2003 Ford Expedition
Expert Review

The Ford Expedition full-size sport-utility vehicle has been revamped so nicely for 2003 that it's a—not to pun—big improvement over its more truckish predecessor.

The $30,555-$41,195 Expedition continues to come with rear-drive or a sophisticated new 4-wheel drive system—and is similar in many respects to the costlier, more upscale Lincoln Navigator. Too bad you can't get the Navigator's power running boards and power tailgate.

The mildly restyled, handsome Expedition is sized between the mid-size Ford Explorer and huge Ford Excursion, and drives much like the Explorer.

The Expedition has been popular since its debut in 1997, but it was marginal in key areas because it was based on Ford's F-Series pickup truck. For instance, the steering was vague and the ride wasn't very good.

Major Improvements
Such improvements as more precise new rack-and-pinion steering and an independent rear suspension that replaces the old solid-rear-axle setup have cured those faults—and significantly improved handling on marginal roads.

The new compact rear suspension also has appreciably opened up legroom in the standard third-row seat; several tall adults now can fit fairly comfortably back there. Shared with the Navigator, this is the first independent rear suspension on a full-size sport-utility vehicle.

Many people haul big things with full-size sport-utes. The new suspension benefits such folks in that it has a higher axle weight rating, contributing to the 2003 Expedition's enhanced tow rating of 8,900 pounds.

Still a Monster
The new Expedition, which is slightly larger than the old one, remains a monster-size sport-ute that weighs from 5,267 to 5,686 pounds. Many owners will have to fold the big outside mirrors back against the door glass to allow more side clearance and to prevent them from being damaged when, say, pulling into a garage.

And, speaking of parking the Expedition, the available rear-obstacle detection system is a "must" when backing up—unless you have the skills of a professional big rig truck driver.

But those are just a few of the drawbacks of "living large" with a vehicle such as the Expedition.

Fuel Thirsty
Another drawback will show up on gasoline credit card bills because this sport-ute only delivers an estimated 14 to15 mpg in the city and 17 to 19 on the highway. Actually, the 19 mpg figure isn't half bad, considering the size and weight of this Ford truck—if owners are able to attain it during real-world driving.

Besides quick steering, the Expedition has fairly athletic moves. The ride occasionally jiggles, but it generally is smooth—helped by a long 119-inch wheelbase. The upgraded brakes have a new brake assist feature to shorten stopping distances in emergency situations.

Power Fold-Down Seat
The more rigidly built Expedition has such items as an industry-first power fold-down third-row 60/40 split seat, which is a feature shared with the Navigator. You can fold the seat sections up or down independently, at the push of a button at the rear.

That seat is a $455 option for the top-line Eddie Bauer trim, as are $625 climate-controlled front seats that heat in the winter and cool you in the summer.

The second-row seats also fold flat to create a spacious cargo area that is 1.3 inches wider than before. Thus, with that folding third seat, there's no need to remove heavy, bulky seats to obtain more cargo space.

However, there isn't much cargo room with the second- and third-row seats in their normal position.

Variety of Trims
There seems to be an Expedition trim for everyone. The entry trim is the XLT Value—followed by the XLT Popular, XLT Premium and Eddie Bauer versions.

Even the XLT Value rear-drive trim has a lot of equipment, including front air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, cruise control and power driver seat, windows, door locks and mirrors. Also standard are power-adjustable pedals, keyless entry and AM/FM/cassette.

Sophisticated All-Wheel Drive
The sophisticated ControlTrac four-wheel-drive system can be left engaged on dry roads and has low-range gearing for off-road use. It provides four settings selectable through a rotary switch on the instrument panel. The "A4WD" setting is best for a mix of driving conditions because it offers 2-wheel drive on dry pavement and 4-wheel-drive capabilities in slippery or off-road conditions.

A $795 AdvanceTrac electronic traction control system monitors traction at all wheels and automatically maintains stability while cornering on slippery surfaces. It works especially well with the 4-wheel drive system. With both ControlTrac and AdvanceTrac, the Expedition can confidently power its way out of such things as deep snowdrifts.

Those who don't want 4-wheel drive can get a rear-drive Expedition with AdvanceTrack and still experience good grip on slippery roads.

Airbags for Rollovers
Among safety features are $580 front- and second-row curtain side airbags, which are designed to deploy during side collisions and rollover accidents.

A $150 tire pressure monitor for XLT Premium and Eddie Bauer trims warns if there are seriously under inflated tires, but it isn't offered for other Expedition trims.

Room for Nine
The Expedition has three rows of reconfigurable seating and room for up to nine occupants if you get a front bench seat. Entry and exit call for extra effort because this sport-ute stands tall and its running boards are virtually useless for those with large shoe sizes.

The quiet interior contains a nicely designed dashboard, with gauges that can be read quickly. However, some controls are rather small.

Front seats are supportive, and there is plenty of leg room for second- and third-row occupants.

Child-Friendly Feature
Here's another "first" for a full-size sport-utility: The second-row bench seat has a sliding center section that can be moved up to 11 inches to give a front-seat passenger easy access to a young child.

The second row is available in a 40/20/40 bench configuration, or with two "captain's chairs" and a fairly wide walk-through center passage.

Two Engines
Two engines are offered. There is a 4.6-liter V8 with 232 horsepower and a stronger 5.4-liter V8 producing 260 horsepower and considerably more torque. The 4.6 can feel overworked, but the 5.4 generally does fine. However, a larger 300-horsepower V8 would be appreciated.

A 5-speed automatic transmission also would be nice, but at least the Expedition's 4-speed automatic is responsive.

In all, the new Expedition is one of the most appealing big sport-utility vehicles and promises to be more popular than ever with the full-size sport-ute crowd.