Review
Introduction
The Expedition is a classic full-size SUV. Built on a beefy body-on-frame platform, the Expedition excels at towing, hauling cargo, and carrying up to nine passengers. Fuel economy isn’t the Expedition’s best asset, so those shopping for a full-size sport-ute should expect to pay for the full-size utility and space at the pump. Although the Expedition is pitted against some strong competition from Dodge, GM, Nissan, and Toyota, a major freshening in 2007 went a long way toward keeping the Expedition a viable choice. Even further to that end, the Expedition EL was launched in 2007. It features a longer wheelbase and an expansive cargo area.
One area where both the Expedition and the EL are lacking is in the powertrain department. The Expedition comes standard with a 300-hp, 5.4-liter V-8 and a six-speed automatic transmission, but even with six speeds, the V-8 can’t move the Expedition with the same gusto that most of the Expedition’s competition enjoys, as many of the Expedition’s peers offer in excess of 350 horsepower. In today’s world, the Expedition can feel a bit underpowered—or leisurely, if you’re in a forgiving mood.
Last year’s redesign changed the exterior styling, and perhaps more important, the interior was upgraded. Inside, the Expedition is comfortable and spacious and benefits from clean design and excellent materials. For 2008, those seeking even more luxury might be interested in the King Ranch Expedition that comes with special leather seats and other handsome trim pieces. Unlike some of its competition, the Expedition has an independent rear suspension that allows for a more spacious and comfortable third row.
Those who need a full-size sport-utility but aren’t in a big hurry will find that the refined and handsome Expedition will suit their needs perfectly. Those seeking more horsepower will likely look elsewhere.
Major competitors to the Ford Expedition are the Chevrolet Tahoe, the Dodge Durango, the GMC Yukon, the Nissan Armada, and the Toyota Sequoia.
Verdict
The Ford Expedition is a refined and solid entry in the full-size-SUV segment. The interior is spacious, well designed, and comfortable for nine occupants. The Expedition’s only real drawback is the relatively weak output of the 5.4-liter V-8. It struggles against the Expedition’s massive curb weight.
Click here to read our full review of the Ford Expedition.
What’s New for 2008
Completely redesigned for 2007, the Expedition enters 2008 with only minor changes. The King Ranch trim level is new to the Expedition and features Chaparral leather seats and a standard power-folding third-row seat. XLT models get body-colored front and rear fascias (previously black) and a new chrome-clad wheel option. A keyless entry keypad, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated outside mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, auxiliary air conditioning, a full overhead console, illuminated vanity mirrors, and second-row map lights are now standard on all Expedition models. Eddie Bauer models get a chrome exhaust tip for 2008. The Limited and new King Ranch trim levels get standard power-adjustable pedals, power rear-quarter windows, a programmable garage-door opener, and a reverse-sensing system. Two options—power running boards and a rearview camera system—are newly available for ’08.
