My First Repeat Purchase Of An Automobile.

Author's Rating:

Pros: Reliable, roomy, fun to drive, powerful.

Cons: Expensive, requires some effort to get in and out (running board step).

Handling And Control:

The Bottom Line: 
The Ford Expedition is an excellent family vehicle, allowing for 8 passengers. Handles well. Comfortable.

Author's Review
Every year or two, I decide that it's time to purchase a new car. My wife and I have owned several car models, and two motorcycles. Our last car was a 1997 Eddie Bauer Ford Expedition. This was a program car that we got a good deal on. We quickly racked up 50,000 miles on it, in just over a year. Last month, we decided to shop around for another SUV. We looked at the Dodge Durango, the Envoy, and a few other vehicles. However, we eventually ended up back at Ford, looking at the 2001 Expedition XLT. We bought it the same day. I guess when you find something you like, it's best just to stick with it.

Seating
The Eddie Bauer model we owned did not have a third row seat. The salesman stated that the third row is now standard in the Expedition. The extra seat allows for comfortable seating for eight passengers. The third row is accessed by folding down the short seat on the passenger side of the truck. Because the third seat sits up higher than the front two rows, the leg room is much more limited. However, it still allows enough room for average size riders to remain comfortable. It is an added benefit knowing you can carry extra riders, with everyone in a seatbelt.

Climate Controls
The Eddie Bauer Edition had a sunroof, which meant that there were no rear climate controls. I find this to be one of my favorite features. During the past few HOT weeks, the XLT seemed to cool down faster than my Eddie Bauer model did. The rear climate controls have vents in the second and third rows. The rear climate controls can be shut off from the main control switch that the driver operates, just in case you have young children that think it's fun to run the heater during Summer months!

Engine
The Eddie Bauer has a larger engine, sporting the 5.4L Triton 8-cylinder engine. The XLT has a smaller (more fuel efficient) 4.6L 8-cylinder engine. Both models are 4-wheel drive. I have not experienced a noticeable loss of power with the XLT, but have not taken either vehicle "four wheeling." I have ample power for passing. I towed my motorcycle and trailer on the Eddie Bauer model, with no noticeable lugging on the engine. The XLT does not come with a tow bar, and I haven't installed one yet. I believe that I may notice the difference in engine strength once I start using the truck for towing. Other than that, the power is more than sufficient for normal driving. I have been getting around 13 or 14 MPG in the city, and around 17 or 18 MPG on the highway.

Radio Controls
The Ford Expedition comes with a decent stock sound system. I am not a power freak when it comes to speakers. As long as I can hear my music at a moderate level, without distortion, I am satisfied. The Ford Expedition delivers on this point. The sound system also comes equipped with a six CD changer. The CD changer is located in the center console, which is much larger than the older models. Ford removed the armrests which were installed on the older models, and extended the width of the center console to compensate. This allows for several additional CDs, other than the ones located inside the CD changer. The old center console did not even have enough room for the six CD jewels for the CD's inside the changer.

The radio has rear controls, located on the back of the center console. These controls adjust volume, and change radio stations. It can be very irritating when a youngster realizes that they can change your station with their toes, while your tooling down the road listening to your favorite LRB song. BUT...you can shut off the rear controls by pushing two of the pre-set buttons on the radio, simultaneously.

Remote Access
The Ford Expedition XLT comes with two remote control buttons, that allow you to lock or unlock the truck from a distance away. I have tested it from inside the house, and have successfully unlocked the truck. They claim that the controls are unique. There is also a keyless entry pad located beneath the driver's side door handle, which contains five buttons, with the numbers 1 through 10 (two numbers per pad). The vehicle comes with a password, that allows you to unlock the door with a combination. A great feature in case you lock yourself out. I'm still not sure where I stand on that issue as far as security goes, but I figure it would be quicker to break the window to steal a car, than try and figure out the password.

Comfort
I liked the armrests that the older models of the Expedition had on them. However, I have adjusted my ride to allow for resting on the center console. The seats are very comfortable, and are great for long rides. I prefer the cloth seats of the XLT to the leather interior on the Eddie Bauer, because leather is VERY cold in the Winter and VERY hot in the Summer. The climate controls are efficient, the mirrors adjust easily, and the seats have numerous settings to get that "just right" position. In case you find the comfortable seat position, and find yourself short of the gas and brake pedals...they have an adjustment for those as well. Just pusht the button, and they'll come to meet you.

Handling
When discussing SUV's, you would expect to hear how they handle off-road. However, I do not intend to drive mine off road. I got a 4-wheel drive vehicle to handle the sometimes treacherous Winter storms we get up North. Since I have only owned this model for two months now, I have not driven it in heavy snow. However, I have driven over the rough post-Winter pot-holed roads in my area, and it has handled the bumps well. Smooth as glass? No. Yet still comfortable. The vehicle corners well for a top-heavy SUV, and accelerates smoothly, except on steep inclines.

Car Seats
I still have one child in a carseat. I have found the Ford Expedition to be one of the best vehicles I've owned in regards to installing/removing carseats.

Overall Impression
I have been happy with the Ford Expedition. I think that the highest compliment that an automobile manufacturer can receive is to have a customer duplicate their purchase. I have never owned a Ford product prior to the Ford Expedition, but have become a believer, at least in this model. The Ford Expedition costs a little bit more than some of the models in it's class, and less than others. The market has become flooded with SUV's, with everyone getting in on the action. In fact, four classes of SUV's have emerged, mirroring the car market. However, Ford Expedition is among the oldest and most time-proven models of SUV on the road. As long as my Goodyear tires hold out, I'll be happy with my purchase.