The Pride of Broadmeadows
In the early 2000s, Australians were falling in love with SUVs, but most were truck-based and crude. Ford Australia had a better idea. They took their award-winning BA Falcon station wagon platform and raised it up. The result was the 2004 Ford Territory. It was a revelation. It drove like a sedan, towed like a truck, and had an ingenious interior with 30 storage compartments. It won Wheels Car of the Year instantly and remains one of the most beloved vehicles ever produced in Australia.
When you browse the Territory listings on Hugegarage, you are looking at a unique piece of automotive engineering that was arguably better than the Ford Explorer of the same era. It combined the toughness required for the Outback with the refinement needed for the school run.
The Barra Engine: The heart of the Territory is the legendary 4.0L Barra Inline-6. It is silky smooth, incredibly durable, and makes a fantastic noise. The turbocharged version (found in the Territory Turbo) is essentially a taller Ford Falcon XR6 Turboâa sleeper that can embarrass sports cars.
The Engineering: Falcon DNA
Because it was based on the Falcon, the Territory used a sophisticated Control Blade independent rear suspension.
The Choice: Unusually for an SUV, it was available in both Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The RWD models were lighter and more fuel-efficient, while the AWD models used a full-time system for gravel and snow.
The Generations
- SX (2004-2005): The original. Clean styling, 4-speed automatic.
- SY (2005-2011): The update. Introduced the 6-speed ZF automatic (a world-class transmission) and the Turbo model.
- SZ (2011-2016): The major facelift. It adopted the kinetic design language and, crucially, a 2.7L V6 Turbo Diesel engine (from Land Rover/Jaguar) to improve fuel economy.
The Territory Turbo
For a brief period (2006-2011), Ford built the Territory Turbo and F6X.
Specs: 329-362 HP.
The Experience: Imagine a 7-seat SUV that hits 0-60 in under 7 seconds and has a hood scoop. It is a cult classic among Ford fans who need to tow a boat at 100 MPH.
Common Issues & Maintenance
1. Front Lower Ball Joints
The heavy front end eats ball joints. A clunking noise over bumps or vague steering usually indicates failure. Upgraded aftermarket joints are recommended.
2. Diff Bushings
The rear differential bushings are prone to cracking, especially on high-mileage examples. This causes a thud from the rear when shifting from Park to Drive.
3. Door Latch Failure
The internal plastic gears in the door actuators strip, causing the door to either not lock or not unlock.
The Chinese Revival
Note: In 2018, Ford revived the Territory name for the Chinese market. This new model is a rebadged JMC Yusheng S330. It is a competent, budget-friendly crossover sold in China, South America, and parts of Asia, but it shares zero DNA with the Australian original. It uses a 1.5L EcoBoost engine and is Front-Wheel Drive only.
Conclusion: The Best SUV Ford Never Sold in the US
The Australian-built Ford Territory is a tragedy of logistics. Had it been exported to the USA in 2005, it likely would have been a massive hit. Instead, it remains a domestic hero for Australia and New Zealand. If you are lucky enough to own one (especially a Turbo Ghia), cherish it. It represents a time when Ford Australia had the autonomy to build world-class vehicles tailored specifically for their unique continent. Explore the specs below.