The Expedition's generous outside dimensions provide for a large, commodious interior. Two seating configurations
are available. Ordered with front bucket seats and a center bench, the Expedition can comfortably haul five
passengers. Ordered with the front full-width seat and center bench makes room for six passengers. Well-padded chairs
provide comfortable seating.
Adding the optional third-row bench provides seating for two more passengers--three if they are small. Getting
in and out of the third seat requires some agility, so it helps if they are small and young.
Our XLT came with 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 an audio system that should please
many buyers. First- and second-row occupants get separate heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls; a
third set of controls for the third seat is optional.
A curved dashboard houses instruments and controls where they can easily be reached. A large center console offers
additional storage space and a place for front-seat occupants to rest their arms; a roof-mounted center console is
also available. The Eddie Bauer roof console adds a digital display that provides the date and time, average fuel
economy, compass headings, along with a switch for the power swing-out rear quarter windows.
Attractive and durable materials are used throughout the Expedition's cabin. Soft-touch coverings are applied to
switches and door panels. The window switches are lighted internally at night, a nice touch that not all vehicles carry.
From the driver's seat, you can't help but notice the size of the Expedition. Surprisingly, its bulk doesn't make
it especially difficult to drive. Speed-sensitive variable-assist power steering works in the driver's favor by
keeping steering effort down to a reasonable level. Brake pedal feel is light, yet precise. Lots of large windows,
along with big mirrors, make it easy to see in all directions. Extra care and attention is required when maneuvering
in close-quarters, however.
The ride quality is good, though it is not as soft as that of a traditional family sedan or wagon. The
two-wheel-drive version is slightly smoother on the highway thanks to its independent front suspension, but both
two- and four-wheel-drive versions ride very nicely considering their size and weight. An advantage of the Expedition's
long wheelbase is a resistance to pitching over freeway expansion joints and other irregularities. When driven on
twistier roads, the Expedition does not lean unduly in corners, nor does the front end dive excessively under
hard braking.
Buyers of 4x4 Expeditions can order the load leveling system, which uses compressed air to compensate for varying
loads while improving ride quality. Built into the system is a one-inch increase in ride height. When parked, the
system can make the Expedition kneel down to lower the step in height, which makes getting in and out of the
vehicle easier.
Four-wheel-drive Expeditions are more competent off road than their size and fancy trimmings suggest. While serious
rock-climbing is not suggested, occasional forays off the beaten path can be undertaken without fear of being left
stranded. By simply turning a rotary knob on the dashboard, the driver can choose between two-wheel drive, part-time
four-wheel drive, full-time four-wheel drive and low-range four-wheel drive.
Beyond the choice of two- or four-wheel drive, the buyer also chooses between two V8 engines. They are identical
save for displacement. They are smooth and quiet. We recommend the larger unit, which delivers extra pulling power
for full passenger loads and heavy trailers. Both engines are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.