Ford unleashes 2007 Expedition on unsuspecting Texans
Everything's bigger in Texas, and that goes double for the trucks-- which neatly explains why the Blue Oval chose to debut the 2007 Expedition at this year's Houston Auto Show. Well, that or Ford elected to unveil their latest away from the bright lights of the 'biggies' (Detroit, Los Angeles, Chicago, etc.) in what might be described as 'tellingly meek' fashion. While there's nothing timid about Ford's biggest bruiser, Ford's quiet unveiling will likely be seen by some as a reaction to the increasing scorn (and decreasing sales) beleaguering the full-size SUV market.
Now available in two lengths, Gigantic (standard) and Leviathan (EL--stretched a further 14.8"), the Expedition effectively replaces the big-daddy Excursion, which be-villained Dearborn among conservationists while netting the automaker handsome profits and devoted fans among those with a penchant for large 'lifestyle accessories.'
The exterior is plainly evolutionary, but appears to have made good use of the three-bar grill spreading throughout Ford's stable, along with a bulging hoodline and confident new headlamps. Overall, the effect is familiar, but easily more successful than the somewhat awkward looking face of the new-for-2006 Explorer.
[Full details and specifications, plus 15 more photos after the jump]
The exterior is plainly evolutionary, but appears to have made good use of the three-bar grill spreading throughout Ford's stable, along with a bulging hoodline and confident new headlamps. Overall, the effect is familiar, but easily more successful than the somewhat awkward looking face of the new-for-2006 Explorer.
When it comes to the greasy bits, the big news is that the 5.4L Triton eight-cylinder (good for 300 horses and 365 lbs.-ft. of torque) is now yoked to a standard six-speed automatic. As one might reasonably hope for in a vehicle weighing a minimum of 5,500 lbs., enlarged four-wheel ABS-abetted discs are matched with traction control (AdvanceTrac) and anti-turtle tech (Roll Stability Control). All and sundry comes mounted to a closed-box frame 10-percent stiffer than the outgoing Expedition. Properly equipped, the Expedition can tow in excess of 9,100 lbs., or approximately 827 full-grown miniature dachshunds (if one is given to that sort of thing).
On the suspension front, a revised rear five-link setup includes monotube gas shocks and a strengthened rear axle, which still affords enough interior space to fold the third row flat. As is the way these days, rolling stock choices vary from 17" (XLT) to the all-important optional chrome 20" wheels (Limited).
The interior benefits from the dramatic material improvements first issued on the F-150, with options including a rear-seat entertainment system brandishing an 8.5" display, heated and cooled front seats (sorry, kids), and a Centerslide™ middle seat that can be moved closer to Mom n' Dad, Volvo XC-90 style. An improved sat-nav system with 6.5" screen shares console space with an MP3-capable stereo.
Naturally, in case anyone (or anything) is foolish enough to chance a run-in with the Expedition's continental
bulk, a raft of airbags stand at-the-ready, including new seat-resident side airbags and third-generation safety canopy
covering all-three rows of dachshunds passengers.
With Ford having appeared to have thrown everything in the latest Expedition but the proverbial scullery Kohler, what's missing? A price, for starters. Oh, and those pesky fuel economy figures.
The 2007 Expedition is set to lumber into dealerships this fall.
QUICK SPECS
POWERTRAIN
5.4-liter 3-valve Triton™ V-8
• 300 hp @ 5,000 rpm, 365 lbs.-ft. @
3,750 rpm
• Standard 6-speed automatic transmission
CHASSIS
Wheelbase: 119.0 in.
(EL 131.0 in.)
Height: 77.2 in. (EL 77.7 in.)
Length: 206.5 in. (EL 221.3 in.)
Max width: 78.8 in.
Brakes: Four-wheel power disc brakes with (ABS) and AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control)
SUSPENSION
Front: Double wishbone short- and long-arms (SLA) architecture with coil-over, gas
filled shocks
Rear: Multi-link independent
WHEELS AND TIRES
XLT: P265/70R17 A/S BSW
tires/17 in. painted aluminum wheels
P265/70R17 A/T OWL tires/17 in. machined aluminum wheels
Eddie
Bauer: P265/70R17 A/S OWL tires/17 in. aluminum wheels
P255/70R18 A/S OWL tires/18 in. machined
aluminum wheels
Limited: P255/70R18 A/S OWL tires/18 in. machined aluminum wheels
Optional 20 in.
chrome clad aluminum wheels
CAPACITIES
Seating Capacity: 5-9
Curb weight (2WD):
5,578 lbs. (EL 5,928 lbs.)
Cargo volume behind front row: 108.2 cu. ft. (EL 130.8 cu. ft.)
Cargo volume
behind second row: 54.9 cu. ft. (EL 85.5 cu. ft.)
Maximum payload: 1,800 lbs. (EL 1,700 lbs.)
Maximum towing capacity: 9,100 lbs.
AVAILABILITY
On sale: Fall 2006
Price: Will
be announced closer to launch
These specifications are preliminary and subject to change.
[Source: The Ford Motor Company]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
C.Hammer 9:45PM (2/07/2006)
I am an owner of an 03 expedition and love it!!! Can't wait for the new model. I have a family of 3 boys wife boat etc. This truck fits my lifestyle. Do not think the EL model is necessary just get a yakima roof rack for traveling. The new front end looks a lot bolder. Classy styling from a classy car company
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Michael Chavez 4:23PM (2/08/2006)
I have to say ford did a fantastic job on this truck. I love the truck itself and the interior, i love all the new feature that are on this truck. Must say they have improved a lot since the 2003 ford expedition i own one and loved it cant wait to get my havnd on one of these. I also own a 2005 limimted ford excursion, and really hate to see them being discontinue. I dont see why they did, yeah people complained about milaege and that it was to big, well there are big families out there and live on ranch's so they need a big powerful truck and the excursion was one. People need to stop and think before buying cars like the excursion was made for big families and power not for single guy/women for daily use and that what got it's critizism. Dont buy it if you dont reach the requirments for it. I think ford should cut back on the number production on excursion but not discontinue them. This was ford power SUV that can tow up to 11000 pounds while this expedition can tow 9100. A big diffrence. Ford needs to keep the powerful beast because if not they will lose competition against chevy 2500 suburban.
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Doc 10:50PM (2/14/2006)
It isn't only cowboys that need towing capacity. If you actually talk to a few SUV owners you'll find that many of them are small business owners, who must have towing capacity, and cargo capacity. There are also people such as realtors that need to be able to haul an entire family to show them homes. To think that the average SUV owner is just paranoid or an ego tripper reveals a narrow, prejudiced, mind.
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Ian 2:40PM (2/19/2006)
Man...To think that the most powerful suv a couple of years ago was a suburban with 255 hp. im sure that 300 hp and 365 lb/tq will do plenty. the current expo gets up just fine. the problem isnt acceleration its keeping it in control(ie. stopping) with a new frame and brakes from the f-150 this should do the trick. the reason chevy wont make more room in the tahoes 3rd seat is becasue that would mean that they would have to fallow ford and make it independent suspention. OH NO!!! they will learn. its kinda like when they brought out the trail blazer, it was old when it was new. i do have to say i do like then new dash but the rest needs some help. oh and if u dont like suv's...DONT DRIVE ONE!!!
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Ian 2:51PM (2/19/2006)
OK HOW ABOUT SOME SCHOOL FOR THE DUMBASSES IN THE BACK NOT PAYING ATTENTION.
1. HYBRIDS PUT OUT 40 TIMES THE EMISSIONS AS A P-ZERO CAR.
2. THE COST IS ASTRONOMICAL FOR ANYTHING TO GET FIXED.
3. TOYOTA IS THE ONE WHO DESIGNED THE FORD HYBRID ESCAPE, SO STOP TELLING ME WHAT FOR SHOULD DO WHEN TOYOTA IS THE ONE WHO NEEDS TO DO IT.
4. SPEND YOUR MONEY IN SUCH A WAY THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY, INSEAD OF BEING CRAMED INTO A LITTLE SHIT ASS CIVIC THAT WILL GET YOU KILLED. I KNOW THE CRASH RATINGS AND I DONT CARE... BECAUSE WHEN SOMEONE WHO DIDNT READ THIS ARTICLE GOES AND BUYS ONE OF THES BAD ASS TOYS AND CREAMS ME AT A STOP LIGHT ILL REMEMBER "IT WAS FOR THE ENVIROMENT" FUCK IT, IT ISNT WORTH IT.
5. IM STARTING TO THINK THAT E-85 AND BIO DIESEL IS GOING TO BE THE ROUTE.
THANK YOU AND QUIT YOUR BITCHIN.
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Josh B 5:35AM (2/21/2006)
I currently have an Expedition, and I wouldn't trade it for anything! This new one looks amazing, and I will be first in line in the fall to make one my own. I realize that there will always be the debate on why we need bigger vehicles... but I'm 6'3", and a full size SUV is the only way to ensure a comfortable ride. I would rather pay that little bit more for fuel and size to ensure comfort in my driving experience. As far as towing, I realize that 300hp may seem small in todays market, but if you're pulling a load at 60 mph, you might not realize that more power doesn't make you stop faster! The bigger the vehicle, the safer it can handle a load. It literally scares me to see these smaller suvs flying down the road at 65-70 with a trailer that weighs 2 or 3 times the vehicle. Sure they have the power, but they don't have the brakes, or the weight. There will always be a demand for these awesome suvs and Ford has done a great job with this one, not to mention the classic suburban. If you can justify the vehicle, buy it.
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phuk 8:02PM (3/02/2006)
Gm blows these away!!!!!!!!!! I don't know anyone who would take this over the new Tahoe or Suburban. Nice try Ford.
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vince foster 1:43AM (3/04/2006)
I'd love to have one with W04 sticker on one side of the rear window and another sticker on the other side about how I'd rather quail hunt with the VP than ride in a car with Ted Kennedy. Just to PO the limp wristed girly men.
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dis_guy 11:41PM (3/06/2006)
I like the new exp. It reminds me of the first ones that came out in 97. As far as the Tahoe goes it may look nice but it has no chrome grille. I guess its going the japanese "cheap sheet-metal front end fascia" strategy. Good going. Ford dominates in grilles.
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J. Blair 10:16PM (3/07/2006)
#32, I don't know about the Highlander being "gay", but I'll tell you what it IS: a glorified Camry wagon for SUV posers. Not a real truck, not a real tow vehicle. Might as well bring back the Camry wagon...it would get better MPGs.
As for the new Expeditions, I say not bad (for a Ford). I like the idea of the 6-spd tranny. Looks like the new stretched version will be a great choice to replace the Excursion.
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Mindi 12:26AM (3/08/2006)
Please consider another situation. We are a family of 4 with a disabled child. A van is not good option for us. We live in a rural commumity and need 4WD. I need cargo space for a wheelchair, service dog and a place to change diapers. If these larger SUV's weren't available we would be back a couple of decades when handicapped persons were not seen very often in public. I for one am very grateful for the option and I am tired of the stares from those who feel offended by my purchase choice. May I say again..my choice.
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Trent 6:28AM (3/29/2006)
need a diesel, the only one that can be found is an Excursion, and those were discontinued.
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Chipper 10:47PM (4/02/2006)
I happen to own an Expedition, and while I have a family of four, I use this vehicle all the time to haul my troop of Boy Scouts. Our family also has a smaller car that we use around town, but it does not pull the troop trailer. We try to be responsible car owners, and looking at this vehicle I would have no problem purchasing it to be used for the same reasons as stated above.
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Narda Barber 4:12PM (4/11/2006)
Got a 06, great job with family of 6. The new wheelbase should make traveling better. As for you critics about the V8, you must not have one. It pulls a 5500# boat with ease. I will drive one!
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Big Daddy Hog Slayer 1:46AM (4/14/2006)
It is a shame that Ford and not made progress on a reduced dispancment SUV that is ready for market. The increased milage would attract most flat-landers.
As a life long Ford Truck driver, it is hard to look at this vehicle and be enthusiastic. In the current market only one that will most likely keep me from buying the better GM product and that is the flat folding 3rd row. If GM could pull this off with an independent rear suspension. The sector would be GM's along with my money.
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Christian J 9:36PM (1/27/2006)
Classy looking SUV. No doubt people will say how its not as good as the 7-8 nearly identical (and oldfashioned) GMs available. Fraid not. First in class 6-speed? Awesome. IRS? Awesome. Non-1995 Grand Am interior (a la GM)? Awesome. I don't need one, but this truck looks nice.
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jl 9:59PM (1/27/2006)
Great!! More honking SUVs for more fat ass Americans!!!
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mpeng 10:07PM (1/27/2006)
I'm surprised Ford/DCX hasn't come up with a 'burb fighter until now...come on DCX, your turn! That thing got a HEMI? Yeee hawwwwwwww!
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Bob 10:07PM (1/27/2006)
I think this is a great looking SUV and I would pick it over the new Tahoe, based on looks alone, if I were in the market for such a large vehicle. I reserve absolute judgement until I see some detail road tests!
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speed42 10:13PM (1/27/2006)
Who DOES need one? Crap. I love the way in that graphic how the truck is four times bigger than the camper and boat. You can pull a boat with a Toyota Camry. With this thing you can pull a freakin' oil tanker! And probably need to.
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