2003 Ford Expedition: Road Test

FUEL ECONOMY

Test 5.4-liter 4WD Eddie Bauer averaged 12.1 mpg. Expect about the same with the 4.6 liter. Both engines use regular fuel.

STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING

No big SUV beats Expedition's linear steering feel or unperturbed straightline tracking. Relatively compact 38.7-ft turning circle gives reasonable in-town maneuverability. Only moderate top-heavy lean in low-speed corners, but nose plows through faster turns. AdvanceTrac combines with ControlTrac for all-weather security and good off-road ability. Praiseworthy stopping power and pedal modulation; no undue nosedive.

CONTROLS

Unobstructed gauges, no-mystery main controls. But transmission lever hides 4WD switch, and turn-signal stalk obscures power-pedals button. Navigation system unavailable for test. Interior uses appropriate-grade materials and shows solid assembly.

ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)

Second-row bench holds three adults, but all three positions somewhat narrowly defined by seatbelt buckles. No center armrest, but middle section slides forward 11 inches for child-seat access. Test Eddie Bauer had 2nd-row buckets; they're hard, low to floor, and don't slide fore or aft. Best-in-class 3rd-row room on chair-height bench, though cushion could be longer and softer. Easier entry/exit than in most rivals, though running boards afford minimal foothold stepping out. Broad passage between 2nd-row buckets to 3rd row. But flipping 2nd-row seats forward would be easier with springs to offset their poorly leveraged weight.

VALUE WITHIN CLASS

Expedition does everything a full-size SUV should, and does some important things better than most. With an array of safety and convenience features rivaled only by the more-opulent Navigator, Ford's newest is a Best Buy in this category.