Review
New for 2010, Ford's MyKey and Trailer Sway Control are standard equipment. The 2010 Ford Expedition EL is a carryover from 2009.
-Model Reviews
The Expedition EL adds more cargo-carrying capacity with a long 131-inch wheelbase. It is powered by a SOHC 5.4-liter V-8 that is rated at 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment. It is available with either rear-wheel drive or electronically engaged four-wheel drive. A Class III trailer hitch is standard. The Expedition EL offers towing capacities in the 9000-pound range. Safety equipment includes front and side-impact air bags, three-row head-protection curtain air bags, anti-lock braking, and electronic stability control with anti-rollover technology.
The Ford Expedition EL is a longer bodied version of the regular Expedition. When equipped with four-wheel drive, the Expedition EL will also get you there whether the road is dry, wet, snowy, or even when there's hardly any road at all.
Assembled In
Wayne, Michigan.
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Comparison
Inside, the Ford Expedition EL is still a little shy on maximum cargo capacity compared to GM's full-size sport-utes, but for buyers who plan to make regular use of the standard third-row seat, Ford's SUV offers more flexibility.
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Driving Impression
For all its comfort and stability, the Expedition is still about utility rather than sport.
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In this regard, the Ford Expedition tracks down the highway with excellent straight-line stability, negotiates forest roads with surprising agility, and absorbs impacts from bumps or broken pavement without straying from its path.
Steering effort is light and easy.
The Expedition makes an excellent tow vehicle.
The overhead-cam 5.4-liter V8 delivers 310 hp, but it's really tuned to deliver torque, 365 pound-feet of it, for towing.
We did notice some hesitation at initial throttle opening in some situations.
As good as it is, the Expedition certainly isn't sporty and no one should expect it to be.
Full-size sport-utilities aren't known for their driving manners, but the latest-generation of vehicles from both Ford and General Motors offer real progress in delivering a more car-like impression.
It maintains a surprisingly calm ride considering its truck heritage.
It we came to a stop sign at the top of a hill, stopped, then accelerated, there was sometimes a pause while the transmission engaged and forward momentum began.
Most of the advantage comes from the synergy between a rigid frame, high-pressure gas shocks that afford excellent wheel control, and a second-generation, link-type independent rear suspension.
Still, the Expedition's overall driving performance is quite refined for its class.
The result is a lot of reliable power.
The six-speed automatic transmission runs seamlessly through the gears, keeping the engine from laboring through its rpm range.
The two-speed 4WD system is engaged with a simple rotary knob mounted on the dashboard, and it automatically reduces throttle sensitivity in low range for better traction in slippery circumstances.
When it comes to driving, the Expedition feels big and heavy, which it is.
With the optional towing package, the standard 4WD Expedition is rated at 9,000 pounds, the 2WD at 9,200 pounds, the 2WD EL at 8,900 pounds, and the 4WD EL at 8,700 pounds.
Interior
Captain's chairs with movable armrests are standard across the four model lines.
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Ford's rear backup camera is less impressive than many others.
Packaging advantages afforded by the Expedition's independent rear suspension enable the third-row seat to deliver more comfort for adults compared to the accommodations provided by the Chevy Tahoe.
The Expedition is about more than convenience.
The Expedition's liftgate with its flip-up glass hatch makes access to the cargo area very easy.
The second seating row reflects Ford's thoughtful approach to passenger comfort: the standard 40/20/40 bench seat incorporates a center section that slides, bringing a child seat within easier reach of front-seat passengers.
A DVD-based navigation system with sizable 6.5-inch screen is available as an option.
A plug-in jack for an MP3 player is standard across the line.
Generous driver's-seat travel helps accommodate taller drivers, and it's a perfect match for the Expedition's movable pedals, so a wide range of sizes of drivers can sit comfortably.
However, the seat cushions of the second- and third-row seats are a little slim in order to allow the seats to fold properly.
In fact, third-row room is among the best of any SUV, though three adults won't want to sit in the back for long.
In this regard, the Expedition is much better designed than GM's large SUVs.
Indeed, a King Ranch is the best representation of modern American-style luxury within Ford's lineup.
Leather-upholstered examples are available with a heating/cooling feature that makes them a more comfortable companion in winter and summer.
Optional second-row captain's chairs with a center-aisle pass-through can be substituted for adult-rated comfort.
The Expedition is also available with an optional power-folding third-row seat and electronically powered liftgate to make it even easier to load cargo.
The Expedition is even a nice place to be when all the entertainment is switched off, as the combination of thick glass and a generous amount of acoustic insulation behind the dash and on the floor makes this a remarkably quiet interior; it's actually possible to have a conversation with the people in the third-row seat while you're at the wheel.
The Expedition's second- and third-row bench-type seats fold flat into the cargo floor, affording a long cargo area that can be easily loaded.
The Ford Expedition features a rich blend of finishes, textures and color.
The high ride height also makes getting in and out a task for children.
The image is shown in the rear-view mirror, and is quite small.
The layout of the gauges and controls is easy to understand and no controls are too far out of easy reach.
The rear-seat DVD entertainment system has an eight-inch screen that flips down from the headliner and also includes two sets of wireless headphones.
This means you don't have to unbolt the passenger seats and leave them on the floor of your garage every time you're making a serious run to the home improvement store.
While the image is useful, obstacles are not as easy to spot as they are in systems that show their images on six- or seven-inch dash-mounted screens.
Wood, chrome and leather make the Expedition an inviting place to spend a day on the road.
Introduction
All Expeditions are powered by Ford's 5.4-liter V8 that makes 310 horsepower and offers towing capacities in the 9000-pound range.
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Changes for 2010 are minimal.
The cabin features rich materials and generous space in all three seating rows.
The Ford Expedition comes in two lengths, the standard model with a 119-inch wheelbase, and the Expedition EL with its 131-inch wheelbase.
With its combination of utility, a smooth, stable ride and a pleasant interior, the Ford Expedition is a fine choice for families that tow or take driving vacations.
A six-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment.
Every Expedition is powered by a single-overhead-cam 5.4-liter V8 rated at 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque.
Every Expedition model is available with either rear-wheel drive (2WD) or electronically engaged four-wheel drive (4WD) that can be driven on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing.
Expedition was last redesigned for 2007.
Extended-length Expedition EL models add even more cargo-carrying capacity, especially noticeable when trying to load groceries or gear behind the third-row seats.
Four trim levels are available: the entry-level XLT, the outdoorsy Eddie Bauer, the luxurious Limited, and the top-of-the-line King Ranch.
It seats up to eight people, hauls a mountain of gear, and tows moderately heavy trailers.
Thanks in part to independent rear suspension, the Expedition offers a smooth ride that is more car-like than most big, truck-based SUVs.
That's nice on long drives.
The Ford Expedition is a full-size sport-utility vehicle.
The second- and third-row seats fold flat to create a useful rear cargo area.
There is the MyKey programmable vehicle key, the availability of the SYNC Voice-activated Communications and Entertainment System, three new colors, and Trailer Sway Control is standard.
When equipped with four-wheel drive, the Expedition will get there whether the road is dry, wet, snowy, or even when there's hardly any road at all.
Lineup
Options for Eddie Bauer models over and above those of the XLT include heated and cooled front seats ($625), power running boards ($995), a navigation system ($1,995), second-row captain's chairs ($795), and air suspension ($485).
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Options for XLT models include third-row bench seat ($875) or power-operated third-row bench seat ($1,370), leather captain's chairs ($1,295), a heavy-duty towing package ($395), Sirius satellite radio ($195), rear-seat entertainment ($1,295), and a power moonroof ($995).
Safety equipment includes front airbags, torso-protecting front side airbags, three-row head-protecting side-curtain airbags with rollover deployment, tire-pressure monitor, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist, and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control with Roll Stability Control.
The Expedition Eddie Bauer ($40,890) and Eddie Bauer 4WD ($43,790) are trimmed as outdoor adventure vehicles and are distinguished by a longer list of convenience features as standard equipment, notably the Expedition's unique power-folding split third-row seat.
The Expedition King Ranch ($45,190) and King Ranch 4WD ($48,090) have upgraded Chaparral leather upholstery, King Ranch badging, and gold exterior accents.
The Expedition Limited ($42,660) and Limited 4WD ($45,560) add heated and cooled front seats, 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, universal garage-door opener, power rear quarter windows, and 255/70R18 tires on chrome alloy wheels.
The Expedition XLT EL ($38,610) and XLT EL 4WD ($41,510) are equipped the same as standard wheelbase versions, except they come with a split-folding third-row seat and a conversation mirror.
A Convenience Package ($895) includes a reverse-sensing system, power rear quarter windows, universal garage-door opener, six-disc CD changer, and power-adjustable pedals.
A leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, front and rear air conditioning with rear controls, remote keyless entry, automatic headlights, alarm, an AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 player connectivity and rear controls, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, overhead console, and illuminated visors are also part of the package.
A rear obstacle detection system is standard on Limited and King Ranch, and optional on Eddie Bauer.
Exterior standard equipment features 265/70R17 tires on alloy wheels, running boards, roof rails, fog lights, power-adjustable heated outside mirrors, a rear liftgate with flip-up glass and a rear defroster/wiper/washer system, and a keyless entry keypad.
King Ranch EL ($47,840) and King Ranch 4WD EL ($50,740) have the same features.
Other standard features include leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, memory for the mirrors and driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a Premium sound system with six-disc CD changer, trip computer, conversation mirror, mirror-mounted turn signals, power-adjustable pedals, and protective cladding for the lower body panels.
The 2010 Ford Expedition XLT ($35,085) and 4WD XLT ($37,985) come with cloth upholstery with front captain's chairs (driver's seat is six-way power adjustable), and a 40/20/40 split-bench seat in the second row.
The Eddie Bauer EL ($43,075) and Eddie Bauer EL 4WD ($45,970) are equipped, basically, like the standard-wheelbase versions.
The leather also trims the center console lid, steering wheel and door panels, while wood trim can be found on the center console, shifter handle and instrument panel.
The Limited EL ($45,310) and Limited EL 4WD ($48,210) are equipped the same.
Trailer Sway Control is standard.
Model Lineup
Ford Expedition XLT 2WD ($35,085); XLT 4WD ($37,985); XLT EL 2WD ($38,610); XLT EL 4WD ($41,510); Eddie Bauer 2WD ($40,890); Eddie Bauer 4WD ($43,790); Eddie Bauer EL 2WD ($43,075); Eddie Bauer EL 4WD ($45,970); Limited 2WD ($42,660); Limited 4WD ($45,560); Limited EL 2WD ($45,310); Limited EL 4WD ($48,210); King Ranch 2WD ($45,190); King Ranch 4WD ($48,090); King Ranch EL 2WD ($47,840); King Ranch EL 4WD ($50,740).
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Model Tested
Ford Expedition Limited 2WD ($45,310).
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Options As Tested
Limited Rapid Spec Package 301A ($5,375) includes navigation, rear-seat DVD entertainment, power moonroof, 275/55R20 all-season tires, and running boards.
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Summary
Kirk Bell contributed to this report from Chicago, with staff reports from NewCarTestDrive.com.
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Among full-size sport-utilities, the Ford Expedition stands apart with its superior driving comfort and utility package.
Ford is right on target with its family adventure concept, and the Ford Expedition is one of the best vehicles for family vacation travel on the American road.
It makes an excellent tow vehicle, smooth and stable, with tow capacities in the 9000-pound range.
Tag Line
A standard among full-size SUVs.
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Walkaround
Both the long and regular-length versions of the Expedition use many of the components from the Ford F-150 pickup.
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Expedition EL models stretch the wheelbase to 131 inches.
The Expedition and the Expedition EL are big vehicles, measuring more than 17 feet from nose to tail.
The Expedition comes with running boards as standard equipment.
The King Ranch model can be identified by its gold exterior accents and unique wheel design.
They're also heavy, as even the base 2WD Expedition weighs almost 6,000 pounds, and a loaded EL with 4WD will be comfortably over that.
This third-generation Expedition features a three-bar grille, large headlights, and a domed hood that combine to deliver a look that's both distinctive and respectable.
As a result, crowded parking lots can be challenging.
Expedition offers 108.3 cubic feet of cargo space, while the EL delivers 130.8 cubic feet.
However, the Expedition features independent rear suspension, which improves driving precision, ride comfort, and rear-seat roominess.
Overall, the EL measures 14.8 inches longer than the standard Expedition, and that adds 22 cubic feet of cargo volume.
Power retractable running boards that deploy when the doors are opened are optional.
Some prefer no running boards, but that doesn't appear to be an option.
The Expedition has a turning circle of nearly 41 feet, while the EL requires 44 feet.
The Ford Expedition is a truck and it doesn't pretend to be anything else.
There are several different wheel designs, including 20-inchers with a chrome finish.
This is a good identity to have, because Ford trucks continue to have an outstanding reputation for utility, reliability and durability.
