2005 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer

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The Ford line-up is immense this year, with multiple offerings in many segments, all serving different purposes for different people but all displaying the usual Ford ruggedness and capability. The SUV line-up is particularly diversified, from the Escape, a compact SUV, to the mid-sized pair, Explorer and Freestyle, to the Explorer Fast Trac, a mid-size with a truck bed to the biggest of all. The Expedition and the Excursion are Ford's largest SUVs.

The 2005 Ford Expedition, reviewed here, includes several models, with many unique vehicle configurations, including the new Limited Edition. This top-level trim takes the Eddie Bauer and tweaks it for a bit more luxury in the form of 8-way powered and heated seats, and Mandarin Teak accents.

Available Models
The lineup of Ford Expeditions grew in 2004 and does again this year for six offerings, the XLS, XLT, XLT Sport, NBX, Eddie Bauer and Limited. XLS, XLT and XLT Sport models are covered in another review.

Interior Features
The 2005 Ford Expedition is suited to those who want full-size power and strength, over that of the Explorer, but perhaps without the behemoth dimensions of the Excursion, Ford's largest SUV. However, it still has three rows of seating, with an available front bench seat pushing the seating capacity to nine. Various seating arrangements for the up-level models include captain chairs, for first and second rows and a number of power chair features; both for comfort adjustment and stowability.

The Expedition makes good use of its large interior. It provides versatility with a fold-flat-into-the-floor third row 60/40 seat, a 40/20/40 second row seat with manual CenterSlide section and best-in-class cargo volume.

Really though, as these are the top-level trims, the question is which of the really big-ticket items are included and which are available as options. With so much standard it is easier to describe what is optional. This short list includes a Navigation System, rear-seat DVD and not much else in the way of comfort and convenience if you start with the Limited- it has it all as standard equipment.

Exterior Features
The Expedition is quite a big vehicle, and its design does nothing to hide this. Ford says that it exudes a confidence-inspiring stance with large headlamps, tail lamps, mirrors and door handles. Depending on the trim level you choose, a couple of wheel types come standard. The off-road NBX comes with chrome steel wheels while the Limited upgrades that to chrome alloy ones. All these models come with 265/70R17 white-letter all-terrain tires, though, for great looks and workmanlike capability.

Performance
There is now one engine offered for the Expedition and this year it is 40hp stronger than last year's top-powered engine choice. Though still a 5.4-liter V8, it delivers 300 horsepower at 4750 rpm and 375 lb-ft of torque at 3750 rpm. It is the modern modular engine with 3-valve aluminum cylinder heads that was introduced last year for use on the F-150 pick-up truck.

An optional load-leveling air suspension and Class IV towing capacity combine for a serious 8900lbs of pull.

Safety and Security
Dual front airbags and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard on all models. A comprehensive safety package can be added for significant additional safety including front and curtain side airbags. New for 2005, the Ford Expedition's available AdvanceTrac comes with Roll Stability Control; a system designed to reduce rollover potential by triggering the system when it detects that one or more wheels are about to leave the ground. This reduces engine power and/or applies braking to the necessary wheels to help settle the vehicle.