2006 Ford Expedition: Road Test
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2006 Ford Expedition ▼
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- MSRP: $32,660 -$45,240
- Invoice: $29,224 -$40,169
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Our road test for the 2006 Ford Expedition includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Ford Expedition from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Ford Expedition, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Ford Expedition help you decide if a 2006 Ford Expedition is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 4WD XLT | 4WD Eddie Bauer | 4WD King Ranch | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Expedition and Navigator brisk on takeoff and have more-than-adequate passing power. Smooth automatic transmission provides timely shifts. Maximum towing capacity is 8900 lb.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 4WD XLT | 4WD Eddie Bauer | 4WD King Ranch | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.3 |
Test 4WD King Ranch Expedition averaged 11.4 mpg in mostly city driving during subfreezing temperatures. Note that Navigator has 6-speed automatic transmission vs. Expedition's 4-speed, and test 4WD Navigator averaged 13.6 mpg, though with more highway use than test Expedition. Ford recommends regular-grade fuel for Expedition, premium grade for Navigator.
RIDE QUALITY
| 4WD XLT | 4WD Eddie Bauer | 4WD King Ranch | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.7 |
Long wheelbase, substantial heft, independent rear suspension combine for surprisingly stable ride that irons out most surface imperfections. Minimal fore/aft and lateral rocking. Luxury-biased Navigator has slightly softer ride. Little jiggle on rippled roads.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 4WD XLT | 4WD Eddie Bauer | 4WD King Ranch | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
Linear steering feel, good straightline tracking. Relatively compact turning circle, so maneuverability reasonable for exterior bulk. Only moderate top-heavy lean in low-speed corners, but nose plows through faster turns. Optional AdvanceTrac antiskid system with Roll Stability Control is laudable safety plus for class. Praiseworthy stopping power and pedal modulation, no undue nosedive.
QUIETNESS
| 4WD XLT | 4WD Eddie Bauer | 4WD King Ranch | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Wind and road noise nicely muted. Engine throaty at full throttle, well-muffled otherwise. Even 3rd-row travel quieter than in typical minivan.
CONTROLS
| 4WD XLT | 4WD Eddie Bauer | 4WD King Ranch | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Unobstructed gauges, guess-free minor controls. But Expedition transmission lever hides 4WD switch, and turn-signal stalk obscures power-pedals button. No opportunity to test Expedition with navigation system. Navigator navigation system reasonably easy to use with familiarization. Ford and Lincoln interiors use appropriate-grade materials, show solid assembly, though Navigators's brushed-metal-look trim is actually hard plastic, has cheap feel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 4WD XLT | 4WD Eddie Bauer | 4WD King Ranch | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.7 |
Generous room. Some testers find Expedition's cloth bucket seats too soft, seat bottoms too long for best comfort. Note that heated/cooled front seats are standard on Expedition Limited and Navigator Ultimate, available on Expedition Eddie Bauer and King Ranch, Navigator Luxury. Visibility hampered by thick roof pillars, large headrests, particularly over left shoulder. Huge mirrors help, but high flanks can hide small objects nearby. Rear obstacle detection another smart option. Approach lights on outside mirrors provide helpful illumination. Navigator's optional power running boards help ease high step-in.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 4WD XLT | 4WD Eddie Bauer | 4WD King Ranch | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 7 | 7.6 |
Second-row bench comfortably holds three adults. Middle section slides up 11 inches for child-seat access. Available 2nd-row buckets feel hard, mount too low for best comfort, and take muscle to flip forward, but they leave a broad center passage to 3rd row. Third row has outstanding space on a 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. Navigator's power liftgate hardware eats into 3rd-row headroom.
CARGO ROOM
| 4WD XLT | 4WD Eddie Bauer | 4WD King Ranch | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
Not that much behind 3rd-row seat, but space goes from impressive to voluminous as 2nd and 3rd rows are stowed. Third-row seat split 60/40, drops into the floor for best-in-class convenience. Its available power-folding feature works quickly, automatically stops for obstructions, but controls are inaccessible from front seats. Cupholders abound, including door cutouts for 20-ounce bottles.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 4WD XLT | 4WD Eddie Bauer | 4WD King Ranch | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 7 | 7.6 |
Expedition is a Best Buy because it does everything a large SUV should and some important things better than most. Though less opulent than its upscale cousin, the Lincoln Navigator, it offers the same array of safety and convenience features at lower cost.
Total Score
| 4WD XLT | 4WD Eddie Bauer | 4WD King Ranch | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 61 | 60 | 61.4 |
Total Score: 61
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles
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