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Ford Expedition wagon acts agile despite the full-size bulk
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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HOT SPRINGS, Va. -- A ridgeback route carved through Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains consists of an incessant sequence of snaky curves which impede forward progress and demand constant attention from a driver to keep all wheels of a vehicle glued to the pavement.
What's needed to make fast tracks on such a twisty road would be some little sports machine with low center of gravity and tight steering system so you could string together a charge through the apexes with agile movements to check off one after the next tight corner and zip on down the highway.
What's at hand for this trek on a warped route happens to be the antithesis of a sports car, however -- a big-size sport-utility wagon that's in a class of vehicles generally not recognized for nimble handling nor quick maneuvering in alpine terrain.
As a rule, the typical bulky sport-ute may be great for hauling all kinds of equipment as well as all in the family, but it works best when pointed in a straight line and takes on a set of road curves with all of the dexterity of a hippopotamus.
Yet the SUV for this run across Virginia's mountains -- Ford's big Expedition wagon in deluxe Eddie Bauer trim -- defied the Rule of the Hippo because it deftly managed to hang tightly through all road bends, checking excess body roll and maintaining a sure-footed stance despite its twin-ton bulk and a body length stretched to 17 feet.
Consider Expedition the gazelle of big sport-utes, as it possesses uncommon agility which translates into a friendly attitude directed toward the driver.
Expedition comes from the Ford Truck Division of Ford Motor Company and builds on strengths of Ford's best-selling full-size F-150 pickup. Add the framework for a big wagon to the truck's chassis, then apply a muscular engine and traction options plus many comfort features, and the result turns into the country's best-selling full-size sport-ute.
Expedition measures about ten percent larger in volume than Ford's compact-class Explorer wagon and it totes one of two V8 engines, either a rear-wheel-drive or 4x4 traction mechanism, seats for as many as nine passengers, several suspension packages including rigging for hauling a heavy trailer, and trim levels of XLT and Eddie Bauer.
The cockpit contains front bucket seats or a 3-person bench followed by a second-tier split bench for up to three. Behind the second row, Expedition has a spacious cargo bay accessed by flip-up tailgate, but here you may add an optional third bench to tote even more riders.
That fold-flat third seat, constructed with an aluminum frame and weighing 72 pounds, locks in place but can be rolled out quickly with a helping hand.
Expedition's ride quality seems superior for a SUV wagon, thanks to sophisticated suspension components with independent front short and 1ong arm arrangement and a 5-link rear axle with coil springs and stabilizer bar added. On pavement the wagon feels firm but like a refined car, while off-road in the 4x4 through dust and mud alike it's extremely sure-footed.
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 a parking lot, while at higher speed on the road less power is added so the wagon responds for turning with only a slight touch to the steering wheel.
Models for 1999 bring a few exterior modifications, like new front chrome grillework, and some functional improvements, such as more power for the two engines.
The standard Expedition plant, Ford's overhead-cam 4.6-liter Triton V8, increases performance this year from 215 to 240 hp and puts a definite kick in the 2-wheel-drive version for off-the-line action while still mustering relatively high fuel economy numbers. Its boost in power was achieved by redesigning ports in the cylinder heads, fine tuning for intake and exhaust manifolds, then honing profiles of the cam shafts.
Likewise, output for Expedition's optional 5.4-liter V8 rose from 230 to 260 hp and it develops high torque now at relatively low engine speeds.
Increased power and torque ratings for the bigger engine make it the best choice for towing a trailer. Maximum trailer weight exceeds four tons when using the rear-wheel traction mode.
Both plants link to excellent 4-speed automatic Ford transmissions, which shift with quiet and unobtrusive manners. A transmission high-gear lockout switch set as a button in the tip of the column-mounted shift lever enables a driver to downshift with only the tap of a thumb, which becomes a handy tool when passing another vehicle or checking speed on a downhill grade.
Ford's optional Control Trac 4-wheel-drive system has a control knob on the dashboard for dialing up a driving mode, from rear 2-wheel traction to 4-wheel high and low or automatic all-wheel-drive. For pavement ventures the system seamlessly distributes traction to wheels that grip, but when heading off-road the 4WD high and low system locks the differential and applies torque evenly to all wheels.
A new option for current Expedition models concerns the positioning of accelerator and brake pedals: They may now be moved fore or aft through a power-operated mechanism to improve fit to a driver's feet. The feature will appeal particularly to those with short or long legs.
Throughout the cabin, car-like details for comfort and practicality may be found -- from cup holders and multiple support handles to hooks and handy levers.
Expedition's two trim levels segment the wagon by function, appearance and the array of comforts aboard.
The XLT version shows more chrome accessories outside in an obvious supplication to truck users. Inside, cloth upholstery covers seats, with leather accents and items like front center floor console available optionally.
A front bench seat for XLT now splits in 40/60 ratio and puts 6-way power adjustments on the driver's side.
The Eddie Bauer top trim provides subdued color-keyed exterior tones and an interior with leather seat upholstery, front bucket seats and consoles for floor and roof, plus many standard luxury elements, including a new 6-disc CD deck and a numeric keypad on the driver's door handle which permits keyless entry after punching up a pre-programmed personal identification number. Also, a new electronic automatic temperature controller for the climate system will maintain a particular cabin temperature as selected by the driver.
New options range from heated exterior mirrors to fog lamps for XLT, heated front seats and the adjustable pedals.
1999 FORD EXPEDITION WAGON
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 1999 FORD EXPEDITION Specs |
| Description: |
Full-size SUV |
| Model Options: |
Full-size SUV |
| Wheelbase: |
119.1 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: |
Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Rear, 4x4 |
| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
4.6-L 4x2: 14/19 mpg
4.6-L 4x4: 13/18 mpg
5.4-L 4x2: 13/18 mpg
5.4-L 4x4: 12/16 mpg |
| Price: |
$ 29,370 to $ 41,950 |
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