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Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition is a fullsize SUV built by the Ford Motor Company. Introduced in 1997 and redesigned for 2003 and again for 2007, it slots between the smaller Ford Explorer, and the now discontinued Ford Excursion. The Expedition offers up to nine passenger seating and a range of V8 engines. It is similar to the Lincoln Navigator, especially for 2004 with the introduction of the Limited trim line. One million Expeditions have sold since 2004, reflecting high consumer demand for its family-friendly interior, cargo space, and high towing capacity. A specially modified Special Service Vehicle version is also available from Ford for law enforcement. All Expeditions are built in Wayne, Michigan. This SUV (especially the larger EL model for 2007) is once again Ford's top-of-the-line SUV.
See Wikicars' comprehensive Ford Expedition Review.
Recent Changes
The Expedition has been completely redesigned for the 2007 model year. The new model resembles the trucks from its F-Series, with a three-bar grille, large headlights, and domed hood. The biggest difference, however, may be in its dimensions. The 2007 Expedition offers a choice between the stock model and an EL, or Extended Length, version, which lengthens the wheelbase by 12" and increases cargo capacity by 24 cubic feet.
Styles and Major Options
The 2007 Expedition is available in two body styles and three trims. Buyers may choose from the base length model or an EL (Extended Length) version, and both body styles are offered in XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited trims. In addition, all models are powered by the same 5.4L 300hp V8 engine, and both rear wheel drive and four wheel drive are available on all models. The EL naturally offers standard 8-person seating and more cargo room. Some of the standout features available by trim include:
XLT
- 17" silver alloy wheels
- 8-way (6-way power) driver's seat
- Cloth seating
- Manual air conditioning
- 6-speaker AM/FM/MP3/CD audio system
- Cruise control
- Power windows, locks, and mirrors
Eddie Bauer
Adds to or replaces XLT features with:
- 6-way power driver/passenger seats with driver seat memory
- Leather seating
- Simulated wood dashboard insert and shift knob
- Automatic A/C with separate rear controls
- Full overhead console with storage
- 7-speaker Audiophile AM/FM/MP3/in-dash 6cd changer audio system
- Trip computer
- Leather steering wheel
Limited
Adds to or replaces Eddie Bauer features with:
- 18" alloy wheels
- 8-way power heated front seats w/driver seat memory
- Leather/genuine wood steering wheel
- Body-colored bodyside cladding, fender flares, and grille moldings
Pricing
Today's actual prices for the Ford Expedition can be found at CarsDirect.
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Expedition Trims |
|||||
|
XLT 2WD |
XLT 4WD |
Eddie Bauer 2WD |
Eddie Bauer 4WD |
Limited 2WD |
Limited 4WD |
|
MSRP |
|||||
|
$29,175 |
$32,075 |
$35,575 |
$38,475 |
$37,025 |
$39,925 |
|
Invoice |
|||||
|
$27,042 |
$29,652 |
$32,624 |
$35,220 |
$33,738 |
$36,319 |
|
Expedition EL Trims |
|||||
|
EL XLT 2WD |
EL XLT 4WD |
EL Eddie Bauer 2WD |
EL Eddie Bauer 4WD |
EL Limited 2WD |
EL Limited 4WD |
|
MSRP |
|||||
|
$33,625 |
$36,525 |
$38,225 |
$41,125 |
$39,675 |
$42,575 |
|
Invoice |
|||||
|
$31,073 |
$33,683 |
$35,022 |
$37,617 |
$36,121 |
$38,702 |
Gas Mileage
As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:
|
Trim |
|
MPG |
|
14/20 |
Reliability
The 2007 Expedition is a brand new deisgn, which means accurate long-term reliability is yet unpredictable.
Safety
The 2007 Expedition was not tested for side-impact, but results on the NHTSA website show that it received 5-Star ratings for all front-impact crash tests. Additionally, the Expedition earned a 3-Star rating for 2WD rollover and a 4-Star rating for 4WD.
Some of the standard safety features on the Expedition include:
- Traction control
- Front and rear anti-roll bars
- Four wheel anti-lock brakes
- Driver/passenger front- and side-impact airbags
- Overhead safety canopy system
- Occupancy sensors
- Side impact bars
Photos
Colors
Colors will vary by trim, but a complete list is viewable at CarsDirect.com. Some of the available choices are:
Exterior
- Black Clearcoat
- Dark Blue Pearl Clearcoat Metallic
- Oxford White Clearcoat
- Redfire Clearcoat Metallic
- White Sand Tri-Coat Metallic
Interior
- Camel
- Camel/Gray stone
- Charcoal Black/Camel
- Stone
Main Competitors
Hybrid Models
There are no hybrid models of the expedition in production at this time. Ford does however, produce a hybrid version of the Escape, the Ford Escape Hybrid.
Unique Attributes
Resale Values
According to Kelley Bue Book, "over a five-year period, Kelley Blue Book expects the Expedition to retain only an average residual value rating, behind that of the Chevrolet Tahoe, Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Pathfinder, but on par with the Dodge Durango.
Criticisms
- "We've never been big fans of the Expedition, finding it unwieldy and ponderous to drive." - Automobile
- "Front seats offer a myriad of power adjustments, but I had trouble finding a comfortable setting." - New Car Test Drive
- "...emergency handling maneuvers reveal the effects of Expedition's 4,900-pound or higher curb weight." - Edmunds.com
- "...comfortable seating in the first two rows;... [but] the third row is cramped for all but smaller children." - New Car Test Drive
- "If you really need the use of the third-row seat and need to load a lot of cargo, you may be better off with the longer Chevrolet Suburban or a used Ford Excursion." - Kelley Blue Book
Current Generation: (2007–present)
For 2007, the Expedition will be redesigned, utilizing the T1 platform originally launched with the F-150. The new platform provides 10% more torsional rigidity than the previous model, and includes the independent rear suspension. As in previous years, the Expedition is powered by the 5.4 L Triton V8 engine, rated at 300 hp and 365 lbf·ft (495 N·m) of torque, which when properly equipped can tow up to 9,100 lb (4,130 kg). In addition, a 4.6 L V8 gas-electric hybrid, rated the same for both power and torgue as the 5.4 L, and a 4.5 L V8 diesel engine, rated at 300+ hp and 450 lbf·ft, will be evailable for the 2007 lineup.
An extended-wheelbase version of the Expedition, called the Expedition EL (for "extended length"), will replace the cancelled Excursion, and is expected to compete more effectively with the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL. The Expedition EL is about 15.8 in (40 cm) longer than the standard Expedition, for a total of approximately 222 in (18.5 feet or 563 cm), and has a 131 in (333 cm) wheelbase, producing 24 ft³ of additional cargo space over the standard 119 in (302 cm) wheelbase model. It is scheduled to be launched with the standard wheelbase 2007 Expedition in summer 2006. The Expedition EL can be distinguished by its longer rear-quarter windows; and the rear passenger doors do not cut into the aft wheel well trim.
The 2007 Expedition was unveiled at the Houston Auto Show rather than at Detroit, Los Angeles, or New York where most new models are, as 20% of all Expedition sales are in Texas. The first 2007 Expedition to roll off a Ford assembly line was donated by Ford to the Peter family of Jamaica, Queens as part of an episode of the ABC series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition that aired May 7, 2006.
Previous Generations
Second generation (2003-2006)
The 2003 Expedition shared the Ford U platform for 8,300 lb (3,800 kg) towing and a more refined ride. Popular new features included power folding third-row seats and turn-signal mirror lights.
The base 4.6 L V8 engine was dropped in 2005 as the 5.4 L V8 was updated with 24-valve technology.
AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ is optional for 2005.
The Expedition uses the code U1 in the 5th and 6th positions of the VIN.
Engines:
- 2003-2005 4.6 L V8, 232 hp (173 kW)
- 2003-2005 5.4 L V8, 260 hp (194 kW)
- 2005-2006 5.4 L 3-valve V8, 300 hp (223 kW)
First Generation/Origins (1997-2002)
The Expedition was designed to compete with both the larger Chevrolet Suburban, and the smaller Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, as well as the Toyota Land Cruiser (despite being in a different class). It replaced the fullsize Ford Bronco. Seating capacity ranged up to nine passengers with the third-row rear seat option, and the Expedition could tow 8,000 lb (3,600 kg). The Expedition was refreshed in 1999 with more power and updated trim.
Engines:
- 4.6 L V8, 215 hp (160 kW) 1997-1998
- 4.6 L V8, 240 hp (179 kW) 1999-2004
- 5.4 L V8, 230 hp (172 kW) 1997-1998
- 5.4 L V8, 260 hp (194 kW) 1999-2002
Worldwide
Design quirks and oddities
Awards
See also
External links
- Ford Expedition official websites: U.S.A. | Canada
- Ford Expedition pics at CarDomain
This page uses content from Wikipedia; see Ford Expedition, which includes these contributors.
