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2000 Ford Expedition Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
2000 Ford Expedition Review
Second-row bucket seats, front side airbags, and a Reverse Sensing System are among new options for America's best-selling full-size SUV. Expedition, the basis for the luxury Lincoln Navigator, is slightly smaller than the Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL.
Expedition offers XLT and Eddie Bauer models. Front bucket seats are standard on Eddie Bauer and optional on XLT in place of a front bench. Three-passenger second- and third row bench seats are standard on both. Newly optional on Eddie Bauers is a pair of second-row buckets (without a center console).
XLTs and 2-wheel-drive Eddie Bauers come with a 4.6-liter V8. Optional on those models and standard on 4WD Eddie Bauers is a 5.4-liter V8. Both are overhead-cam designs and team with automatic transmission. Expedition's 4WD system can be left engaged on dry pavement and has low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Maximum towing capacity is 8000 pounds.
Among other 2000 changes: power adjustable gas and brake pedals are standard instead of optional, the front center console is wider, and the radio antenna moves from the front fender to within the right rear glass. A power sunroof is now optional on XLT as well as on Eddie Bauer, and the available outside mirrors with integrated turn-signal indicators are modified to include heated glass.
Competition
Though this segment has cooled somewhat with the rise in fuel prices, it's still one of the hottest. Our Best Buy is the Ford Expedition. We love the size, comfort, and power of this big SUV. Hot on its heels are the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. We were very impressed with these vehicles initially, and when we have more time to fully evaluate them we expect them to be Best Buys as well.
For a few more bucks you can get the highly recommended Toyota Land Cruiser. Its high price is the only thing holding back this refined and drivable SUV.



News
The 2002 issue of Ford's next-to-largest sport-utility is slated to get a heavy facelift providing greater differentiation with the Lincoln Navigator, the Expedition's bucks-up cousin. At the same, both SUVs will exchange solid rear axles for a new fully independent suspension, doubtless modeled on that of the revised 2001 Ford Explorer. Due for '03 is a revised version of the 5.4-liter Triton V8, with a new three-valve cylinder head (versus two valves per cylinder) that reportedly reduces emissions while increasing power and torque. Also on tap for '03 is a new 5-speed automatic transmission as standard or optional for all engines.
Meantime, Expedition posted a slight sales increase in calendar 1999 vs. '98, moving past 233,000. The pace slowed, however, in the first four months of the current year.
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

XLT 2WD, 4.6 V8 Eddie Bauer 4WD, 5.4 V8 Class Average
60 58 51.8
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
44
Average Score
51
High Score
62
2000 Ford Expedition Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/24/2000
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
XLT 4-door wagon, 2WD $29,845 $26,078 $690
XLT 4-door wagon, 4WD $32,715 $28,518 $690
Eddie Bauer 4-door wagon, 2WD $36,135 $31,425 $690
Eddie Bauer 4-door wagon, 4WD $39,885 $34,615 $690
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
XLT
Powertrain
4.6-liter V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front air conditioning, rear heat ducts, variable-assist power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, front cloth 40/60 split bench seat, 6-way power driver seat w/manual lumbar support, second-row split-folding-reclining bench seat, third row bench seat, cupholders, power-adjustable pedals w/memory, power mirrors, power front windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, key pad entry, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, map lights, passenger-side visor mirror, speed-sensitive intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear liftgate with flip-up glass, roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4-lead trailer harness, full-size spare tire, 255/70R16 tires, styled steel wheels, 4WD adds: Control Trac full-time 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks, 30-gallon fuel tank.
Eddie Bauer adds to XLT:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, rear air conditioning and heater, leather upholstery, front captain chairs with manual lumbar support, driver seat memory, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front storage console (rear radio controls and headphone jacks, air conditioning/heater vent), overhead storage console (trip computer, compass, sunglass/garage door opener holder), heated power mirrors w/memory, automatic day/night rearview mirror, Mach audio system, illuminated visor mirrors, rear reading lights, power rear-quarter windows, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, illuminated running boards, outside-mirror mounted turn signal lights, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
275/60R17 white-letter tires, chrome alloy wheels, 4WD adds: Control Trac full-time 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 5.4-liter V8 engine, front tow hooks, 30-gallon fuel tank, 265/70R17 all-terrain white-letter tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Comfort/Convenience Pkg.
XLT
$2,200
$1,870
Captain's chairs, floor console, rear air conditioning and heater, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, rear privacy glass, illuminated running boards.
Premium Sport Appearance Group
XLT 2WD
$1,295
$1,101
XLT 4WD
$1,395
$1,186
Captain's chairs, color-keyed bumpers and grille, side step bars, wheel lip moldings, fog lights, skid plates (4WD), 275/60R17 white-letter tires (2WD), 265/70R17 all-terrain white-letter tires, chrome steel wheels. Requires Comfort/Convenience Group.
Class III Trailer Tow Group
2WD
$880
$748
4WD
$390
$332
7-pin trailer wiring harness, frame-mounted hitch, auxiliary transmission-oil cooler, super engine cooling, heavy-duty battery, rear load-leveling suspension (2WD).
Powertrain
5.4-liter V8 engine
XLT, Eddie Bauer 2WD
$695
$591
Limited-slip differential
Eddie Bauer, XLT
$255
$217
NA XLT 4WD with 4.6-liter engine.
Safety
Front side-impact airbags
Eddie Bauer, XLT
$395
$335
XLT requires Comfort/Convenience Pkg.
Reverse Sensing System
Eddie Bauer, XLT
$245
$206
Requires front side-airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated mirrors
XLT
$50
$43
Eddie Bauer (credit)
$-45
$-38
Deletes outside-mirror mounted turn signal lights on Eddie Bauer.
Power sunroof
Eddie Bauer, XLT
$800
$680
XLT requires Premium Sport Appearance Group.
Heated front seats
Eddie Bauer
$295
$251
Leather captain's chairs
XLT
$1,360
$1,156
Folding third-row seat delete
XLT (credit)
$-640
$-544
Second row captain's chairs
Eddie Bauer
$795
$676
AM/FM/CD player
XLT
$100
$85
6-disc CD changer
Eddie Bauer, XLT
$495
$421
Eddie Bauer
$495
$421
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
Eddie Bauer, XLT
$35
$30
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Load-leveling suspension
4WD
$815
$692
Skid plates
4WD
$105
$89
255/70R16 all-terrain white-letter tires
XLT
$230
$196
Alloy wheels
XLT
$250
$213
Requires 265/70R17 all-terrain white-letter tires.
2000 Ford Expedition Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Ford Expedition 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 119.1
Overall Length, in. 204.6
Overall Width, in. 78.6
Overall Height, in. 76.6
Curb Weight, lbs. 5198
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 118.3
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 26.0
Seating Capacity 9
Front Head Room, in. 39.8
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 40.9
Rear Head Room, in. 39.8
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 38.9
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  sohc V8 sohc V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 4.6 /281 5.4 /330
Horsepower @ rpm. 240 @ 4750 260 @ 4500
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 293 @ 3500 345 @ 2300
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
4-speed automatic 13/18 13/18
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Ford Expedition 4-door wagon
Collision 4
Collision (HLDI) 78
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 4
Injury 5
Injury (HLDI) 62
Theft 2
Theft (HLDI) 160
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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