Here's where the big dimensions pay big dividends. Depending on seating
configuration, the Expedition can carry five (front bucket seats, center
bench), or six (front full-width seat, center bench) passengers, plus two
more if the optional third seat is installed. Front and center occupants
will be very comfortable in their well-padded chairs; the third seat is
tricky to get into and will be distinctly tight for adults.
Ford's market researchers claim there is no demand for a bare bones
vehicle in this class, so even the lower-priced XLT sports full carpeting,
attractive color-keyed door and dash panels and amenities galore, including
power windows, mirrors and door locks, air conditioning, a tilt steering
wheel and a good--if not quite symphonic--audio system that will please
many buyers. First- and second-row occupants get separate heat/vent/air
conditioning controls, with a set for the third seat optional.
Visually, the Expedition interior is most appealing. The curved dashboard
carries instruments and controls where they can be reached, and can be
supplemented by a large center console that offers additional storage space
and a place for those in front to rest their arms, and/or a roof-mounted
center console that provides a holder for a garage-door opener and sunglasses.
The Eddie Bauer roof console adds a digital display of the driver's choice
of date/time, average fuel economy or compass, plus a switch for the power
swing-out rear quarter windows.
Materials and finish quality are all first rate. Particularly noteworthy
are the soft-touch coverings applied to switches (which are also internally
lit at night, a nice touch) and door panels.
A first-time Expedition driver's initial impression is, inevitably,
one of being surrounded by a lot of sheet metal. This is a big machine,
requiring extra care in close-quarter maneuvering. But bulk doesn't make
the Expedition difficult to drive. On the contrary; the speed-sensitive
variable-assist steering keeps effort down to a reasonable level, and driver
sightlines, augmented by big side mirrors, are excellent.
It is also a comfortable machine. The ride, while not as soft as that
of a traditional family sedan or wagon, is good, and cornering roll and
brake dive are effectively controlled. The 2wd version is slightly smoother
on the highway thanks to its independent front suspension, but both 2wd
and 4wd models are very good considering their size and weight. One advantage
of a long wheelbase, apparent here, is a resistance to pitching over freeway
expansion joints and similar irregularities.
Buyers of 4x4 examples can order four-wheel load leveling, a pneumatic
system that compensates for varying loads while improving ride quality.
Also part of the system is a one-inch increase in ride height, and a "kneel-down"
facility that makes ingress and egress easier.
Two V8 engine choices, 4.6 liters (standard) and 5.4 liters are available
in the Expedition. They share basic architecture--a cast-iron cylinder
block with aluminum single overhead cam cylinder heads--and differ only
in capacity and power output. We prefer the optional engine, because it
produces more torque at lower engine speed. Both versions are relatively
quiet, and provide respectable acceleration. Both can tow good-sized loads--6100
pounds for the 4.6, up to 8000 with the 5.4-liter. Those capabilities are
better than the Tahoe/Yukon, though certain Suburban powertrain combinations
can raise the towing ante to 10,000 pounds, if that's a priority.
Like all of the brute utes, the Expedition's fuel consumption is on
the high side.