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2005 Ford Expedition Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
2005 Ford Expedition Review
More power marks 2005 changes for the smaller of Ford's two large SUVs. Expedition is larger than the Explorer, smaller than the Excursion. It comes with three rows of seats and is available with a front bench seat for 9-passenger capacity. It uses a 5.4-liter V8, up 40 hp to 300 for 2005, teamed with an automatic transmission. Last year's 4.6-liter V8 has been dropped. Expedition is available with rear-wheel drive or Ford's ControlTrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. ABS is standard. Options include load-leveling rear suspension and Ford's AdvanceTrac antiskid/traction-control system with Roll Stability Control. Roll Stability Control is designed to detect an impending tip and activate the antiskid system to reduce the chances of a rollover. Head-protecting curtain side airbags for the first two seating rows are optional; they're designed to deploy in side collisions and in rollover accidents. Also available are power-adjustable pedals, a tire-pressure monitor, rear obstacle detection, and rear DVD entertainment. Lincoln's Navigator is a luxury-oriented version of the Expedition.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large SUVs are traditionally workhorse 7-plus passenger wagons with brawny chassis, ample towing ability, lots of cargo space, and generally abysmal fuel economy. These vehicles offer towing and payload ratings similar to large pickup trucks.

Our Best Buys include the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, and Ford Expedition. Our Recommended picks are the GMC Yukon/Denali, and the Toyota Sequoia.
News
Expedition is now expected to be fully redesigned for 2007, along with Lincoln's related Navigator. Both will share the Ford Motor Company "T1" platform introduced with the latest F-Series pickup. An extended-length Expedition seems pretty certain, but a Navigator version is apparently not yet locked-in. Ford is known to be working on a new truck V8, a 6.2-liter unit dubbed "Hurricane," and hopes to have it ready for the '07 rollout. More details should emerge soon, so keep checking back with us.
2005 Ford Expedition Road Test
Pros Cons
Passenger and cargo room Fuel economy
Trailer-towing capability Entry/exit
Visibility
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

4WD XLT 4WD Eddie Bauer Class Average
5 5 4.8

Revised 5.4 V8 delivers good pickup with markedly better midrange performance than its predecessor. Maximum towing capacity is 8900 lb.
Fuel Economy

4WD XLT 4WD Eddie Bauer Class Average
2 2 2.1

Test 4WD with previous-generation 5.4 averaged 13.2 mpg in even city/highway mix. Expect about the same with the new engine.
Ride Quality

4WD XLT 4WD Eddie Bauer Class Average
5 5 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

4WD XLT 4WD Eddie Bauer Class Average
4 4 3.2

Linear steering feel and unperturbed straightline tracking. Relatively compact turning circle gives reasonable in-town maneuverability. Only moderate top-heavy lean in low-speed corners, but nose plows through faster turns. AdvanceTrac antiskid system and Roll Stability Control laudable features designed to help prevent sideways skids and rollovers. Praiseworthy stopping power and pedal modulation; no undue nosedive.
Quietness

4WD XLT 4WD Eddie Bauer 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

4WD XLT 4WD Eddie Bauer Class Average
6 6 6

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)

4WD XLT 4WD Eddie Bauer 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)

4WD XLT 4WD Eddie Bauer Class Average
8 7 7.8

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 available running boards afford minimal foothold stepping out.
Cargo Room

4WD XLT 4WD Eddie Bauer 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

4WD XLT 4WD Eddie Bauer Class Average
9 8 6.7

Expedition is a Best Buy because it does everything a large SUV should, and does some important things better than most. It's not as opulent as its upscale Navigator cousin, but matches the Lincoln's array of safety and convenience features at lower prices.
Total Score

4WD XLT 4WD Eddie Bauer Class Average
63 61 58.6
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
48
Average Score
58
High Score
64
2005 Ford Expedition Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/27/2005
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD XLS 4-door wagon $33,455 $29,137 $820
4WD XLS 4-door wagon $36,055 $31,347 $820
2WD XLT 4-door wagon $35,505 $30,879 $820
4WD XLT 4-door wagon $38,285 $33,243 $820
2WD XLT Sport 4-door wagon $36,365 $31,610 $820
4WD XLT Sport 4-door wagon $39,145 $33,973 $820
2WD Eddie Bauer 4-door wagon $39,720 $34,462 $820
4WD Eddie Bauer 4-door wagon $42,905 $37,169 $820
2WD Limited 4-door wagon $41,640 $36,094 $820
4WD Limited 4-door wagon $44,825 $38,802 $820
2WD King Ranch 4-door wagon $43,155 $37,382 $820
4WD King Ranch 4-door wagon $46,340 $40,089 $820
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
XLS
Powertrain
5.4-liter V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist.
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, 2nd-row split folding seat, 3rd-row split folding seat, cupholders, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, map lights, passenger-side visor mirror, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Class III trailer hitch, 4-pin connector, full-size spare tire, 265/70R17 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
XLT adds to XLS:
Safety
Tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear air conditioning and heater w/rear controls, conversation mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Running boards, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks, 265/70R17 all-terrain white-letter tires.
XLT Sport adds to XLT:
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Tubular side steps, 265/70R17 white-letter tires.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks, 265/70R17 all-terrain white-letter tires.
Eddie Bauer adds to XLT:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, front captain chairs, center console, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (mirrors, driver seat, pedals), keypad entry, Audiophile AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rear radio controls, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks, 265/70R17 all-terrain white-letter tires.
Limited adds to Eddie Bauer:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated/cooled front bucket seats, 8-way power front seats, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Chrome alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks, 265/70R17 all-terrain white-letter tires.
King Ranch adds to Limited:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Upgraded leather upholstery, power-folding 3rd-row seat.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Tubular side steps.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: heated/cooled front seats.
Machined alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks, 265/70R17 all-terrain white-letter tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Safety and Security Pkg.
Eddie Bauer, King Ranch, Limited, XLT, XLT Sport
$850
$723
Rear-obstacle-detection system, front and 2nd-row curtain side airbags. NA XLS.
Technical Convenience Pkg.
XLT, XLT Sport
$195
$166
Keypad entry, heated power mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Class IV Trailer Tow Pkg.
Eddie Bauer, King Ranch, Limited, XLT, XLT Sport
$350
$298
Class IV hitch/receiver, 4/7-pin connector, transmission-oil cooler. NA XLS.
Powertrain
Limited-slip differential
Eddie Bauer, King Ranch, Limited, XLT, XLT Sport
$285
$243
NA 2WD XLS. NA w/antiskid system.
Safety
Antiskid system
Eddie Bauer, King Ranch, Limited, XLT, XLT Sport
$595
$506
Includes traction control, roll stability control. XLT, XLT Sport require front captain chairs. NA XLS.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Eddie Bauer, Limited, King Ranch
$1,995
$1,696
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
Eddie Bauer, King Ranch, Limited, XLT, XLT Sport
$1,500
$1,275
XLT, XLT Sport, require AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, front captain chairs. NA XLS.
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
Eddie Bauer
$0
$0
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
XLT, XLT Sport
$255
$217
Power sunroof
Eddie Bauer, King Ranch, Limited, XLT, XLT Sport
$860
$731
Requires Safety and Security Pkg. XLT, XLT Sport require front captain chairs. NA XLS.
Front captain chairs
XLT, XLT Sport
$595
$506
Front captain chairs w/leather upholstery
XLT, XLT Sport
$2,175
$1,849
Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel.
2nd-row captain chairs
XLT, XLT Sport
$530
$451
XLT, XLT Sport require front captain chairs.
2nd-row leather captain chairs
Eddie Bauer, King Ranch, Limited, XLT, XLT Sport
$795
$676
XLT, XLT Sport require front captain chairs w/leather upholstery. NA XLS.
Power-folding 3rd-row seat
Eddie Bauer, Limited, XLT, XLT Sport
$495
$421
XLT, XLT Sport require front captain chairs. NA XLS. Std. King Ranch.
Heated/cooled front seats
Eddie Bauer
$625
$532
Includes power passenger seat.
Power-adjustable pedals
XLT, XLT Sport
$120
$102
Power rear quarter windows
Eddie Bauer, Limited, King Ranch
$125
$107
Requires Safety and Security Pkg.
Universal garage-door opener
Eddie Bauer, Limited, King Ranch
$120
$102
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack
XLT, XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer
$40
$34
Special paint
Limited
$365
$310
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Load-leveling air suspension
Eddie Bauer, King Ranch, Limited, XLT, XLT Sport
$815
$692
NA XLS.
265/70R17 white-letter tires
2WD XLT
$125
$107
2005 Ford Expedition Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Ford Expedition 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 119.0
Overall Length, in. 205.8
Overall Width, in. 78.7
Overall Height, in. 77.6
Curb Weight, lbs. 5499
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 110.5
Standard Payload, lbs. 1481
Fuel Capacity, gals. 28.0
Seating Capacity 9
Front Head Room, in. 39.7
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.2
Rear Head Room, in. 39.8
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 38.7
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  sohc V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 5.4 /330
Horsepower @ rpm. 300 @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 365 @ 3750
Availability Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
 
4-speed automatic 14/18
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
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/-- 5/100,000 on Focus. 8/100,000 on Escape Hybrid battery pack. In CA, hybrid components are covered by a 10/150,000 warranty.
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
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