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2008 Ford Expedition Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
2008 Ford Expedition Review
The 2008 Ford Expedition adds a new top-end trim level to its roster. This is Ford's largest SUV and is available in regular length as well as the Expedition EL, which is 12 inches longer in wheelbase and about 15 inches longer overall. Both versions seat up to eight. The sole powertrain for all models is a 300-hp 5.4-liter V8 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 9200 lb. Rear-wheel drive is standard. Available is a full-time 4-wheel-drive system that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes a low-range gear for off-roading. XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited trim levels are offered. New for 2008 is the top-line King Ranch, which has specific interior and exterior trim. Available safety equipment includes ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Standard for Eddie Bauer, Limited, and King Ranch, and available for XLT is a power-folding 3rd-row seat. Options include a power tailgate, navigation system, and DVD entertainment. Note that the Lincoln Navigator is a luxury version of Expedition with different styling, features, and pricing.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large SUVs are traditionally workhorse seven-plus passenger wagons with brawny truck-type chassis, ample towing ability, lots of cargo space, and generally poor fuel economy. These vehicles offer towing and payload ratings similar to large pickup trucks.

Our Best Buys include Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Ford Expedition. We have no Recommended picks in this class for 2008.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Sequoia. The Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon add a gas/electric hybrid model for 2008.

News
Expedition reportedly will follow its 2007 makeover with a larger V8 for 2009. It's said to be a 5.8-liter version of Ford Motor Company's new "Hurricane" family. F-150 pickups and Mustang GT cars will likely offer this size as well. A 6.2-liter version is rumored for Lincoln's big Navigator SUV and MK LT pickup, also for around 2009, but this might be optional for Expedition too.
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2008 Ford Expedition Road Test
Pros Cons
Passenger and cargo room Entry/exit
Trailer-towing capability Fuel economy
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

4WD Limited 4WD Eddie Bauer EL 4WD Limited EL Class Average
6 6 6 5.9

Expedition and Navigator have sufficient power for any situation. The alert 6-speed automatic transmission is always in the right gear. A test Expedition EL coped well with a 5000-lb trailer over hilly terrain.
Fuel Economy

4WD Limited 4WD Eddie Bauer EL 4WD Limited EL Class Average
2 2 2 2.6

In Consumer Guide testing, a 4WD Expedition EL averaged 13.4 mpg. Expedition and Navigator use regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality

4WD Limited 4WD Eddie Bauer EL 4WD Limited EL Class Average
6 6 6 6.4

Both regular- and extended-length versions are smooth and compliant over major road imperfections. Extended models are slightly better settled over broken surfaces.
Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD Limited 4WD Eddie Bauer EL 4WD Limited EL Class Average
4 4 4 3.8

Expedition and Navigator display impressive agility for large SUVs. Nicely weighted steering has a natural feel. There's relatively little lean in corners for such large trucks. Except in close-quarters maneuvering, extended-length versions give up little to the shorter regular-length models.
Quietness

4WD Limited 4WD Eddie Bauer EL 4WD Limited EL Class Average
7 7 7 6.6

Both Expedition and Navigator suffer a surprising degree of wind rush from the outside mirrors, but are otherwise impressively hushed. Road noise over most surfaces is minimal. The engine is vocal only in rapid acceleration.
Controls

4WD Limited 4WD Eddie Bauer EL 4WD Limited EL Class Average
6 6 6 6.2

Expedition has large, easy-to-read gauges. Navigator's retro design dictates smaller, fussier shapes. The dashboard design is otherwise similar, with most controls logically placed, though the switchgear lacks a precision feel. All models tested had a navigation system. It absorbs most audio functions, awkwardly combining pushbutton and touch screen operation, and its screen washes out in even moderate sunlight.
Details

4WD Limited 4WD Eddie Bauer EL 4WD Limited EL Class Average
5 5 5 5.8

A plethora of hard-plastic panels cheapens Expedition's interior ambiance, even with the available leather upholstery. Luxuriously soft leather and real wood trim dresses up Navigator, but it is also let down by too much painted plastic and some unpadded surfaces--especially given its premium-class aspirations.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD Limited 4WD Eddie Bauer EL 4WD Limited EL Class Average
9 9 9 8.8

Generous room on supportive seats. Driver positioning is aided by power-adjustable pedals that are standard on Navigator and available on Expedition. A power tilt steering wheel is standard on Navigator. In both SUVs, high step-in will likely be an obstacle for smaller occupants, though available power running boards compensate some. Visibility is hampered by thick roof pillars and large headrests, particularly over the left shoulder. A rearview monitor is optional and is helpful when backing up.
Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD Limited 4WD Eddie Bauer EL 4WD Limited EL Class Average
8 8 8 7.8

The bucket 2nd-row seats on both Expedition and Navigator are too low to the floor and a bit narrow for optimal comfort. High step-in complicates entry and exit for smaller passengers. The buckets fold forward for impressive 3rd-row access. In both, 3rd-row accommodations are among the best of any SUV, with adult-sized headroom and legroom on a chair-height bench, though three-adult seating is best reserved for short trips.
Cargo Room

4WD Limited 4WD Eddie Bauer EL 4WD Limited EL Class Average
9 10 10 9.6

Second- and 3rd-row seatbacks fold flat into the floor, creating a vast storage area. Available power-folding 3rd row is a convenience plus that saves awkward stretching. Note that the automatic liftgate lacks a tailgate button for power close. A large glovebox, roomy center console, and large door pockets provide abundant small-item storage.
Value within Class

4WD Limited 4WD Eddie Bauer EL 4WD Limited EL Class Average
8 8 8 7.5

Expedition is an excellent vehicle for those who genuinely need the power and space of a large truck-type SUV. Interior materials trail those of some competitors, but for useful power, cargo space, passenger room, and surprisingly adept handling, this Ford is a Best Buy pick. Lincoln's Navigator dresses Expedition in flashier duds and elevates cabin ambiance with some real wood and nicer leather. The Lincoln offers nothing else of substance over its Ford sibling, and Navigator costs more.
Total Score

4WD Limited 4WD Eddie Bauer EL 4WD Limited EL Class Average
70 71 71 71
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
61
Average Score
71
High Score
79
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2008 Ford Expedition Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/24/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD XLT regular length 4-door wagon $31,345 $28,980 $925
4WD XLT regular length 4-door wagon $34,245 $31,590 $925
2WD XLT EL extended length 4-door wagon $34,870 $32,203 $925
4WD XLT EL extended length 4-door wagon $37,770 $34,813 $925
2WD Eddie Bauer regular length 4-door wagon $36,590 $33,518 $925
4WD Eddie Bauer regular length 4-door wagon $39,490 $36,114 $925
2WD Eddie Bauer EL extended length 4-door wagon $39,240 $35,940 $925
4WD Eddie Bauer EL extended length 4-door wagon $42,140 $38,535 $925
2WD Limited regular length 4-door wagon $38,750 $35,258 $925
4WD Limited regular length 4-door wagon $41,650 $37,839 $925
2WD Limited EL extended length 4-door wagon $41,400 $37,666 $925
4WD Limited EL extended length 4-door wagon $44,300 $40,247 $925
2WD King Ranch regular length 4-door wagon $40,690 $36,984 $925
4WD King Ranch regular length 4-door wagon $43,590 $39,565 $925
2WD King Ranch EL extended length 4-door wagon $43,340 $39,392 $925
4WD King Ranch EL extended length 4-door wagon $46,240 $41,973 $925
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
5.4-liter V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front and rear air conditioning w/rear controls, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front captain chairs, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, 2nd-row split folding seat, 3rd-row split folding seat (EL), heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keypad entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, rear radio controls, tachometer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, conversation mirror (EL), rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, running boards, fog lights, rear privacy glass, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Class III trailer hitch, 4-pin connector, full-size spare tire, 265/70R17 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks, 265/70R17 on/off-road white-letter tires.
Eddie Bauer adds to XLT:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, 10-way power driver seat, 6-way power passenger seat, memory system (mirrors, driver seat), power-folding 3rd-row split seat, mirror-mounted turn signals, Audiophile AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, trip computer, conversation mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
265/70R17 on/off-road white-letter tires (regular length), 255/70R18 white-letter tires (EL), 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
Limited adds to Eddie Bauer:
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated/cooled front bucket seats, 10-way power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, universal garage door opener, power rear quarter windows.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
255/70R18 white-letter tires, chrome alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
King Ranch adds to Limited:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Upgraded leather upholstery, unique interior and exterior trim.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Machined alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Convenience Pkg.
XLT
$600
$510
Eddie Bauer
$675
$574
Rear-obstacle-detection system, power-adjustable pedals, pedal memory (Eddie Bauer), power rear quarter windows, universal garage door opener.
Funkmaster Flex Upfit Pkg.
Limited regular length
$2,170
$1,844
Unique interior and exterior trim, body cladding, chrome alloy wheels. Requires 2nd-row captain chairs, satellite radio, 275/55R20 tires.
Off-Road Pkg.
4WD XLT
$200
$170
Tubular side steps, skid plates. Requires Comfort Group. NA EL.
Class IV Trailer Tow Pkg.
Eddie Bauer, King Ranch, Limited, XLT
$395
$336
Class IV hitch/receiver, 4/7-pin connector, transmission-oil cooler.
Powertrain
Special axle ratio
Eddie Bauer, King Ranch, Limited, XLT
$75
$64
Safety
Daytime running lights
Eddie Bauer, King Ranch, Limited, XLT
$45
$38
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Eddie Bauer, Limited, King Ranch
$1,995
$1,696
Rearview monitor
Eddie Bauer, Limited, King Ranch
$455
$385
Eddie Bauer requires Convenience Pkg.
DVD entertainment system
Eddie Bauer, King Ranch, Limited, XLT
$1,295
$1,101
XLT requires AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
XLT
$300
$255
iPod integration
Eddie Bauer, King Ranch, Limited, XLT
$365
$311
Satellite radio
Eddie Bauer, King Ranch, Limited, XLT
$195
$166
Power sunroof
Eddie Bauer, King Ranch, Limited, XLT
$995
$846
Leather upholstery
XLT
$1,295
$1,101
Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel, 10-way power driver seat.
Front split bench seat
XLT
$0
$0
NA w/power sunroof.
2nd-row captain chairs
XLT
$530
$451
XLT w/leather upholstery, Eddie Bauer, Limited, King Ranch
$795
$676
XLT regular length requires 3rd-row split folding seat or power-folding 3rd-row split seat.
3rd-row split folding seat
XLT regular length
$875
$744
Power-folding 3rd-row split seat
XLT regular length
$1,370
$1,164
XLT EL
$495
$421
Heated/cooled front seats
Eddie Bauer
$625
$532
Power-deployable running boards
Eddie Bauer, Limited, King Ranch
$995
$846
Requires power liftgate.
Power liftgate
Eddie Bauer, Limited, King Ranch
$495
$421
Remote engine start
Eddie Bauer, King Ranch, Limited, XLT
$385
$327
Rubber floormats
Eddie Bauer, King Ranch, Limited, XLT
$55
$47
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack
Eddie Bauer, King Ranch, Limited, XLT
$115
$97
Mud guards
Eddie Bauer, King Ranch, Limited, XLT
$85
$38
Special paint
Limited
$365
$310
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Load-leveling suspension
Eddie Bauer, King Ranch, Limited, XLT
$485
$413
265/70R17 on/off-road white-letter tires
2WD XLT
$250
$213
255/70R18 white-letter tires
XLT, Eddie Bauer regular length
$495
$421
275/55R20 tires
Eddie Bauer regular length
$1,595
$1,356
Eddie Bauer EL, King Ranch
$1,095
$931
Limited
$995
$846
Includes chrome alloy wheels.
Chrome alloy wheels
XLT
$995
$846
Includes 255/70R18 white-letter tires.
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2008 Ford Expedition Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Ford Expedition 4-door wagon Ford Expedition EL 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 119.0 131.0
Overall Length, in. 206.5 221.3
Overall Width, in. 78.8 78.8
Overall Height, in. 77.2 77.7
Curb Weight, lbs. 5783 6080
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 108.3 130.8
Standard Payload, lbs. -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 28.0 33.5
Seating Capacity 8 8
Front Head Room, in. 39.6 39.5
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.1 41.1
Rear Head Room, in. 39.8 39.7
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 39.1 39.1
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
 
6-speed automatic NA/NA
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 Ford Expedition EL 4-door wagon
4WD Rollover 4 4
Front Impact, Driver 5 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5 5
Rollover Resistance 3 3
Side Impact, Driver 5 5
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 5 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 5/60,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 5/60,000 --
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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