2004 Ford Expedition: Road Test
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2004 Ford Expedition ▼
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- MSRP: $32,500 -$41,995
- Invoice: $28,585 -$36,751
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Our road test for the 2004 Ford Expedition includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Ford Expedition from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Ford Expedition, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Ford Expedition help you decide if a 2004 Ford Expedition is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| XLT 5.4 4WD | Eddie Bauer 5.4 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.3 |
Only versions made available for testing so far were 4WD models with 5.4 V8. The 5.4 delivers adequate pickup and is the clear choice to take advantage of the 8950-lb towing capacity.
FUEL ECONOMY
| XLT 5.4 4WD | Eddie Bauer 5.4 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 |
Test 5.4-liter 4WD averaged 13.2 mpg in even city/highway mix. Expect about the same with the 4.6. Both engines use regular fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| XLT 5.4 4WD | Eddie Bauer 5.4 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Long wheelbase, substantial weight, and independent rear suspension combine for surprisingly stable ride that irons out most surface imperfections. Minimal fore-aft, side-to-side rocking. Little jiggle on washboard ripples.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| XLT 5.4 4WD | Eddie Bauer 5.4 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.2 |
Linear steering feel and 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.
QUIETNESS
| XLT 5.4 4WD | Eddie Bauer 5.4 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
Fine suppression of wind, road noise. Engine throaty in full acceleration, but well-muffled otherwise. Even 3rd-row travel quieter than in typical minivan.
CONTROLS
| XLT 5.4 4WD | Eddie Bauer 5.4 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
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/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| XLT 5.4 4WD | Eddie Bauer 5.4 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 8.7 |
Generous room. Some drivers found cloth bucket seats too soft, seat bottoms too long for best comfort. Eddie Bauer's captain chairs add welcome armrests. Visibility obscured by thick roof pillars, large headrests, particularly over left shoulder. Huge mirrors help, but small objects can hide along tall flanks. Rear-obstacle detection a smart option. Approach lights on outside mirrors provide helpful illumination.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| XLT 5.4 4WD | Eddie Bauer 5.4 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 7.7 |
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. Broad passage between 2nd-row buckets to access 3rd row, but flipping 2nd-row seats forward requires considerable effort. 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.
CARGO ROOM
| XLT 5.4 4WD | Eddie Bauer 5.4 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 8.8 |
Some soft luggage can be stacked behind 3rd-row seat, and cargo room goes from impressive to voluminous as 2nd and 3rd rows fold. Again, best-in-class convenience with 3rd-row seat that folds into floor and has available power-folding feature. The 60/40 seatback sections power up and down in seconds and stop automatically if obstructed, though controls are inaccessible from front seats. Cupholders abound, including door cutouts for 20-ounce bottles.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| XLT 5.4 4WD | Eddie Bauer 5.4 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 6.6 |
Expedition does everything a full-size SUV should, and does some important things better than most. Its array of safety and convenience features matches that of the more-opulent Navigator at lower cost, making Ford's version a Best Buy.
Total Score
| XLT 5.4 4WD | Eddie Bauer 5.4 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 62 | 60 | 58 |
Total Score: 61
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