Ford Australia created a genuine landmark vehicle with the Territory SUV in 2004. It was the first (and only) sports utility vehicle to be designed, developed and built in Australia. It was based on the platform of the 2002 Ford Falcon sedan.
It was a rare SUV to be offered in rear-wheel drive as well as all-wheel drive. Turbocharged versions were added in 2006 but while quick were even thirstier for fuel than the regular six-cylinder petrol models.
A turbo diesel engine was borrowed from Land Rover in 2011 to give Territory buyers the option of a model with better fuel economy.
Sadly, this world-class SUV that should have been exported in big numbers to other markets suffered from a lack of investment in its latter years before Ford Australia ceased production of the Falcon and Territory in October 2016.
Pros
Cons
Steering, ride and road-holding put it among world's best SUVs
Spacious cabin with choice of five or seven seats
Turbo models were quick
Lots of clever interior storage options plus a split tailgate
Petrol sixes (especially turbo versions) were thirsty
Interior presentation suffered from a lack of meaningful updates
Third-row seating tight for adult legroom
No longer in production
This is general information and should not be relied on as purchasing advice.