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2003 Ford Expedition

Date: 29 November 2002	Miles: 2,500
Those of you that are frequent viewers of MotorWeek probably recognize that our production crew often travels to events in a big SUV. In recent years that has been a Ford Excursion. But, for the next twelve months we've selected this all-new 2003 Ford Expedition for crew hauling duties. It really was an easy choice since there is so much that is innovative about the Expedition. It's the only full-size SUV with an independent rear suspension for amazingly agile handling. Our Eddie Bauer 4X4 has the power folding third seat that provides unmatched cargo convenience. The third seat is also easy to get to with flip folding second row seats. And, with the optional AdvanceTrac stability system, Expedition has class leading skid and rollover protection. So, Expedition is a natural for our long term test. So far we have logged about 2500 miles during its first 4 weeks with us. Fuel economy from its 5.4-liter 260-horsepower V-8 is improving with every tank, and currently stands at 14.8 miles per gallon. The only delivery problem we found is a front passenger door window. It bows out slightly at highway speed and won't roll up properly. It's due for an adjustment. Otherwise, this is the best handling, smoothest riding, most comfortable full-size SUV we've yet tried. We'll see if we are still high on the Expedition as its time with us quickly rolls buy.
Date: 08 February 2003	Miles: 9,600
You've heard us say before how much we like the advanced engineering of the 2003 Ford Expedition. It's the first full-size SUV with an independent rear suspension, side curtain airbags linked to rollover sensors, and a power fold third seat, just to hit the high hard ones. But what is it like to live with every day? Well, so far, good. We're impressed with the Expedition's ride, handling, security, and cargo flexibility. It has good power, too. Our Eddie Bauer's 5.4-liter V-8 is responsive, quiet, and has typical big-ute fuel economy of 14 miles per gallon after 4 months and 9,600 miles. Since last report we have noticed a whine from the rear differential that's worse between 50 and 60 miles per hour. Ford is aware of the problem and is seeking a cure.
Date: 04 April 2003	Miles: 14,000
If there was ever a time we needed an SUV with big power, big ground clearance, and a totally capable four-wheel drive system, it was during this year's Mid-Atlantic winter. While our near record snows did slow the Expedition a bit, it was the people mover that moved most of us the most. During all this, the 260-horsepower 5.4-liter V-8 turned past 14,000 miles. Fuel economy remained stable at 14 miles per gallon, despite lots of idling in gridlocked traffic. So, the next time that someone takes a pot-shot at big sport-utes, we'll stand up and say that this V8 Ford Expedition came through for us when it counted.
Date: 16 May 2003	Miles: 15,000
Our Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer has been with us since last October and has accumulated over 15,000 miles. This is our primary crew hauler, carrying more television equipment than any other load. To that end, being able to pop open the rear hatch glass to grab small items is a real plus. The power fold third row seats are a nice addition, too. Our Eddie Bauer rides and handles very well too, so sensitive items don't get jerked around. During the months of war-induced high fuel prices, we did cut back on short trips. So, fuel economy for our Expedition's 260-horsepower 5.4-liter V-8 held steady at 14 miles per gallon. Our gas budget also likes the fact it needs only regular grade. Otherwise, no new mechanical problems with this newest of Ford's market-leading SUVs, and one we recommend as outstanding to everyone looking for the most up-to-date big sport-ute available.
Date: 4 July 2003	Miles: 17,000
After driving nearly 17,000 miles in 8 months, through weather that ranged from two-foot New England snows, to Mid-Atlantic monsoons, to sultry southern summer heat and humidity, we've gotten to know our 2003 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4X4 pretty darn well. We know its 260-horsepower, 5.4-liter V-8 starts instantly, even during three months of overnight freezes. We know it can convert from an 8 passenger people mover to a long, tall, wide cargo hauler at the touch of a switch and the pull of a lever. We know this domestic stalwart is an effortless highway cruiser. Yet, with an all-independent suspension, handles better, both on and off-road, than most smaller SUVs. We also know it's not the most frugal SUV, with fuel economy of 14.0 miles per gallon. But, it is consistent, and unlike some smaller, imported SUVs that do no better, uses affordable regular grade gas. We also know it's loaded with luxury, yet it is a true truck, with gear whine, wind noise, and a few squeaks and creaks to confirm that. We know we are comfortable and secure behind the wheel at all times. And, while not perfect, we still think the Ford Expedition delivers more solid performance than any other full-size SUV. We just know it.
Date: 22 August 2003	Miles: 19,000
Coming up on 19,000 miles and 9 months doing duty with MotorWeek is our 2003 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x4. Coping with weather extremes is something the Expedition was born to do. You might remember us complaining about a rear end gear whine at highway speeds. Ford is aware of the problem, and in some cases dealers are replacing differentials under warranty. So if your Expedition is whining, have your dealer take a listen to it. Our Expedition is our primary crew and equipment hauler, and thus gets heavy use. So far the leather upholstery and soft carpet are holding up well. We wonder if Ford has come up with some secret slob-proof coating that we don't know about. This bodes well we think for real world, family use. We love the response of the 260 horsepower, 5.4-liter, Triton V-8. Mileage is still rock solid at 14.1 miles per gallon. While that sounds on the low side, this is a full size, 8-passenger SUV, and about par for its class. And when it comes to hauling big over long distances with great comfort, the Expedition is still tops in our book.
Date: 1 November 2003	Miles: 21,000
Last winter we picked the 2003 Ford Expedition as Best Family Sport-Utility Vehicle for our annual Drivers' Choice Awards. We were impressed by such segment-leading features as an all-independent rear suspension and electric fold-into-the-floor third seats. Now, after having lived with our Eddie Bauer 4X4 Expedition for 12 months and 21,000 miles, we can say that those features only begin to illustrate why the Expedition is so popular. From day one we liked the Expedition's comfy interior, its ride, on-road and off, the strength of its 260-horsepower 5.4-liter Triton V-8, and its ability to wage war with the hard winter of 2003 and come out unstuck. We never expected this 8-passenger ute to be fuel stingy and it isn't. But the total test economy of 14.1 miles per gallon of regular gas is in line with government estimates of 13 City/17 Highway, and pretty much on par with others in its class. Now, over a year we were bound to find some warts. For one, interior fabrics are rather soft and prone to wear rapidly. For another, shortly after delivery our Expedition developed a driveline whine that has led to a replacement of the rear differential for many customers. On the other hand, there were no starting problems, no drivability problems, and no electrical gremlins. It never failed to perform from the first day with us to its last. That's what makes the Ford Expedition a true winner with us.