Ford Territory TX 2004 review

People want to know what it costs, how it drives, the quality, the comfort and, most important, if they should buy one. The quick answers are: from $38,990, like a car, classy, comfy and yes.

It's just a pity we didn't pick up the commission on the half-dozen deals we've closed. Then again, we've had reports of dealers slashing the price and that's about the worst possible news for Ford.

The Territory does just as well for a lot less money, though there is no way of putting a price on the BMW badge.

But that gives you an idea of how we feel about the Ford that's going to become the blueprint for Australian family cars in the 21st century.

It is certain to shaft Ford's Falcon wagon and will lead the way as Holden and Toyota – and hopefully Mitsubishi – create high-rider wagons based on their locally made family cars.

This is our first true test of the Territory and we decided to start at the bottom, driving the basic rear-wheel-drive Territory TX with five seats.

From here you can go all the way up to the AWD Ghia with seven seats and all sorts of options, from waterproof seat covers to a DVD system.

The rear-drive starter car sets the direction and will be a huge seller. And it could mean the death of the traditional wagon.

The Territory comes with only a six-cylinder engine and automatic, though eventually there will be an XR Turbo version.

And customers have the choice between traditional rear-wheel drive and an all-paw system with open differentials.

No crawler gears or transfer cases or limited-slip diffs because the system uses reverse application of the anti-lock brakes to force drive to the wheels with the best grip.

On the road

There is an old saying in motoring: "If a car looks right, it is right."

It definitely applied to the AU Falcon, which was disastrously wrong, and it applies to the look-right and feel-right Territory.

The Territory even looks stylish and compact, despite running taller and wider than a Falcon.

On the road, it drives most like a Fairmont Ghia and that's a big wrap. It is quiet and comfortable.

Best of all, for the many women who will find themselves in the driver's seat, the view is great. And it's the easiest four-wheel drive we have parked.

What's not to like? We're still not convinced by the four-speed automatic, even with its touch-change manual mode, but that's just because it lags behind the rest of the vehicle.

And the fuel consumption can run away if you work it hard, although we managed a respectable 13.7 litres/100km during our test. And that's about it.

A lot of people asked about the difference between the rear-drive and all-wheel-drive models. The quick answer – and the cost-effective one – is that most people should stick with two-wheel drive.

It makes the car lighter and easier to drive and, really, very few 4WD owners ever go anywhere where they really need the grip.

Ford says about 70 per cent of Territory deliveries will be four-wheel drive. But we are convinced that, if people used their heads, it would be round the other way with $4000 left over for extras.

Our basic TX only came with $1860 from the options' list, picking up good-looking alloy wheels and cruise control.

The cabin is Falcon-style comfy – although the steering wheel sits lower and needs a different setting – and there is plenty of space in the back. Our tester didn't have the third-row seats, which are a touch cramped, but there is room for youngsters and a little luggage.

We loved all the storage spaces, from the cupholders in the doors to the hidden compartments in the boot, and the design of the luggage holder which turns into a shelf for barbecues. All very clever.

How does it rate against its rivals? We've already given the all-wheel-drive car the nod over the Holden Adventra and Toyota Kluger and the rear-drive car rates the same way.

For people who like the look of a four-wheel drive, with the high-rider seats and space and general heft, the Territory is a clear winner.

Why, then, does the Territory TX rear-wheel drive only rate 18 out of 20? Because we have to leave ourselves some margin for the arrival of the Territory turbo.