2007 Ford Expedition: Is Bigger Really Better?

Kimatni Rawlins, 08.20.06

The phrase “the bigger the better” has been a major subject of debates here in the U.S., as everything from food portions to houses to vehicles seem locked in a race to get bigger and ostensibly, better.  But will the “super size” mentality we possess stay locked in reality or become a myth?

For many, the need for larger scaled vehicles is no myth. To maintain everyday habits, families need size, power and utility. It’s not like you can go camping with a family of five in a Honda Fit or tow your trailer or boat with a Toyota Yaris. And though the outlook on oil prices is depressing, people still have to maintain their basic habits. So the key is to purchase a vehicle within the class of your dependence that will overly satisfy your needs. In the full-size SUV bracket Ford -- with their redesigned 2007 Expedition -- thinks they have the perfect recipe. But so does General Motors with the GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe! Other competitors include the Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia. But how many buyers in need of a large truck really exist? Sales tanked nearly 20% from ‘04 to ‘05 and still continue to do so. Ford’s position is that they wish to gain more of a share of the current buyer pool opposed to expanding production volume. We’ll see how it plays out in the future.

To emphasize the new attributes of the Expedition, which was first launched in ‘96 as a ‘97 model, Ford reconstructed the vehicle from the roof down. Its styling is borrowed from the class leading F-150 and some of the interior accoutrements can be found in the luxury Lincoln Navigator.  To rally consumers, Ford has reduced the average MSRP of the ‘07 Expedition by $4,300 in comparison to the ‘06 model while offering more standard equipment including AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control) and three-row Safety Canopy side curtain airbags. AdvanceTrac assists with reducing skidding on slippery roads while RSC acts to help keep the Expedition from rolling over during emergency driving.

Available this September, new Expedition prices range from $29,995 to $40,745. Additionally, there is an extended Expedition dubbed the “EL” to compete with the Chevy Suburban. “The ‘Way Forward’ plan is driving our product strategy, which is founded on bold American design, innovation and creating real value for consumers,” said Al Giombetti, president of Ford and Lincoln Mercury Marketing and Sales.  “We're already seeing meaningful improvements in the resale value of Ford products as we launch new vehicles, add more standard features and content and introduce straightforward pricing.”

During our initial test drive in Portland, Oregon, we found the vehicle far superior to its predecessor. We actually drove the ‘06 and ‘07 back-to-back for a more precise measurement in quality. The ‘06 felt sluggish on the road, the interior is mild, and nothing about its exterior did anything for my emotions.  But step up to a new year and you feel appeased. It all starts all with a 5.4-liter Triton® V8 with 300-horsepower and 365 pound-feet torque.  The ‘06 also has 300-horsepower, but the ‘07 Expedition’s new six-speed automatic transmission and increased torque makes all the difference in the world. Both the front and rear suspensions are independent, so the 5,578 lb. (4x2) Expedition moves with more agility than a solid axle SUV. It also tows 9200 pounds (4x2).

Ford will offer three models for the Expedition: XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited. I’m not a fan of the Eddie Bauer models though with all their body cladding and multi-color trim. Keep it clean and simple. The entry level XLT comes standard with an auxiliary audio jack input for MP3 players, power windows, AdvanceTrac with RSC, chrome grille, tire pressure monitoring system, running boards, 17” aluminum rims, captain’s chairs and much more.

New options include 20” chrome-clad wheels, a touchscreen navigation system, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, a power liftgate, power folding third row, and a second row entertainment system.  If you want 4x4 capabilities then increase your bottom line by $2,900. Need more room? Then the Expedition EL is for you. For $2,650 the EL offers 14.8 more inches and an additional 24 cubic feet of cargo space.