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Ford Expedition expands sport-utility wagon space, features
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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The paved route over Alaska's rugged Kenai Peninsula stretches down from Anchorage to Seward through the Chugach National Forest, where moose and bear outnumber motorists and summer showers create slippery roads best traveled in a vehicle equipped with non-skid 4-wheel-drive traction.
Vehicle of choice during a recent Kenai crossing stocked not only an all-wheel-drive system which distributed power selectively yet automatically to any of four wheels with grip, but also, with the simple flick of a dashboard switch, evenly balanced 4-wheel high or low ranges for venturing off pavement through dirt and mud -- or across some of Alaska's residual glacial ice.
This machine toted a hunky powerplant rigged with eight cylinders, plus an athletic suspension system designed to move it over off-road obstacles without upsetting riders ensconced in the genteel passenger compartment.
Four access doors and three tiers of seats created comfortable accommodations for as many as seven people, and still there was more room in the back bay for personal gear.
Check out that cabin, packed with refinements of a fine sedan, and one fact becomes clear: Ford's new sport-utility wagon seems as big as Alaska's outdoors.
It bears an appropriate name -- Expedition.
As a new full-size wagon built upon Ford's revamped F-150 pickup truck chassis, Expedition measures ten percent larger than Ford Explorer, best-selling SUV in the world.
Expedition offers a choice of two V8 engines, either rear-drive or 4x4 traction, seating for up to seven, several suspension packages including rigging for hauling a heavy trailer load, plus trim levels of LXT and Eddie Bauer.
Even in base 2WD LXT version, Expedition contains the conveniences and comforts of a luxury car.
And it's a dream to drive, even in the wilds of Alaska.
My Alaskan tests consisted of time behind the wheel of each of four editions, which included combinations of 4x2 and 4x4 traction plus the two engines. Driving conditions ranged from Kenai's rain-slick pavement over Moose Pass on the mountainous Seward Highway to steep pitches of dirt and rock of an off-road course near the Kink Arm of Cook Inlet, plus citified streets and freeways around Anchorage.
Through these seat-time experiences spanning multiple days, Expedition with its spacious comforts and athletic personality captured the driver's respect.
Despite full-size dimensions with wheelbase extended three yards and an overall length of 17 feet, Expedition feels lively and easy to maneuver, even in the confines of a parking lot.
Driver and riders perch high in form-fitting seats, and with generous expanses of window glass wrapping the cabin, visibility appears superb. Yet the entire package measures only slightly more than six feet tall, so Expedition will fit easily in a standard home garage, unlike some existing 7-passenger behemoths.
Expedition also provides safety equipment previously never toted in this king-size class of wagon -- such as twin airbags for front seat riders.
Check out the new exterior package and you'll realize the design evokes vague images of Explorer. It's round and muscular in front with crisp wrap-around bumper, horizontal grille and aero-style headlamps.
Inside, more curves come from a highly functional dash design, which integrates easy-to-view and easy-to-reach instruments and controls in a system that houses the dual airbags and mounts through a unique cross-truck beam welded to frame for no-squeak durability.
Throughout the cabin, car-like details for comfort and practicality may be found -- from cupholders and multiple support handles to hooks and handy levers.
The cockpit contains twin front bucket seats followed by a second-tier split bench for up to three.
Behind this second seat, Expedition has a spacious cargo bay accessed by flip-up tailgate, but here you may add an optional third-row bench for two. That third seat, constructed with an aluminum frame and weighing 72 pounds, locks into place using floor clamps but can be removed quickly with assistance from a helping hand.
Expedition's ride quality seems superior for a SUV wagon, thanks to sophisticated new suspension components with front short and 1ong arm arrangement and a 5-link rear axle with coil springs and stabilizer bar added. On pavement the wagon's drive quality feels firm but like a refined car, while off-road in the 4x4 through dust and mud alike it's extremely sure-footed.
Expedition's optional Control Trac 4-wheel-drive device, employed for pavement ventures, automatically distributes traction to wheels that grip.
For off-road maneuvers, a 4WD high and low system locks the differential and applies torque evenly to all wheels.
A power mechanism of the steering system relates to vehicular speed so you get more assistance for turning the wheel at low speed, like in that parking lot, while at speed on the road less power is added so the wagon responds for turning with only a slight touch to steering wheel.
For power, Expedition delivers.
As standard plant, Ford's single-cam 4.6-liter Triton V8 pumps 215 hp and earns the highest fuel economy numbers. An optional 5.4-liter V8 reaches 230 hp and develops high torque at relatively low engine speeds, making it the choice for towing a trailer weighing up to four tons.
Both engines use an excellent 4-speed automatic transmission which shifts in quiet and unobtrusive manner.
Expedition's two trim levels segment the wagon by function, appearance and array of comforts aboard.
Expedition LXT adds more chrome accessories outside in an obvious appeal to truck users. Inside, cloth upholstery covers seats, with leather accents applied and items like front center floor console available optionally.
The Eddie Bauer top trim with subdued color-keyed exterior elements may appeal more to car consumers. Its interior contains leather seat upholstery, front consoles on floor and roof, and more luxury elements.
Options extend from auxiliary interior climate controls and additional audio packages to the 4-wheel-drive systems, off-road gear and a remarkable 4x4 4-corner load leveling apparatus which evens out the ride when traveling off-road.
1997 FORD EXPEDITION
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 1997 FORD EXPEDITION Specs |
| Description: |
Full-size SUV |
| Model Options: |
Full-size SUV |
| Wheelbase: |
119.0 inches |
| Overall Length: |
204.6 inches
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| Engine Size: |
SOHC 4.6-L V8
SOHC 5.4-L V8
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| Transmission: |
Manual/5, Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Rear, 4x4 |
| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
4.6-L 4x2: 14/20 mpg
4.6-L 4x4: 14/18 mpg
5.4-L 4x2: 13/18 mpg
5.4-L 4x4: 13/17 mpg |
| Price: |
$ 28,000 to $ 35,000 |
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