV got their hands on the Territory and created the bonkers F6X but that deserves its very own cheat sheet.
These turbocharged Territory’s feature the same Barra turbo engine that is now something of a holy grail to those hunting insane power figures.
Finally this the SZ (and to a lesser extent SZ Series 2), not only featured the most substantial visual and equipment changes to the Territory but introduced a rear or all-wheel-drive 2.7-litre turbo-diesel V6 to the range, but unfortunately at the cost of dropping the Barra Turbo models,
Also it should be noted, the diesels all-wheel-drive system is completely different to the previous four-wheel-drive setups.
Also the petrol powered 4.0-litre 6 became a rear drive only option and the SZ, and SZ series 2, also shook up the trim, equipment and mechanical packages a little with the Ghia becoming the Titanium.
Exterior:
There are reports that the door lock actuators are beginning to fail.
The plastic clips that hold the regulator for the electric windows can break, meaning the windows fail to work, you’ll still be able to see in and out, they just won’t go up and down.
On early models, the rubber seals around the tailgate can trap moisture resulting in dreaded rust issues.
Interior:
Malfunctioning body computers can spontaneously turn on the interior/reading lights and drain the battery.
The window switches themselves can have issues and stop working and so can the door locks. In fact some drivers found that they couldn’t unlock their doors to get out of their cars.
There are some cases of low battery voltage making the gear shift indicators flash, putting the car in “limp home” mode, this just means that the battery needs replacing.
Also, we found a few different reports stating that the Air Conditioning and heating on the SZ (or third gen) Territory can have a range of different issues so, if you’re checking one out, just make sure the air con and heating works on every setting. Also, if it sounds broken, it probably is.
Also, the Territory has unfortunately received quite a few recalls so make sure they’ve been seen to.
Mechanically:
While the Territory has been available in Australia with a 2.7-litre V6 turbo diesel, or a straight 6 petrol, normally aspirated or turbo, we’re going to leave the petrol turbo for its very own cheat sheet.
Starting with the V6 diesel first, this engine is the same as found in a variety of Jaguars, Land Rovers, Range Rovers and even Citroens, which may be a red flag immediately.
Overall this diesel engines reliability is average.
They are known for having expensive high pressure fuel pump, turbo & EGR complications, the inlet manifolds are known to split, oil cooler leaks, water pump & thermostat housing leaks, they have a timing belt (not a chain) and a high-pressure fuel pump belt that both absolutely must be changed on time at 165,000kms.
Then there are plenty of reports of the belts breaking and the tensioners failing and it’s not pretty or cheap. However, the normally aspirated petrol (affectionately known as the Barra) is a different story. This engine is much more reliable and a popular choice for engine swaps and performance applications.
Occasionally we see leaking inlet manifold gaskets or a leaking water pump and they sometimes have auxiliary drive belt and tensioner issues too but overall, a well serviced unit shouldn’t actually give you much trouble.
The ZF 6-speed auto, this family of 6 speed ZF transmissions are overall fairly reliable (if serviced properly) but they can be
Exterior:
There are reports that the door lock actuators are beginning to fail.
The plastic clips that hold the regulator for the electric windows can break, meaning the windows fail to work, you’ll still be able to see in and out, they just won’t go up and down.
On early models, the rubber seals around the tailgate can trap moisture resulting in dreaded rust issues.
Interior:
Malfunctioning body computers can spontaneously turn on the interior/reading lights and drain the battery.
The window switches themselves can have issues and stop working and so can the door locks. In fact some drivers found that they couldn’t unlock their doors to get out of their cars.
There are some cases of low battery voltage making the gear shift indicators flash, putting the car in “limp home” mode, this just means that the battery needs replacing.
Also, we found a few different reports stating that the Air Conditioning and heating on the SZ (or third gen) Territory can have a range of different issues so, if you’re checking one out, just make sure the air con and heating works on every setting. Also, if it sounds broken, it probably is.
Also, the Territory has unfortunately received quite a few recalls so make sure they’ve been seen to.
Mechanically:
While the Territory has been available in Australia with a 2.7-litre V6 turbo diesel, or a straight 6 petrol, normally aspirated or turbo, we’re going to leave the petrol turbo for its very own cheat sheet.
Starting with the V6 diesel first, this engine is the same as found in a variety of Jaguars, Land Rovers, Range Rovers and even Citroens, which may be a red flag immediately.
Overall this diesel engines reliability is average.
They are known for having expensive high pressure fuel pump, turbo & EGR complications, the inlet manifolds are known to split, oil cooler leaks, water pump & thermostat housing leaks, they have a timing belt (not a chain) and a high-pressure fuel pump belt that both absolutely must be changed on time at 165,000kms.
Then there are plenty of reports of the belts breaking and the tensioners failing and it’s not pretty or cheap. However, the normally aspirated petrol (affectionately known as the Barra) is a different story. This engine is much more reliable and a popular choice for engine swaps and performance applications.
Occasionally we see leaking inlet manifold gaskets or a leaking water pump and they sometimes have auxiliary drive belt and tensioner issues too but overall, a well serviced unit shouldn’t actually give you much trouble.
The ZF 6-speed auto, this family of 6 speed ZF transmissions are overall fairly reliable (if serviced properly) but they can be let down by everything on the outside that supports it.
Things like transmission oil coolers, transmission position switches and selector cables are all common problems. In the all or four-wheel drive versions the transfer case is usually ok but further down the driveline there can be all sorts of nightmares.
Tail shaft centre bearings are a common problem and after replacement, there can be imbalance complications if not performed correctly.
The next in line are front and rear diff bushes and then all the suspension bushes and ball joints that often wear out. In the earlier models, it’s not uncommon for one of these to need a couple of thousand dollars worth of bushes and ball joints to be roadworthy.
It should be noted that even when these bushes and suspension components are at their worst, the vehicle itself may seem to drive near perfectly.
Hence why it is absolutely imperative to have a pre-purchase inspection carried out BEFORE you buy.
Recalls:
Exterior:
There are reports that the door lock actuators are beginning to fail.
The plastic clips that hold the regulator for the electric windows can break, meaning the windows fail to work, you’ll still be able to see in and out, they just won’t go up and down.
On early models, the rubber seals around the tailgate can trap moisture resulting in dreaded rust issues.
Interior:
Malfunctioning body computers can spontaneously turn on the interior/reading lights and drain the battery.
The window switches themselves can have issues and stop working and so can the door locks. In fact some drivers found that they couldn’t unlock their doors to get out of their cars.
There are some cases of low battery voltage making the gear shift indicators flash, putting the car in “limp home” mode, this just means that the battery needs replacing.
Also, we found a few different reports stating that the Air Conditioning and heating on the SZ (or third gen) Territory can have a range of different issues so, if you’re checking one out, just make sure the air con and heating works on every setting. Also, if it sounds broken, it probably is.
Also, the Territory has unfortunately received quite a few recalls so make sure they’ve been seen to.
Mechanically:
While the Territory has been available in Australia with a 2.7-litre V6 turbo diesel, or a straight 6 petrol, normally aspirated or turbo, we’re going to leave the petrol turbo for its very own cheat sheet.
Starting with the V6 diesel first, this engine is the same as found in a variety of Jaguars, Land Rovers, Range Rovers and even Citroens, which may be a red flag immediately.
Overall this diesel engines reliability is average.
They are known for having expensive high pressure fuel pump, turbo & EGR complications, the inlet manifolds are known to split, oil cooler leaks, water pump & thermostat housing leaks, they have a timing belt (not a chain) and a high-pressure fuel pump belt that both absolutely must be changed on time at 165,000kms.
Then there are plenty of reports of the belts breaking and the tensioners failing and it’s not pretty or cheap. However, the normally aspirated petrol (affectionately known as the Barra) is a different story. This engine is much more reliable and a popular choice for engine swaps and performance applications.
Occasionally we see leaking inlet manifold gaskets or a leaking water pump and they sometimes have auxiliary drive belt and tensioner issues too but overall, a well serviced unit shouldn’t actually give you much trouble.
The ZF 6-speed auto, this family of 6 speed ZF transmissions are overall fairly reliable (if serviced properly) but they can be let down by everything on the outside that supports it.
Things like transmission oil coolers, transmission position switches and selector cables are all common problems. In the all or four-wheel drive versions the transfer case is usually ok but further down the driveline there can be all sorts of nightmares.
Tail shaft centre bearings are a common problem and after replacement, there can be imbalance complications if not performed correctly.
The next in line are front and rear diff bushes and then all the suspension bushes and ball joints that often wear out. In the earlier models, it’s not uncommon for one of these to need a couple of thousand dollars worth of bushes and ball joints to be roadworthy.
It should be noted that even when these bushes and suspension components are at their worst, the vehicle itself may seem to drive near perfectly.
Hence why it is absolutely imperative to have a pre-purchase inspection carried out BEFORE you buy.
Recalls:
Body style:
Engines:
Power:
Torque:
Transmission & drivetrains:
Body style:
Engines:
Power:
Torque:
Transmission & drivetrains:
Fuel consumption:
Length:
Width:
Height:
Kerb weight:
Towing (braked/unbraked):
Body style:
Engines:
Power:
Torque:
Transmission & drivetrains:
Fuel consumption:
Length:
Width:
Height:
Kerb weight:
Towing (braked/unbraked):
Warranty:
3 year/100,000kms
Servicing:
12-months/15,000kms
We desperately want to say yes because as Australians we should be bloody proud of the Ford Territory.
It was designed, engineered, developed and built here in Australia and when new, ended up being genuinely one of the best SUVs in the world, especially when it comes to driving.
However, taking off the rose coloured glasses and focusing on used examples, unfortunately these days, thanks to careless previous owners, many Territories have seen far better days.
Plus, at the time these were being produced, Ford didn’t exactly represent the epitome of mechanical excellence and if not maintained and serviced fastidiously, early Territory’s often feature a long list of problems and issues.
The good news is these dramas can be averted by sticking with later models, especially the Series 1 SZ’s and while finding a good one may require some serious hunting to find, they are out there.
We desperately want to say yes because as Australians we should be bloody proud of the Ford Territory.
It was designed, engineered, developed and built here in Australia and when new, ended up being genuinely one of the best SUVs in the world, especially when it comes to driving.
However, taking off the rose coloured glasses and focusing on used examples, unfortunately these days, thanks to careless previous owners, many Territories have seen far better days.
Plus, at the time these were being produced, Ford didn’t exactly represent the epitome of mechanical excellence and if not maintained and serviced fastidiously, early Territory’s often feature a long list of problems and issues.
The good news is these dramas can be averted by sticking with later models, especially the Series 1 SZ’s and while finding a good one may require some serious hunting to find, they are out there.
We desperately want to say yes because as Australians we should be bloody proud of the Ford Territory.
It was designed, engineered, developed and built here in Australia and when new, ended up being genuinely one of the best SUVs in the world, especially when it comes to driving.
However, taking off the rose coloured glasses and focusing on used examples, unfortunately these days, thanks to careless previous owners, many Territories have seen far better days.
Plus, at the time these were being produced, Ford didn’t exactly represent the epitome of mechanical excellence and if not maintained and serviced fastidiously, early Territory’s often feature a long list of problems and issues.
The good news is these dramas can be averted by sticking with later models, especially the Series 1 SZ’s and while finding a good one may require some serious hunting to find, they are out there.
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Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of January 06, 2022.
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