2005 Ford Expedition Review (continued)
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Summary

Ford Expedition remains a benchmark against a strong field of full-size SUVs. The Expedition features a smooth ride for passengers and responsive handling for the driver. It can haul a big load of cargo on its flat cargo floor and it can tow heavy trailers. Clever features such as the power folding third row make it enjoyable to live with.

Michelle Krebs filed this report from Detroit; with New Car Test Drive editor Mitch McCullough reporting from Los Angeles and Ford's proving ground in Michigan.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	Ford Expedition XLS 2WD ($32,720); XLS 4WD ($35,290); XLT 2WD ($34,750); XLT 4WD ($37,495); Eddie Bauer 2WD ($38,910); Eddie Bauer 4WD ($42,060); Limited 2WD ($40,710); Limited 4WD ($43,860)
Engines:	5.4-liter dohc 24-valve V8
Transmissions:	4-speed automatic
Saftey Equipment (standard):	dual-stage front airbags with crash severity sensors, safety belt pretensioners and load-limited retractors, 3-point seatbelts for all seats, universal child safety seat latches; 4-wheel ABS, Brake Assist
Saftey Equipment (optional):	Safety Canopy side air curtain airbag system, AdvanceTrac electronic stability control with Roll Stability control, tire pressure monitor, rear sonar park assist
Basic Warranty:	3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled In:	Wayne, Michigan

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 2WD ($38,910)
Standard Equipment:	leather upholstery, front captain's chairs with two tone-leather and 6-way driver power and memory, automatic climate control with rear A/C and auxiliary controls, premium AM/FM/CD/cassette audio, Arizona Beige lower body side cladding and running boards, floor console, overhead console, 11 cup holders, fog lights, privacy glass with, Homelink, electrochromic mirror, power outside heated mirrors with memory, security approach lamps and integrated turn signals, power adjustable pedals with memory, illuminated vanity mirrors, tire-pressure monitoring system, fog lamps, aluminum wheels; tilt steering wheel, speed control, second-row bench seat split 40/20/40, third-row 60/40 split-bench seat, power door locks, remote keyless entry, SecuriLock, rear liftgate with flip-up glass access, automatic headlamps, luggage rack, door trim map pockets with cupholders, illuminated entry with automatic dimming
Options As Tested (MSRP):	Safety Canopy ($850) includes reverse sensing system; power folding third-row seat ($495); power flip-out quarter windows ($125); rear-seat DVD entertainment system ($1,500); navigation system ($1,995); climate-controlled seats ($625); power moonroof ($860); air suspension ($815); 3.73 ratio limited-slip rear axle ($285); heavy-duty trailer tow package ($350)
Destination Charge:	795
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):	47605
Layout:	rear-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	300 @ 5000
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	365 @ 3750
Transmission:	4-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	14/19
Wheelbase:	119.0
Length/width/height:	205.8/78.7/76.7
Track, f/r:	66.9/66.9
Turning circle:	39.2
Seating capacity:	8
Head/hip/leg room, f:	39.7/63.0/41.2
Head/hip/leg room, m:	39.8/62.4/38.7
Head/hip/leg room, r:	38.2/54.5/36.3
Cargo volume:	110.5
Payload:	1706
Towing capacity:	8900
Suspension, f:	independent, double wishbones, coil-over-shock springs, gas-filled shocks
Suspension, r:	independent, double wishbones, coil-over-shock springs, gas-filled shocks
Ground clearance:	9.3
Curb weight:	5352
Tires:	P265/70R17
Brakes, f/r:	disc/disc with 4-sensor ABS, Brake Assist
Fuel capacity:	28.0