2000 Ford Expedition Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2000 Ford Expedition includes a full evaluation of the 2000 Ford Expedition from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2000 Ford Expedition, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2000 Ford Expedition help you decide if a 2000 Ford Expedition is right for you.

2000 Ford Expedition Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (5.4-liter)	Fuel economy

Passenger and cargo room	Entry/exit (4WD models)

Visibility

Towing ability

Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

XLT 2WD, 4.6 V8	Eddie Bauer 4WD, 5.4 V8	Class Average
3	4	3.5

The 4.6 is okay in the Expedition, but for heavy towing and really robust acceleration, the 5.4 is the choice. Navigator's stronger engine is fighting more weight, so it's little quicker.

Fuel Economy

XLT 2WD, 4.6 V8	Eddie Bauer 4WD, 5.4 V8	Class Average
3	2	2.3

Our test 4.6-liter 2WD Expedition averaged 14.3 mpg; a 5.4-liter 4WD returned a sobering 12.0 mpg, which was virtually mirrored by a similar Navigator.

Ride Quality

XLT 2WD, 4.6 V8	Eddie Bauer 4WD, 5.4 V8	Class Average
6	4	4.2

Rear-drive models have a stable, relatively soft ride. Expedition and Navigator 4x4s are stiffer and jiggle more, but aren't jarring.

Steering/Handling/Braking

XLT 2WD, 4.6 V8	Eddie Bauer 4WD, 5.4 V8	Class Average
3	3	3

Expedition and Navigator aren't agile, but they're easy enough to drive for their size. Body lean is modest as long as cornering speeds are.

Quietness

XLT 2WD, 4.6 V8	Eddie Bauer 4WD, 5.4 V8	Class Average
6	6	4.6

Wind and road noise are well muffled, as is engine thrash except in hard acceleration.

Controls

XLT 2WD, 4.6 V8	Eddie Bauer 4WD, 5.4 V8	Class Average
7	7	6

Navigator has fancier standard trim but the same user-friendly dashboard design as Expedition.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

XLT 2WD, 4.6 V8	Eddie Bauer 4WD, 5.4 V8	Class Average
9	9	8.4

Stretch-out room in all directions for even the largest occupants.

Room/Comfort (rear)

XLT 2WD, 4.6 V8	Eddie Bauer 4WD, 5.4 V8	Class Average
9	9	8

Wide enough for comfortable three-across adult seating, and a nearly flat floor means no one straddles a hump. The third-row seat is Crampsville for adults.

Cargo Room

XLT 2WD, 4.6 V8	Eddie Bauer 4WD, 5.4 V8	Class Average
9	9	8.8

Cargo room is cavernous without the third seat, skimpy with it in place. Both the second- and third-row seats fold and remove. Heavy liftgate is a chore to use. Front-cabin storage space is plentiful.

Value within Class

XLT 2WD, 4.6 V8	Eddie Bauer 4WD, 5.4 V8	Class Average
5	5	3

Expedition and Navigator have strong new rivals in the redesigned 2000 Suburban and Yukon XL, while the new, slightly smaller Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon may also draw away some sales. Expedition is our Best Buy value of the bunch, however, and all that competition should be to your benefit when negotiating a deal.

Total Score