Likes
- 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
Used Ford Territory review
2004 -2016
Dislikes
- Diesel engine models can become reliability nightmares
- Long lists of common faults
- Many on the used market have seen far better days
- Petrol 6 does love a drink, especially when driven hard
Stuff you should know
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.
What goes wrong
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:
- 22 August 2011 – The return pipe for the fuel can seperate and allow fuel to leak under the car. This can lead to a fire hazard. This affected 3,399 Territorys, all built in 2011.
- 8 May 2012 – A potential fault with a sensor in the vehicle’s supplementary restraint system meant the side curtain airbag may not operate correctly. This affected 134 Territorys all built in 2012.
- 13 September 2012 – Incorrectly fitted trim in the driver’s side footwell could impede the accelerator pedal meaning it won’t return to idle. The affected 302 vehicles.
- 16 February 2015 – There is potential for the ignition switch electrical connector to disengage. If this happens while driving, the engine will stall, electrical functions will be lost and the can can not be turned back on. This affected 17,875 units built from 2013 to 2014.
- 1 November 2017 – An intermittent Output Shaft Speed Sensor failure could result in an unintended downshift into first gear. This affected 10,514 units built from 2011 – 2012.
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:
- 22 August 2011 – The return pipe for the fuel can seperate and allow fuel to leak under the car. This can lead to a fire hazard. This affected 3,399 Territorys, all built in 2011.
- 8 May 2012 – A potential fault with a sensor in the vehicle’s supplementary restraint system meant the side curtain airbag may not operate correctly. This affected 134 Territorys all built in 2012.
- 13 September 2012 – Incorrectly fitted trim in the driver’s side footwell could impede the accelerator pedal meaning it won’t return to idle. The affected 302 vehicles.
- 16 February 2015 – There is potential for the ignition switch electrical connector to disengage. If this happens while driving, the engine will stall, electrical functions will be lost and the can can not be turned back on. This affected 17,875 units built from 2013 to 2014.
- 1 November 2017 – An intermittent Output Shaft Speed Sensor failure could result in an unintended downshift into first gear. This affected 10,514 units built from 2011 – 2012.
Should you buy it?
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.
Should you buy it?
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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Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
Body style:
- 5-door SUV
Engines:
- 2.7 litre turbocharged V6 diesel (TX, TS, Titanium) – From 2011 (SZ)
- 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, SR, SR2, Limited Edition, TS, Ghia, Titanium)
- 4.0 litre turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol (Turbo, Ghia Turbo, F6X) – 2006-09 (SY)
Power:
- 140kW – 2.7 litre turbocharged V6 diesel (TX, TS, Titanium)
- 182kW – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, TS, Ghia)
- 190kW – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, TS, Ghia, SR, SR2) – From 2005 (SY)
- 195kW – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, TS, Titanium) – From 2011 (SZ)
- 245KW – 4.0 litre turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol (Turbo, Ghia Turbo)
- 270kW – 4.0 litre turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol (F6X)
Torque:
- 440Nm – 2.7 litre turbocharged V6 diesel (TX, TS, Titanium)
- 380Nm – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, TS, Ghia)
- 383Nm – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, TS, Ghia, SR, SR2) – From 2005 (SY)
- 391Nm – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, TS, Titanium) – From 2011 (SZ)
- 480Nm – 4.0 litre turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol (Turbo, Ghia Turbo)
- 550Nm – 4.0 litre turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol (F6X)
Transmission & drivetrains:
- 4-speed automatic, rear wheel drive (RWD) – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, SR, SR2, Limited Edition, TS, Ghia)
- 4-speed automatic, all wheel drive (AWD) – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, TS, Ghia)
- 6-speed automatic, all wheel drive (AWD) – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, SR, SR2, Limited Edition, TS, Ghia)
- 6-speed automatic, rear wheel drive (RWD) – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, TS, Titanium)
- 6-speed
Body style:
- 5-door SUV
Engines:
- 2.7 litre turbocharged V6 diesel (TX, TS, Titanium) – From 2011 (SZ)
- 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, SR, SR2, Limited Edition, TS, Ghia, Titanium)
- 4.0 litre turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol (Turbo, Ghia Turbo, F6X) – 2006-09 (SY)
Power:
- 140kW – 2.7 litre turbocharged V6 diesel (TX, TS, Titanium)
- 182kW – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, TS, Ghia)
- 190kW – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, TS, Ghia, SR, SR2) – From 2005 (SY)
- 195kW – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, TS, Titanium) – From 2011 (SZ)
- 245KW – 4.0 litre turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol (Turbo, Ghia Turbo)
- 270kW – 4.0 litre turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol (F6X)
Torque:
- 440Nm – 2.7 litre turbocharged V6 diesel (TX, TS, Titanium)
- 380Nm – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, TS, Ghia)
- 383Nm – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, TS, Ghia, SR, SR2) – From 2005 (SY)
- 391Nm – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, TS, Titanium) – From 2011 (SZ)
- 480Nm – 4.0 litre turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol (Turbo, Ghia Turbo)
- 550Nm – 4.0 litre turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol (F6X)
Transmission & drivetrains:
- 4-speed automatic, rear wheel drive (RWD) – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, SR, SR2, Limited Edition, TS, Ghia)
- 4-speed automatic, all wheel drive (AWD) – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, TS, Ghia)
- 6-speed automatic, all wheel drive (AWD) – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, SR, SR2, Limited Edition, TS, Ghia)
- 6-speed automatic, rear wheel drive (RWD) – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, TS, Titanium)
- 6-speed automatic, all wheel drive (AWD) – 4.0 litre turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol (Turbo, Ghia Turbo, F6X)
- 6-speed automatic, rear wheel drive (RWD) – 2.7 litre turbocharged V6 diesel (TX, TS, Titanium)
- 6-speed automatic, all wheel drive (AWD) – 2.7 litre turbocharged V6 diesel (TX, TS, Titanium)
Fuel consumption:
- 12.2 – 14.9L/100km
Length:
- 4856mm
Width:
- 1898mm
Height:
- 1714mm
Kerb weight:
- 1995 – 2095kg
Towing (braked/unbraked):
- 2300kg / 750kg
Body style:
- 5-door SUV
Engines:
- 2.7 litre turbocharged V6 diesel (TX, TS, Titanium) – From 2011 (SZ)
- 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, SR, SR2, Limited Edition, TS, Ghia, Titanium)
- 4.0 litre turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol (Turbo, Ghia Turbo, F6X) – 2006-09 (SY)
Power:
- 140kW – 2.7 litre turbocharged V6 diesel (TX, TS, Titanium)
- 182kW – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, TS, Ghia)
- 190kW – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, TS, Ghia, SR, SR2) – From 2005 (SY)
- 195kW – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, TS, Titanium) – From 2011 (SZ)
- 245KW – 4.0 litre turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol (Turbo, Ghia Turbo)
- 270kW – 4.0 litre turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol (F6X)
Torque:
- 440Nm – 2.7 litre turbocharged V6 diesel (TX, TS, Titanium)
- 380Nm – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, TS, Ghia)
- 383Nm – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, TS, Ghia, SR, SR2) – From 2005 (SY)
- 391Nm – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, TS, Titanium) – From 2011 (SZ)
- 480Nm – 4.0 litre turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol (Turbo, Ghia Turbo)
- 550Nm – 4.0 litre turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol (F6X)
Transmission & drivetrains:
- 4-speed automatic, rear wheel drive (RWD) – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, SR, SR2, Limited Edition, TS, Ghia)
- 4-speed automatic, all wheel drive (AWD) – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, TS, Ghia)
- 6-speed automatic, all wheel drive (AWD) – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, SR, SR2, Limited Edition, TS, Ghia)
- 6-speed automatic, rear wheel drive (RWD) – 4.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol (TX, TS, Titanium)
- 6-speed automatic, all wheel drive (AWD) – 4.0 litre turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol (Turbo, Ghia Turbo, F6X)
- 6-speed automatic, rear wheel drive (RWD) – 2.7 litre turbocharged V6 diesel (TX, TS, Titanium)
- 6-speed automatic, all wheel drive (AWD) – 2.7 litre turbocharged V6 diesel (TX, TS, Titanium)
Fuel consumption:
- 12.2 – 14.9L/100km
Length:
- 4856mm
Width:
- 1898mm
Height:
- 1714mm
Kerb weight:
- 1995 – 2095kg
Towing (braked/unbraked):
- 2300kg / 750kg
Warranty & servicing
Warranty:
3 year/100,000kms
Servicing:
12-months/15,000kms
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of January 06, 2022.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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