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2002 Ford Expedition Road Test
Date Published: 11/23/08
Also in the 2002 Ford Expedition Review:
1.
2.
Ford Expedition Road Test
3.
4.
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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
Rear-drive models have a stable, relatively soft ride. Expedition and Navigator 4x4s are stiffer and jiggle more, but aren't jarring.
| 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
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.
| 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
Wind and road noise well-muffled, as is engine thrash except in hard acceleration.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Also in the 2002 Ford Expedition Review:
1.
2.
Ford Expedition Road Test
3.
4.
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