The standard for the class.

Introduction

Now in its fourth season since its last major redesign and facing new competition, the Ford Expedition remains the established benchmark in this class. 

Expedition is smooth, stable and refined. The Expedition benefits from a four-wheel-independent suspension, an unusually sophisticated design for this class, which gives it a smooth ride and responsive handling. Expedition also benefits from Ford's 5.4-liter V8 featuring three valves per cylinder and variable valve timing, which produces 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. 

What Expedition does best is move large quantities of people and their gear. Its perfectly flat cargo area makes it particularly adept at hauling. The available PowerFold third-row seat folds perfectly flat with the press of a button. Open the seat back up, and Expedition can carry up to eight passengers. And Ford hasn't forgotten the special needs of children. The second row features CenterSlide, a small center seat that slides forward to give parents in the front seat access to a child in a safety seat. A rear-seat DVD system is available for entertainment. And the Reverse Sensing System can alert the driver as the Expedition is backed toward an object such as a parked car, a short pole, or a child on a tricycle. When properly equipped, the Expedition is rated to tow up to 8900 pounds. All of this makes the Expedition a good choice for families with a boat or horse. 

The popular Eddie Bauer model best exemplifies the Expedition with its luxurious and inviting interior and feature details that make for a more comfortable and convenient ride. Limited and King Ranch models feature special trim colors and come loaded with luxury features. 

Lineup

The 2006 Ford Expedition is offered in five trim levels: XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited, and King Ranch. Each of these is available with rear-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). 

All are powered by a 5.4-liter overhead-cam V8 with variable valve timing and three valves per cylinder. New last year, this engine develops 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The only available transmission is a four-speed automatic. 

XLS ($33,455) and XLS 4WD ($36,055) are the value-conscious models. They come well equipped, but offer little in the way of options. Standard features on XLS include four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS, air conditioning, tilt steering column, cruise control, privacy glass, fold-away power mirrors with approach lamps, power locks with remote keyless entry and SecuriLock security system, automatic headlamps, AM/FM/CD stereo, a Class III trailer hitch with a four-pin connector, and 17-inch steel wheels. Seats are three cloth-covered benches: split 60/40 in the first row with six-way power for the driver; split 40/20/40 in the second row to allow the CenterSlide feature; and split 60/40 in the third row. 

XLT ($35,505) and XLT 4WD ($38,285) add auxiliary rear air conditioning and heat controls, overhead console with storage, auto-dimming rearview mirror, illuminated vanity mirrors, color-keyed door handles, the tire-pressure monitoring system, fog lamps, running boards, and aluminum wheels. Many more options are available on XLT than XLS. An appearance package called XLT Sport ($860) adds Dark Shadow Grey exterior cladding and wheel-lip moldings, high-gloss black tubular step bars, and a two-tone grille treatment. An Off-Road Package ($320) is available for XLT 4WD comprising skid plates and specially tuned shock absorbers,

Eddie Bauer 2WD ($39,720) and 4WD ($42,905) add automatic climate control, leather captain's chairs with power and memory for the driver and manual lumbar support on both sides, power adjustable pedals with memory, power heated exterior mirrors with turn signals and approach lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and climate controls, floor, message center, audiophile stereo with an in-dash six-CD changer, and a keypad for the keyless entry system. Eddie Bauer models are distinguished by machined aluminum wheels, Pueblo Gold running boards and a generous helping of Pueblo Gold trim. 

Limited 2WD ($41,515) and 4WD ($44,700) differ from the Eddie Bauer primarily in color scheme, but add eight-way power and memory for the front seats. Upholstery is monochromatic leather; complex-reflector headlamps are blacked out; wheel lips, cladding, and mirrors are body color; and the wheels, exhaust tip, and roof rails are chromed. 

King Ranch 2WD ($43,155) and 4WD ($46,340) add unique machined aluminum wheels, Pueblo Gold body cladding and step bars, a chrome-tipped exhaust, and the PowerFold third-row seat. The interior is trimmed in woodgrain and Castano leather, and the King Ranch logo is generously applied inside and out. 

Safety for all models is enhanced by Expedition's big, rigid frame and low front bumper. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) come standard on all models and can help the driver maintain steering control when standing on the brakes. Dual-stage front airbags are standard, of course. 

Safety features that are optional on some models include the Safety Canopy air curtain system ($595), designed to offer head protection for first- and second-row passengers in the event of a rollover or side impact. The Reverse Sensing System ($255) can alert the driver as the Expedition is backed toward an object such as a parked car, a short pole, or a child on a tricycle. AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control ($595), Ford's electronic stability control system, monitors traction at all wheels, plus the rate of change of body lean, and automatically cuts power or selectively applies one or more wheel brakes to correct a skid or prevent a rollover. We strongly recommend a. 

Walkaround

The Ford Expedition is larger than the Chevy Tahoe, but smaller than the Suburban. It's slightly larger than the Toyota Sequoia and about the same size as the Nissan Armada. All of them are considerably larger than the Dodge Durango. 

The Expedition has a towering presence, thanks to the raised center section of its sloped-down hood. Big 17-inch wheels enhance its bold look. Bumpers are smoothly integrated into the overall design. Expedition's slab sides, forward-slanting C-pillar, and relatively simple front-end treatment all contribute to its unmistakable Ford identity. 

Door handles are the full-grip variety, making them easier for occupants to grab, whether left- or right-handed, gloved or not gloved. Expedition's low bumper beams are designed to prevent smaller cars from sliding beneath its frame in an accident. 

Interior

An attractive cabin makes the Ford Expedition a pleasant place to be on long trips. Shapes are round, and controls are hefty for an easy grip. This is particularly true of the upper-level models such as the Eddie Bauer and Limited. The Eddie Bauer Expedition features handsome leather trim that's warm and friendly with metallic satin finish trim on the rings that surround vents and door handles. The lighter upholstery colors give the Expedition a lighter, more car-like air. Lower-level models are nice, too, with padded door trim in nicely contrasting materials that looks and feels good. 

Storage space is generous, a great feature for a big family vehicle. The roomy pockets in all four doors have space for a 20-ounce water bottle. The center console (that comes in most models) can hold a small laptop computer. The console has a slot to hold pens and a Palm Pilot or other PDAs. Its lid is comfortably padded, and feels nice to the touch even on the XLT, where it's covered in faux leather. 

The available power-operated (PowerFold) third-row seats fold flat with the press of a button. The third-row seat is split 60/40. Push one button on the wall of the cargo area, and one side powers down. Hold down the other button, and the other side powers down. The power-down buttons are convenient. The third row disappears into the floor, leaving a perfectly flat cargo area. It is an impressive piece of engineering to watch as the seat folds down and flaps gracefully flop into place to cover the gap between the cargo floor and hinged seats. 

The power third-row seat is invaluable when changing roles from people hauler to a cargo hauler and back again with just a press of a button. Expedition's third row is comfortable enough for a couple of full-size adults. When no one is seated back there, the third-row headrests can be pushed down flush with the seatbacks, greatly improving the driver's rearward visibility. 

With the seats folded down, the cargo floor is perfectly flat, in contrast to many SUVs, which have a slanting platform. The Expedition's flat floor, combined with the flaps that cover the gap where the seats hinge, makes it easy to slide objects in and out. Another nice feature is the window in the liftgate that opens so you can quickly load or unload stuff without opening the whole liftgate. 

The second-row bench seat splits roughly into thirds. The middle section can be moved forward 11 inches, almost abutting it to the back of the front center console. Ford calls this feature CenterSlide, and it gives front-seat parents easier access to a small child in a safety seat. The small center seatback can also be folded down and used as a work surface for two people in back. The two outboard second-row seats fold easily forward for access to the third-row seat. 

The Reverse Sensing System is available as a stand-alone option for 2006. It's a great feature, particularly on large SUVs, whose rearward blind spot can be three times as large as a sedan's. A tone alerts the driver to objects behind the vehicle whenever it's shifted in reverse. Don't depend on it, though, it's an aid and is not designed to absolve drivers of the responsibility of looking where they're going. 

Some of Expedition's interior systems are programmable, and the programming is relatively easy. Tired of fighting those automatic locks? You can turn off the auto-locking feature. You can set whether the seat automatically moves back when you shut off the ignition. You can decide whether you want the right mirror to automatically tilt down when reverse is selected. 

The optional navigation system has a nice bright screen. It works well, but like all navigation systems, takes some time to master. 

Driving Impression

The Ford Expedition is the standard bearer for the class for several reasons. Its sharp steering, and smooth, robust acceleration make it easy and enjoyable to drive. 

Ford's 5.4-liter V8 delivers strong power, excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions. This Triton V8 is a modern, sophisticated engine with single overhead camshafts and three valves per cylinder in aluminum heads. Rated at 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. Two-wheel-drive models are rated to tow up to 8,900 pounds (8,600 with 4WD). Fuel economy is 14/19 mpg City/Highway (14/18 with 4WD). 

Ride quality is an important consideration for a family vehicle and the Expedition offers a good ride for the most part, even over broken pavement. Potholes and rough pavement are heard more than felt. It is not a magic carpet ride, though, and it's important to remember that the Expedition is a full-size truck. On the other hand, the Expedition provides the driver with feedback rather than isolation. The Expedition benefits from an independent rear suspension, almost unheard-of in a full-size truck. (The Lincoln Navigator is the only other example that comes to mind.) Though more expensive, the independent rear suspension offers better handling and a smoother ride than the live rear axle commonly used on trucks and full-size SUVs. 

On the highway, the Expedition inspires confidence. It's stable at high speeds. We were conversing in a relaxed manner at 90-100 mph in an Eddie Bauer while whistling around a high-speed oval at Ford's Michigan proving grounds. When the road is windy, the Expedition offers sharp steering response. Small inputs to the steering wheel are answered immediately by its car-like rack-and-pinion steering. 

The four-wheel disc brakes are smooth and responsive. The Expedition comes standard with ABS and Brake Assist. Brake Assist is designed to recognize a panic-braking situation and maintain full braking force even if the driver mistakenly relaxes pressure on the brake pedal. 

Summary

Ford Expedition remains a benchmark against a strong field of full-size SUVs. The Expedition features a smooth ride for passengers and responsive handling for the driver. It can haul a big load of cargo on its flat cargo floor and it can tow heavy trailers. Clever features such as the power folding third row and the independent rear suspension make it enjoyable to own. 

Michelle Krebs filed the original report from Detroit. New Car Test Drive editor Mitch McCullough contributed to this report. 

Model Lineup

Ford Expedition XLS 2WD (33,455); XLS 4WD ($36,055); XLT 2WD ($35,505); XLT 4WD ($38,285); Eddie Bauer 2WD ($39,720); Eddie Bauer 4WD ($42,905); Limited 2WD ($41,515); Limited 4WD ($44,700); King Ranch 2WD ($43,155); King Ranch 4WD ($46,340). 

Assembled In

Wayne, Michigan. 

Options As Tested

Safety Canopy ($595); AdvanceTrak w/Roll Stability Control; reverse sensing system ($255); PowerFold third-row seat ($495); power flip-out quarter windows ($125); rear-seat DVD entertainment system ($1,500); navigation system ($1,995); climate-controlled seats ($625) with heated and cooled seats w/6-way power driver and front passenger seats; power moonroof ($860); load-leveling air suspension ($815); heavy-duty trailer tow package ($350).