NEW FORD EXPEDITION
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Car and Driver website visitor rankings:
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| Here's how our visitors have reviewed this vehicle. |
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Average Rating |
| Overall |
8.03 |
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| Vehicle Styling |
8.44 |
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| Braking |
8.54 |
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| Handling |
7.16 |
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| Fuel Economy |
5.22 |
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| Interior Comfort |
8.37 |
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| Acceleration |
8.44 |
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| Dependability |
8.23 |
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| Fit and Finish |
7.62 |
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| Transmission |
8.4 |
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| Ride |
8.1 |
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| Rating Scale: 1= worst 10= best
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| To read other User Road Tests or to submit your own review click here |
(Read more of Car and Driver's review here)
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Roomy on the inside and agile out on the road, the Expedition is a solid choice among full-size SUVs.
Pros
Well thought-out interior with plenty of room for passengers and their belongings, handy fold-flat third-row seat, impressive handling for its size, great crash test scores.
Cons
Needs more power, ride quality suffers on rough roads.
What''s New for 2004
Redesigned last year, the Expedition offers few changes for 2004. Option packages and trim levels have been slightly revised, and in some cases, renamed. The XLS replaces last year''s XLT Value trim level, while a new NBX trim level replaces the FX4 off-road package. And there is now an XLT Sport trim level. A tire-pressure monitoring system is now standard on XLT, XLT Sport and Eddie Bauer, while the previously standard limited-slip rear axle is now an option.
Overview
Introduction:
A general sense of dissatisfaction spread over Fordland in the mid-''90s when it realized that GM held a monopoly on full-size SUVs with its Chevy Tahoe and Suburban. With SUV sales booming and consumer trends pointing toward a desire for bigger and more powerful vehicles capable of hauling as many as nine passengers or more than 100 cubic feet of cargo, Ford found itself without a competitive edge in a hot market niche. When the redesigned F-Series pickup debuted for 1997, Ford engineered a proper large SUV on its platform. The Expedition was introduced with much fanfare that same year, finding favor among buyers whose only other choices were GM SUVs built on the decade-old C/K pickup frame. The Expedition was stiffer, powered by more modern overhead cam engines, and sized to slot nicely between the SUV twins from Chevrolet and GMC. For 2003, the Expedition was completely redesigned. Bigger, more comfortable, more refined and easier to drive, the redesigned Expedition competes favorably with the SUVs from General Motors and Toyota, offering creature comforts not found in competing vehicles. If the new Expedition has an Achilles'' heel, it is that the powertrains are virtually carried over from the previous model with no power upgrades. Still, there is plenty to like about the new super-sized SUV from Ford, and those shopping for such a vehicle will certainly want to take it under consideration.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
Four trim levels are available. The base model, the XLS is a no-frills workhorse that comes with a front bench seat, CD player, air conditioning, a third-row seat and power-adjustable pedals. XLT is a midlevel trim that offers most features buyers are looking for including power accessories, foglights, a rear air conditioner and other comfort features. To add even more features, choose the Eddie Bauer model with leather upholstery (optional on XLT models), automatic climate control, a reverse sensing system and an in-dash six-disc CD changer. The NBX model replaces last year''s FX4 Off-road and includes skid plates, off-road shocks and tubular step bars. Other optional goodies include a load-leveling air suspension, second-row captain''s chairs, a CD-based navigation system, a rear DVD entertainment system, a power folding third-row seat, heated-and-cooled front seats and tire-pressure monitors.
Powertrains and Performance:
Buyers have two engine choices. The standard 4.6-liter V8 makes 232 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. Step up to the bigger 5.4-liter V8 and you''ll be rewarded with 260 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are extremely smooth and quiet, but they still lack the punch of GM''s more powerful Vortec V8s. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard across the line; all trims are available with either two- or four-wheel drive. A heavy-duty rear differential gives the Expedition a maximum tow rating of 8,900 pounds, the highest in its class.
Safety:
The Expedition received double five-star ratings in front crash tests performed by the NHTSA. All Expedition''s come standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes enhanced with Electronic BrakeAssist and Brakeforce Distribution. Optional safety systems include a tire-pressure monitor system, and a class-exclusive Safety Canopy System that provides side- and head-impact protection for both the first- and second-row passengers. The AdvanceTrac stability control system is available on all trims, except the XLS.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Expeditions seat anywhere from seven to nine passengers, depending on whether you go with first- and second-row bench seats, opt for captain''s chairs in the front, or opt for captain''s chairs in both rows. Sticking with the 40/20/40 second-row bench seat will allow you to scoot the middle section forward for easier access to a little one. The Expedition''s third-row seat is the only one in the full-size SUV class that adults won''t mind riding in. The rearmost seats fold flat with a quick and easy release handle.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The Expedition''s fully independent suspension and rack and pinion steering system provide solid handling for a vehicle of its size. It still feels like a big SUV, but the excessive body roll and numb steering of previous models are now gone, and overall, it''s a comfortable cruiser. The engines still lack punch, but noise and vibration levels are down compared to the previous generation. Ultimately, the Expedition isn''t as nimble as the Sequoia or as fast as the Tahoe, but it''s smooth, quiet and capable enough to make a great family vehicle.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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