2005 Ford Territory Reviews

Ford Territory is arguably the best vehicle ever designed by Ford Australia. Indeed some even say it may be the best automotive design in Australia bar none. Territory is based on the Ford Falcon and shares some of its mechanical components, particularly in the powertrain, but many parts are unique to the big wagon.

Ford Territory is unique in being an Australian-designed and built SUV. Every other vehicle in this market segment is an imported design that may or may not have been adapted to suit Australia driving conditions.Launched way back in May 2004, with a major makeover in May 2011, the Ford Territory showcases the immense talent of Australian automotive engineering.While it’s getting on in years, it looks to have some life left in it yet. Older models are holding their values well, particularly with smart buyers who are more interested in Aussie practicality than in Euro prestige.The Territory SUV is based on the Ford Falcon and shares some of its mechanical components, particularly in the powertrain, but quite a few other parts are unique to the wagon.Seating in Ford Territory is for five or seven people according to the number of rows of seats installed. The third row of seats isn’t too bad for adults, with good head and reasonable legroom.However, a more realistic passenger load is four adults and three children. Luggage space with all seven seats in place isn’t expansive, but the Territory is hardly on its own in this regard.Fascinatingly, the Territory SUV isn’t nearly as large as it appears, being significantly shorter than a Falcon station wagon. Indeed, it surprises many who learn that it’s not even as long as a Falcon sedan. Thus the Territory is easier to drive and park than many expect. Good handling and ride comfort are major features of the Territory, it’s well-suited to Australian roads and also meets the tough needs of keen Aussie drivers. The big Ford has precise handling for a big wagon and rides better than many European 4WDs that cost far more.Ford Territory uses major components from Falcon’s six-cylinder drivetrain, including a turbocharged variant of the engine from July 2006. There's no V8 option as Ford feels the big sixes have been developed to the stage where they virtually replace the eight. Territory with a petrol engine isn't the most economical of vehicles, though things have improved over the years due to advances in engine technology. The six-speed autos are noticeably better than the four-speeds.Automatic transmissions are used on all models. The auto had four forward speeds on all models until October 2005, when a six-speed was introduced on the upmarket models. The automatic six is the only transmission installed in the turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel Territory.The big news in the face lifted territory was the long-overdue option of a turbo-diesel engine. The diesel is a 2.7-litre V6 diesel and runs a single turbocharger. It uses the latest thinking in variable-vane turbines, as well as high-pressure injection to produce maximum power of 140 kilowatts. Torque of 440 Newton metres is produced between 1900 and 2500 revs.Interestingly, Jaguar and Land Rover use diesels from the same engine family as the Territory unit.Territory is sold with two-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive (AWD). The sales split has generally been in the region of 60/40 in favour of the 2WD model, proving that most buyers of 4WDs are in reality looking for a practical wagon, not an off-road vehicle.Electronic aids improve traction off-road in the Ford Territory 4WD variants so they can handle virtually anything the adventurous family demands. In particular, there are hill-start and hill-descent assistance features and these take much of the scariness out of extreme slopes.Though there's good under-bonnet and under-vehicle access, this is a modern vehicle that’s complex in its mechanical components. So unless you are an expert it’s best to leave all but the simplest of repairs and maintenance to the professionals. Spare parts for the Territory are generally favourably priced and we haven’t heard of any recurring complaints about availability.Virtually every town of any significance has a Ford dealership, and many private garages will have a mechanic or two who was trained in a Ford workshop. Insurance is usually towards the bottom end of the scale, but some companies may take exception to turbocharged engines so ask around before settling for one insurer or the other.WHAT TO LOOK FORThe big Ford wagon is built to a reasonably high standard in Ford's Australian factory at Geelong. We do see the occasional problems so be sure to get a professional inspection.Check the engine starts up easily and idles smoothly and quietly.Make sure the automatic transmission works quietly and doesn’t hold onto gears, or change gears too often when it really should be holding the one ratio.Ensure that the brakes work properly with the ABS system pulling the Territory up in a straight line.Possible leaks at front brake hoses were the subject of a voluntary recall in March 2009. Check with a Ford dealer or the company's head office to see if the work has been done.Take the wagon for a run on rough roads to see if there are any rattles or squeaks as cabin parts move. Even the rear-drive models are sometimes used to explore bush tracks and the like.Look at the condition of the body, especially on an AWD in case one has been taken into off-road territory. Signs of the latter damage are generally at the bumper corners, the underneath of the door sills and on the underbody. Also look for tiny scratches in the body side where it has been squeezed through bushes and the like.Visually check the condition of the interior as kids can do a lot of damage when they get bored.CAR BUYING TIPPeople movers suffer more severe interior use and abuse than just about anything this side of sanitary collection vehicles. Check the condition of all areas inside a Territory carefully.

Graham Smith reviews the 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 Ford Territory as a used buy.

Ford’s decision to build an all-new car in the Territory was one of the bravest made by a car company involved in the local industry. Thankfully for those involved it proved an exceptionally good decision, but had it gone wrong it could easily have spelt the end for Ford in Australia as we know it.The decision is credited to Geoff Polites, then the boss of Ford Australia who had brought the company back from the brink after suffering an alarming sales slump through the years of the controversial AU Falcon.Polites made a number of brave decisions while heading Ford, his gamble to invest heavily in BA instead of doing a simple cosmetic makeover of the AU being the first. That one worked a treat and the Falcon is now back in the game, and it can only be assumed that it gave him the confidence to push ahead with the Territory.The Territory shouldn’t have come as a surprise to anyone listening to Polites at his monthly briefings when he took every opportunity to talk up the success of SUVs. He could see that private car buyers were turning their backs on the traditional sedans and wagons and buying more and more four-wheel drives instead. From there it wasn’t a huge step to make the decision to build one of his own.MODEL WATCH The formula Ford followed for building the Territory isn’t a new one. SUVs have been a regular part of the automotive diet for several years, and Ford has built plenty of them in other parts of the world.One difference, a bold one at that, is that Ford decided to build a two-wheel drive version as well as the traditional four-wheel drive wagon. Polites recognised that many SUV buyers really just wanted a high riding, roomy station wagon for the perceived benefits of being able to see the road better and weren’t interested in going off the black top.Apart from the drive train the Territory didn’t have much in common with the Falcon, it was fundamentally a new car from the ground up.It rolled on a longer wheelbase than the Falcon, but was shorter in length and was much taller. Its shape was neat and clean, its lines uncluttered and purposeful, overall it was a neat looking wagon that fitted the new genre perfectly.Inside it was roomy with comfortable accommodation for five in standard form, but up to seven adults with the optional third row, and plenty of space for everything a family needs to take with them when venturing out in the big wide world.There was a host of natty little storage bins, cup holders and pockets to take small bits and pieces that might be needed while on the road, and the list of standard features was comprehensive.Mechanically the Territory was similar to the BA Falcon. It had the same 182 kW 4.0-litre double overhead camshaft six-cylinder engine for power, the same four-speed automatic transmission with sequential sports shift and the choice of either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.While it rode higher than the Falcon the suspension was similar, the Territory boasting independent front suspension with the Falcon’s control blade independent rear. Brakes were disc front and rear with anti-skid electronics, traction control and grade control for offroad safety.The TX paved the way to the new Territory, but it still had plenty of standard features an owner could boast about. There was air-conditioning, trip computer, adjustable pedals, power windows, cloth trim, CD player and remote central locking. For more there was the TS, which also came with dual climate control air, cruise, rear cargo shelf, velour trim, six-CD stacker and alloy wheels. Step up to the range-topping Ghia and you also drove away holding a leather-wrapped steering wheel, seated on leather trimmed power driver’s seat looking into an auto dimming rear view mirror.IN THE SHOP Being barely two years old the Territory is still in its infancy so there’s not much to report from the field. Few will have been driven off road, certainly the two-wheel drive cars will have stuck to the black top, but it’s worth checking underneath four-wheel drives for any damage that might have been sustained by driving off road. When Cars Guide tested one shortly after its release the fuel tank guard was damaged from grounding in a rut on a bush track and a section of the rear bumper was dislodged when caught on the road while attempting a steep climb.There’s plenty of choice on the market so it’s well worth being choosey and walking away from a car that shows the signs of offroad use. They’re also used as family cars so look for damage to trim and interior fittings caused by kids bored during the journey. Being favoured for family transport look for dings and dents from the daily shopping centre car park grand prix.Some owners are concerned about the fuel consumption and looking to convert to dual-fuel. Ford doesn’t offer a system, but there are aftermarket systems available to convert the Territory to dual-fuel to save on running costs. Later reports are that the Territory suffered failure of the front suspension lower control arm ball joints, and there are a number of worrying reports of brake hoses failing.IN A CRASH The concern with high riding cars is that the higher centre of gravity means sloppier handling, but the Territory rides and handles quite well with no obvious problems because of the higher ride. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS anti-skid and brake force distribution electronics, power steering and independent suspension make an impressive primary safety package for crash avoidance. All models boast dual front airbags, but with side curtain airbags the TS and Ghia offer superior secondary crash protection.LOOK FOR • car park dings and scratches• underbody damage from offroad usage• good visibility from high driving position• clean simple styling• room for up to seven• generally reliable engine and gearbox• can be converted to dual-fuelTHE BOTTOM LINERoomy reliable wagon with proven Falcon mechanicals makes the Territory an attractive family package.RATING 75/100

Ford's SUV plans had one difference to most other companies, and it was a bold one at that – they decided to build a two-wheel drive version as well as the traditional four-wheel drive wagon.They recognised that many SUV buyers really just wanted a high-riding, roomy station wagon for the perceived benefits of being able to see the road better, and they weren't interested in going off the black top.Apart from the drive train, the Territory didn't have much in common with the Falcon. It was fundamentally a new car from the ground up.It rolled on a longer wheelbase than the Falcon, but was shorter in length and much taller. Its shape was neat and clean, its lines uncluttered and purposeful. Overall, it fitted the new genre perfectly.Inside, it was roomy with comfortable seating for five in standard form, but up to seven adults with the optional third row, and plenty of space for everything a family needs to take with them when venturing out in the big, wide world.Mechanically, the Territory was very similar to the BA Falcon. It came with the same 182kW, 4.0-litre, double-overhead camshaft six-cylinder engine for power, the same four-speed automatic transmission with sequential sports shift, and the choice of either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.While it rode higher than the Falcon, the suspension was similar – the Territory boasting independent front suspension with the Falcon's control blade independent rear.Brakes were disc front and rear with anti-skid electronics, traction control and grade control for off-road safety.Few will have been driven off-road, certainly the two-wheel-drive cars will have stuck to the black top, but it's worth checking underneath four-wheel drives for any damage that might have been sustained by driving off-road. When CarsGuide tested one shortly after its release, the fuel tank guard was damaged from grounding in a rut on a bush track, and a section of the rear bumper was dislodged when caught on the road while attempting a steep climb.There's plenty of choice on the market so it's well worth being selective. Be sure to look for damage to trim and interior fittings caused by kids bored during long journeys.Being favoured for family transport, also keep an eye peeled for dings and dents from shopping centre parking.Some owners are concerned about the fuel consumption and looking to convert to dual-fuel. Ford doesn't currently offer a dual-fuel system, but there are after-market systems available to convert the Territory to dual-fuel to save on running costs. The concern with high-riding cars is that the higher centre of gravity means sloppier handling, but the Territory rides and handles quite well with no obvious problems attributable to the higher ride.Four-wheel disc brakes with anti-skid and electronic brake force distribution, power steering and independent suspension combine for an impressive primary safety package for crash avoidance.All models feature dual front airbags. But with side-curtain airbags, the TS and Ghia offer superior secondary crash protection.

But one week with the Ford Territory RWD and I am converted. AWDs are overrated. Give me two wheels any day.For the modern city girl, about the closest you get to off-road driving is discovering you have just hit a speed bump.And that, in a nutshell, is why 4WD capabilities are an optional extra in my book. The Territory is the most surprising car I have ever driven. It has all the space and comfort of a big 4WD but looks and drives like a family wagon, albeit on steroids.With credentials like News Limited's Star Car award and Wheels Magazine's Car of the Year, stepping into the Territory was a bit like watching a best picture Oscar movie. Will it live up to the hype?The short answer is yes. It just fitted, like a glove. From the moment I sat in the driver's seat, I felt comfortable. And it was roomy, surprisingly roomy.It doesn't look that big from the outside but inside there is a bag of tricks.While rummaging for the expected seat adjustments, I found a lockable under-seat security drawer. It was there I also discovered the seat adjustment has gone hi-tech and is electronic.I felt on top of the world, perched high above the rest of the traffic, but surprisingly the back-seat drivers were sitting even slightly higher. Apparently it's designed so everyone can see and enjoy the ride.There was plenty of head room, which has never been a problem for me, but richer-in-height passengers would appreciate the design. The Territory also has the option for a seven-seater, so even the bigger families can enjoy the comforts of this beautiful car.But by far the greatest invention for women drivers like me is the rear bumper warning sensors. Can you believe cars can come with warning sounds that alert you to being too close to an object – whether its a car or a fence? Brilliant.But that's the Territory for you. A great package with surprises around every corner.

It's called the TS and it is a level of equipment, comfort, safety and driving ability most people could live with and afford.It seems odd that this vehicle which had such a long gestation period should finally be released in only base and luxury models without a mid-spec to satiate the masses.Now it's arrived, it has staked its claim as an equal proportion seller, according to Ford chief Tom Gorman.Like all Territory models, the TS comes in five and seven seats, AWD and RWD, powered by a Barra 182 4-litre six-cylinder engine, sequential sports shift automatic transmission, and those handy (footsy maybe?) electronically adjustable pedals.What the TS adds is better driveability, thanks to the Ford Acutrac handling system with Virtual Pivot Control Link front suspension and the Falcon's Control Blade IRS.The TX is no slouch in the handling stakes, but the TS drives even better. Close your eyes – no don't, but if you did, you would swear you were driving a family sedan, not a big off-roader wagon. That's a big tick in the box for primary safety.TS also adds to its secondary safety levels sharing the Ghia's claim to be the only Australian-built vehicles with locally manufactured side curtain airbags.I had the TS for a week of pavement pounding rather than bush bashing, but if that's your thing, the AWD has an optional hill descent control.After my week with the TS, plus two weeks driving the TX through Victoria and three days with the TX and Ghia on our Car of the Year testing last year, the only complaint I can raise is that the TX seats look like a 1970s velour couch with ugly orange contrast stitching.The TS velour and cloth seats are much more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable.Creature comforts are also improved with dual zone climate control airconditioning, a premium quality sound system with six-stack CD, and cruise control with convenient switches on the steering wheel.Outside, the TS sports spunky five-spoke alloy rims and accent coloured bumpers.For all this you pay an extra $5800 over the base model. You would need to fork out an extra $4700 for the Ghia for such luxuries as auto headlights, a touch of leather on the steering wheel and gear shift, bigger wheels, power seats, fog lamps, reverse sensors and a few other bits and pieces.Plus there are numerous optional gadgets, trinkets and bells and whistles you can add to this highly versatile vehicle to mould it to exactly what you want and need.That is just one of the many reasons it has deservedly won a host of awards: Wheels Car of the Year; the recreational four-wheel-drive section in the Australian automobile clubs' Best Cars; two categories and the outright award in The Courier-Mail Queensland Car of the Year Awards; and the News Limited Star Car for 2004.

Not only is it the most-popular Australian-made SUV but Ford president Tom Gorman claims it has become the top-selling SUV of all, including established imported models.The vehicle that last week was named News Ltd CARSguide Star Car of 2004, this week was awarded the Wheels magazine Car of the Year title. It has been selling at more than 2000 a month without overt discounting.It is not a tall, cumbersome 4WD but it does give driver and passengers a view point higher than conventional cars.Territory all-wheel-drive has traction control and reasonable ground clearance.A sump guard is offered as an option for owners heading for rougher ground. Although it does not have a low-range set of gears, the traction control works a treat in getting it through tracks most Territory buyers would think bold enough.Extreme grip, such as steep downhill slippery slopes, is limited by the vehicle coming only in automatic, having no low range and tyre treads designed more for bitumen use.Perhaps for that sort of terrain, a full-bore serious 4WD would be better.The Territory is designed more as an all-round vehicle. It has reasonable dirt track, sand and light mud ability yet is very much at home on the highway where it's refined, quiet and where the six-cylinder engine hums along at 2300rpm at 110km/h. The 182kW engine has good power for highway overtaking and hillclimbing. Long-distance trips can use as little as 12l/100km of fuel or 15l/100km for suburban driving.The spare wheel is difficult to get at, meaning an owner needs to be conscientious to check its tyre pressure.But the rear glass opens separately to the tailgate allowing smaller items to be put in or out.Particularly applauded are the many storage areas in the cabin, including the generous-sized map pockets and large bottle holders.Territory all-wheel-drive allows holiday exploring off the bitumen to enjoy lookouts or find a scenic picnic spot away from the main roads.TERRITORY at 1898mm wide is 3.5cm wider than a Falcon station wagon. But at 4856mm long, it's about 20cm shorter than the Falcon wagon. With a fairly tight turning circle and a 1676mm height, Territory can use multi-storey car parks.TERRITORY can be ordered as a seven-seater (five seats is standard). Luggage space is good, but not as good as the longer Falcon station wagon.FORD Territory AWD starts at $42,990 for the TX, the new mid-range TS is $48,790 and the luxury Ghia $53,290. In each case, these AWD prices are $4000 more than the rear-wheel-drive versions.THE four-litre, six-cylinder engine of 182kW and the four-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode are standard on the Territory and come from the Falcon. There is no manual-transmission Territory.