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.
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Fast Stats
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Seats |
9
|
MSRP
from |
$33,515
|
Engine |
5.4L V8
|
Horsepower |
300 @ 5000
|
Transmission |
4-speed auto
|
MPG:
City/Hwy |
14 / 19
|
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