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2002 Ford Expedition Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2002 Ford Expedition Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2002 Ford Expedition Review
The smaller of Ford's two full-size SUVs sees only detail changes for 2002, with a redesigned version due in late spring as an early 2003 model. Expedition shares its design with the Lincoln Navigator, which offers more luxury features and a more-powerful engine, and likewise is redesigned for '03. Expedition is available in XLT and Eddie Bauer trim levels, with front bench or bucket seats. Three-passenger 2nd- and 3rd-row benches are standard, 2nd-row buckets are optional. Power adjustable gas and brake pedals are standard. Available engines are V8s of 4.6 or 5.4 liters, teamed only with automatic transmission. Expedition is offered with rear-wheel drive or Ford's Control Trac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Front side airbags are optional. A rear entertainment system is also optional, and for '02 is available on the XLT as well as the Eddie Bauer.
Competition
Though this segment has cooled somewhat with the rise in fuel prices, it's still one of the hottest. Our Best Buys are the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.
Recommended are the Ford Expedition and GMC Yukon. For a few more bucks you can get the Toyota Land Cruiser. Its high price is the only thing holding back this refined and drivable SUV. We love the size, comfort, and power of these big SUVs but wish they got a few more miles per gallon.
Recommended are the Ford Expedition and GMC Yukon. For a few more bucks you can get the Toyota Land Cruiser. Its high price is the only thing holding back this refined and drivable SUV. We love the size, comfort, and power of these big SUVs but wish they got a few more miles per gallon.
News
Ford's second biggest SUV suffered an 8-percent year-to-year sales decline in 2000, then lost another 17.5 percent in the first nine months of 2001. A faltering national economy hasn't helped, but Expedition's main problem is strong new competition from the latest Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL.
Ford fights back next spring with a revamped Expedition boasting an independent rear suspension, which promises a smoother big-SUV ride than the current solid axle. Styling will touched up via a new grille, headlamps, and a lower front bumper designed to be more "crash compatible" with passenger cars. The related Lincoln Navigator gets similar changes, but will be even more uptown in appearance, features and power than it is now. Antiskid control and curtain side airbags may arrive as standard or optional equipment for both. Still rumored is a 5.4-liter Triton V8 with a new three-valve cylinder head (versus two valves now), a change said to lower emissions while improving power and torque. In addition, the current 4-speed automatic transmission may be swapped for a new 5-speed unit, at least on uplevel models.
Ford is said to be mulling a long-wheelbase Expedition that it sees as better price and size competition for the Suburban/Yukon XL than either today's Expedition or the jumbo Excursion. Though no firm decision has yet been made, insiders say the stretched Expedition could spell the end of the Excursion.
Ford fights back next spring with a revamped Expedition boasting an independent rear suspension, which promises a smoother big-SUV ride than the current solid axle. Styling will touched up via a new grille, headlamps, and a lower front bumper designed to be more "crash compatible" with passenger cars. The related Lincoln Navigator gets similar changes, but will be even more uptown in appearance, features and power than it is now. Antiskid control and curtain side airbags may arrive as standard or optional equipment for both. Still rumored is a 5.4-liter Triton V8 with a new three-valve cylinder head (versus two valves now), a change said to lower emissions while improving power and torque. In addition, the current 4-speed automatic transmission may be swapped for a new 5-speed unit, at least on uplevel models.
Ford is said to be mulling a long-wheelbase Expedition that it sees as better price and size competition for the Suburban/Yukon XL than either today's Expedition or the jumbo Excursion. Though no firm decision has yet been made, insiders say the stretched Expedition could spell the end of the Excursion.
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 |
2002 Ford Expedition Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 01/22/2002
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
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| XLT 4-door wagon, 2WD | $30,555 | $26,948 | $740 |
|
|
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| XLT 4-door wagon, 4WD | $33,425 | $29,416 | $740 |
|
|
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| Eddie Bauer 4-door wagon, 2WD | $36,940 | $32,438 | $740 |
|
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| Eddie Bauer 4-door wagon, 4WD | $41,085 | $36,004 | $740 |
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, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front split bench seat, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, second-row split folding bench seat, third-row folding bench seat, cupholders, power adjustable pedals, power mirrors, power front windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, map lights, passenger-side visor mirror, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, rear liftgate with flip-up glass, roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 255/70R16 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
Eddie Bauer adds to XLT:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, rear air conditioning and heater w/rear controls, leather upholstery, front captain chairs, driver-seat and power adjustable pedal memory, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front storage console, rear radio controls and headphone jacks, overhead storage console (trip computer, compass, storage), heated power mirrors w/memory, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, Mach sound system system, 6-disc CD changer, illuminated visor mirrors, power rear-quarter windows, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Illuminated running boards, outside-mirror-mounted turn-signal lights, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
275/60R17 white-letter tires, chrome styled steel wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 5.4-liter V8 engine, 7-lead trailer harness, frame-mounted hitch, 265/70R17 all-terrain white-letter tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Comfort/Convenience Pkg.
|
||
|
XLT
|
$1,935
|
$1,645
|
|
Captain chairs, floor console, rear air conditioning and heater w/rear controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, overhead console, compass, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, rear radio controls, heated power mirrors, illuminated running boards (when ordered w/Premium Sport Appearance Group), 255/70R16 all-terrain tires, alloy wheels.
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Premium Sport Appearance Group
|
||
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XLT 2WD
|
$860
|
$731
|
|
XLT 4WD
|
$960
|
$816
|
|
Captain 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 (4WD), alloy wheels. Requires Comfort/Convenience Group.
|
||
|
No Boundaries Group
|
||
|
2WD XLT
|
$860
|
$731
|
|
4WD XLT
|
$960
|
$816
|
|
Captain chairs, illuminated running boards, fog lights, chrome mirrors and grille surround, color-keyed bodyside and wheel lip moldings, 275/60R17 white-letter tires (2WD), 265/70R17 white-letter tires (4WD), alloy wheels. Requires Comfort/Convenience Pkg.
|
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Premier Group
|
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Eddie Bauer
|
$1,595
|
$1,356
|
|
Monochromatic Arizona Beige exterior color, second-row captain chairs, unique leather trim, power sunroof, special alloy wheels. NA w/front side airbags, rear-obstacle-detection system.
|
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Class III Trailer Tow Group
|
||
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2WD
|
$880
|
$748
|
|
4WD XLT
|
$390
|
$332
|
|
7-lead trailer wiring harness, frame-mounted hitch, auxiliary transmission-oil cooler, 30-gallon fuel tank (2WD), rear load-leveling suspension (2WD). Std. 4WD Eddie Bauer.
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|
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Powertrain |
||
|
5.4-liter V8 engine
|
||
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XLT, Eddie Bauer 2WD
|
$695
|
$591
|
|
Limited-slip differential
|
||
|
Eddie Bauer, XLT
|
$255
|
$217
|
|
|
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Safety |
||
|
Front side airbags
|
||
|
Eddie Bauer, XLT
|
$395
|
$336
|
|
Requires rear-obstacle-detection system. XLT requires Comfort/Convenience Pkg.
|
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|
Rear obstacle detection system
|
||
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Eddie Bauer, XLT
|
$200
|
$170
|
|
Requires front side airbags.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Rear Entertainment System
|
||
|
Eddie Bauer, XLT
|
$1,345
|
$1,143
|
|
Videocassette player, LCD screen. XLT requires Comfort/Convenience Pkg., 6-disc CD changer.
|
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
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Eddie Bauer, XLT
|
$800
|
$680
|
|
XLT requires Premium Sport Appearance Group or No Boundaries Group.
|
||
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Heated front seats
|
||
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Eddie Bauer
|
$295
|
$251
|
|
Leather upholstery
|
||
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XLT
|
$1,360
|
$1,156
|
|
Requires Comfort/Convenience Pkg.
|
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Front split bench seat w/Comfort/Convenience Group
|
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XLT (credit)
|
$-385
|
$-328
|
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Second row captain chairs
|
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Eddie Bauer
|
$795
|
$676
|
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6-disc CD changer
|
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XLT
|
$495
|
$421
|
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Requires Comfort/Convenience Group.
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Running boards
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XLT
|
$435
|
$370
|
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Engine-block heater
|
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Eddie Bauer, XLT
|
$35
|
$30
|
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Limited availability.
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
||
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Load-leveling suspension
|
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4WD
|
$815
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$692
|
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XLT requires Class III Trailer Tow Group.
|
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Skid plates
|
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4WD
|
$105
|
$89
|
|
|
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2002 Ford Expedition Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Ford Expedition 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 119.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 205.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.6 |
| Overall Height, in. | 76.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5345 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 106.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 26.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 9 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.6 |
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. | 232 @ 4750 | 260 @ 4500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 291 @ 3450 | 350 @ 2500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 4-speed automatic | 14/17 | 12/16 |
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 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 2 |
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
Also in the 2002 Ford Expedition Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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