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2002 Ford Expedition Road Test
Date Published: 11/23/08
Our road test for the 2002 Ford Expedition includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Ford Expedition from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Ford Expedition, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Ford Expedition help you decide if a 2002 Ford Expedition is right for you.
2002 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 3.9

The 4.6 is OK in Expedition, but the 5.4 is a better choice, especially if you tow. Navigator's 300-hp 5.4 is fighting more weight, so it's not much quicker than Expedition's 260-hp version.
Fuel Economy

XLT 2WD, 4.6 V8 Eddie Bauer 4WD, 5.4 V8 Class Average
3 2 2.1

Test 4.6-liter 2WD Expedition averaged 14.3 mpg; a 5.4-liter 4WD returned a sobering 12.0 mpg, similar to our test Navigator. Ford recommends regular fuel for Expedition. Lincoln recommends premium for Navigator.
Ride Quality

XLT 2WD, 4.6 V8 Eddie Bauer 4WD, 5.4 V8 Class Average
6 4 4.8

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 2.7

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. Brakes provide adequate but unexceptional stopping power.
Quietness

XLT 2WD, 4.6 V8 Eddie Bauer 4WD, 5.4 V8 Class Average
6 6 5.2

Wind and road noise 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 6.5

Navigator has fancier standard trim but same user-friendly dashboard design as Expedition. Most test examples have had impressively solid build quality, but our last test Navigator suffered ill-fitting interior trim.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

XLT 2WD, 4.6 V8 Eddie Bauer 4WD, 5.4 V8 Class Average
9 9 8.5

Plenty of stretch-out room in all directions for even the largest occupants. But these tall SUVs have a higher step-in than General Motors' full-size SUVs.
Room/Comfort (rear)

XLT 2WD, 4.6 V8 Eddie Bauer 4WD, 5.4 V8 Class Average
9 9 8.3

Wide enough for comfortable three-across adult seating, and a nearly flat floor means no one straddles a hump. The 3rd-row seat is cramped for adults.
Cargo Room

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

Cargo room cavernous without the 3rd-row seat, skimpy with it in place. Both 2nd- and 3rd-row seats fold and remove. Heavy liftgate is a chore to use. Cabin storage space plentiful.
Value within Class

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

Chevrolet's Tahoe and Suburban rate as Best Buys, but Expedition is also a good choice in a full-size SUV. The costlier Navigator isn't as strong a value, though it offers some luxury options unavailable on Expedition.
Total Score

XLT 2WD, 4.6 V8 Eddie Bauer 4WD, 5.4 V8 Class Average
62 60 56.8
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
48
Average Score
56
High Score
65
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