THERE ARE NOT A LOT OF FULLSIZE SUVs to choose from when cargo space, passenger room, and towing ability are primary concerns. The choices of comfortable, sevenpassenger vehicles boil down to three vehicles - the redesigned "07 Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon XL, or the all-new Ford Expedition EL.
The latter is quite impressive as we found out after living with a loaded Eddie Bauer 4x4 model for a couple of weeks.
The Expedition EL (Extended Length) now looks like it"s a fruit of the Super Duty F-Series family tree. Its most prominent features are its bold, three-bar chrome grille and a raised, "powerdome" hood that instantly set it apart from the previous model. New dualbeam headlamps, which integrate side-marker lights and wrap around into the front fenders, are also a big cosmetic departure from the 2006 offerings. Such body redesigns give the Expedition a chiseled, powerful look that, combined with a new 20-inch tire/wheel combo, evoke a level of strength not seen in previous Ford SUVs.
A SIZEABLE CHANGE
The EL is the replacement for the now extinct Excursion - although it"s not quite as immense. The Expedition EL is about 15 inches longer overall than the standard Expedition, making it a mere five inches shorter than an Excursion.
This additional length more than doubles the storage space found behind the second- and third-row seats of a regular Expedition, providing an enormous amount of space to store gear, clothing, and food for those outdoor vacations or long family trips.
Ford designers completely redesigned the interior as well. The loaded EL we tested came with Captains chairs in front, second-row high-back buckets, and a split 60/40 third-row bench-all leather clad, and all comfortable for adult use. The third-row seats are electrically operated to fold flush into the floor with the touch of switches just inside the power-lift/close tailgate. When folded down there"s enough space to easily carry 4x4 sheets of plywood or an 8-foot stepladder without compromising second-row seating.
NEW UNDERPINNINGS
Although longer, the new EL rides and handles like the smaller model thanks to a new chassis and rack-and-pinion steering. The new chassis features an all-new front suspension, front frame section and modular front-end construction for ease of assembly and improved quality. The tube-throughtube frame construction increases frame stiffness and provides a solid foundation for improved driving dynamics. Ford"s patented, porthole-through-frame design is the second- generation of a system used in the complete re-design of the 2003 Expedition. This setup allows the drive shafts to feed through the frame rails, lowering the center of gravity for better ride and handling and maximizing passenger space in the third-row seat.
A huge change is dropping the solid rear axle design for an independent rear suspension (IRS) that features a five-link design for a far better ride. "The independent rear suspension is a superior architecture for controlling and tuning ride and handling," says Raj Nair, executive director, SUV and Body on Frame Platforms. "While Expedition has plenty of room and plenty of capability, it doesn"t handle like a big truck."
Steering performance also has been improved. A new variable boost steering pump uses lightweight aluminum components and reduces steering efforts by 15 percent for easy maneuverability at slow speeds yet delivers a firm, responsive feel at highway speeds.
The brakes are much better too. The new model uses larger front and rear brake calipers and thicker rotors to improve both durability and stopping capability.
We found the Expedition EL"s ride to be one of the best out there in a full-size SUV. It"s very quiet on the road and rough road surfaces melt away as they pass beneath the tires.
SAFETY FIRST
Expedition offers more standard safety content for 2007, including seat-mounted front side air bags and a three-row Safety Canopy(tm) rollover detection system that includes side curtain air bags that extend down to the beltline for increased coverage.
Ford"s exclusive AdvanceTrac(r) with RSC(r) (Roll Stability Control) also is standard on both the Expedition and Expedition EL. Unlike competitors" systems, Ford engineers say their system utilizes a gyroscopic roll rate sensor to accurately measure the vehicle"s yaw and roll angles. If the roll rate sensor detects a significant roll angle, the system applies additional countermeasures - such as applying brakes to one or more wheels or reducing engine power - to help the driver maintain control. (The system is so advanced that Ford has 82 active patents and 197 pending patents.)
CREATURE COMFORTS
As for creature comforts, the Eddie Bauer edition EL we drove lacks none. Power everything, wood-grain interior, six-disc CD system, running boards, leather power seats and a multitude of other niceties greet those who step inside the spacious interior.
Options that make this model even more of a head-turning family mover included 20-inch chrome wheels, the "Convenience Package" that includes reverse back-up sensors and power quarter windows, a navigation system and rear DVD entertainment, and climate-controlled front seats that heat or cool your derriere.
WEAK ON POWER
From a power perspective, the Expedition EL is not quite as impressive as all its other attributes. The only engine available is the 300hp 5.4L V-8 found in Ford"s other full-size pickups and SUVs. Three-hundred horses sounds like a lot, but when they are trying to move three tons of SUV, especially towing an ATV trailer or pleasure boat, they aren"t enough. The EL"s power is adequate - but definitely not class-leading.
We noted the six-speed automatic tends to start in second gear, which really sucks the wind out of the Expedition"s acceleration sails. Only a very heavy right foot - or starting manually in 1st gear - gets the big SUV rolling along somewhat briskly from a dead stop. Compared to the new GM SUVs,
Fuel economy is another weakness; EPA numbers give it 14mpg in the city, 17mpg on the highway. We saw 11-12mpg around town and 16 on the open roads. Make use of its 8,750- pound tow capacity and you"ll be looking at single-digits.
THE PRICE OF BIG
On the plus side, you"ll be paying less for the new package. Ford has simplified the Expedition lineup to three trim levels - XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited - and reduced starting prices an average of $4,300. Base MSRPs for the 2007 Expedition range from $29,995 to $40,745. (Prices for comparable 2006 models range from $33,480 to $44,460.) The all-new Expedition EL is priced $2,650 above the comparably equipped base Expedition series.
All Expedition and Expedition EL models are available with 4x4 capability for an additional $2,900.
The new Expedition limited warranty - like all 2007 Ford brand products - begins with bumper- to-bumper coverage for three years or 36,000 miles and includes five years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage. The warranty is fully transferable and there are no deductibles. Complimentary roadside assistance is offered for the full duration of the warranty.
Our take is the 2007 Ford Expedition EL is its a consummate people and cargo mover that"s a big jump in quality and safety from the previous model. A big family in need of comfortable, safe, spacious transportation wouldn"t go wrong stepping up to the newest and biggest of Ford"s full-size SUVs.
