2010 Ford Expedition Des Moines IA

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2010 Ford Expedition Overview

The Ford Expedition is a full-size sport-utility vehicle. It seats up to eight people, hauls a mountain of gear, and tows moderately heavy trailers. When equipped with four-wheel drive, the Expedition will get there whether the road is dry, wet, snowy, or even when there's hardly any road at all.

The cabin features rich materials and generous space in all three seating rows. The second- and third-row seats fold flat to create a useful rear cargo area. Extended-length Expedition EL models add even more cargo-carrying capacity, especially noticeable when trying to load groceries or gear behind the third-row seats.

All Expeditions are powered by Ford's 5.4-liter V8 that makes 310 horsepower and offers towing capacities in the 9000-pound range. Thanks in part to independent rear suspension, the Expedition offers a smooth ride that is more car-like than most big, truck-based SUVs. That's nice on long drives.

With its combination of utility, a smooth, stable ride and a pleasant interior, the Ford Expedition is a fine choice for families that tow or take driving vacations.

2010 Ford Expedition Lineup

The Expedition XLT EL and XLT EL 4WD are equipped the same as standard wheelbase versions, except they come with a split-folding third-row seat and a conversation mirror.

The Expedition Eddie Bauer and Eddie Bauer 4WD are trimmed as outdoor adventure vehicles and are distinguished by a longer list of convenience features as standard equipment, notably the Expedition's unique power-folding split third-row seat. Other standard features include leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, memory for the mirrors and driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a Premium sound system with six-disc CD changer, trip computer, conversation mirror, mirror-mounted turn signals, power-adjustable pedals, and protective cladding for the lower body panels. The Eddie Bauer EL  and Eddie Bauer EL 4WD are equipped, basically, like the standard-wheelbase versions.

The Expedition Limited and Limited 4WD add heated and cooled front seats, 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, universal garage-door opener, power rear quarter windows, and 255/70R18 tires on chrome alloy wheels. The Limited EL and Limited EL 4WD are equipped the same.

The Expedition King Ranch and King Ranch 4WD have upgraded Chaparral leather upholstery, King Ranch badging, and gold exterior accents. The leather also trims the center console lid, steering wheel and door panels, while wood trim can be found on the center console, shifter handle and instrument panel. King Ranch EL and King Ranch 4WD EL have the same features.

Interior of the 2010 Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition features a rich blend of finishes, textures and color. Indeed, a King Ranch is the best representation of modern American-style luxury within Ford's lineup. Wood, chrome and leather make the Expedition an inviting place to spend a day on the road. The layout of the gauges and controls is easy to understand and no controls are too far out of easy reach.

Captain's chairs with movable armrests are standard across the four model lines. Leather-upholstered examples are available with a heating/cooling feature that makes them a more comfortable companion in winter and summer. Generous driver's-seat travel helps accommodate taller drivers, and it's a perfect match for the Expedition's movable pedals, so a wide range of sizes of drivers can sit comfortably.

The second seating row reflects Ford's thoughtful approach to passenger comfort: the standard 40/20/40 bench seat incorporates a center section that slides, bringing a child seat within easier reach of front-seat passengers. Optional second-row captain's chairs with a center-aisle pass-through can be substituted for adult-rated comfort.

Packaging advantages afforded by the Expedition's independent rear suspension enable the third-row seat to deliver more comfort for adults compared to the accommodations provided by the Chevy Tahoe. In fact, third-row room is among the best of any SUV, though three adults won't want to sit in the back for long. The high ride height also makes getting in and out a task for children

Driving Impressions of the 2010 Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition tracks down the highway with excellent straight-line stability, negotiates forest roads with surprising agility, and absorbs impacts from bumps or broken pavement without straying from its path. It maintains a surprisingly calm ride considering its truck heritage. Most of the advantage comes from the synergy between a rigid frame, high-pressure gas shocks that afford excellent wheel control, and a second-generation, link-type independent rear suspension.

Steering effort is light and easy. The two-speed 4WD system is engaged with a simple rotary knob mounted on the dashboard, and it automatically reduces throttle sensitivity in low range for better traction in slippery circumstances.

The overhead-cam 5.4-liter V8 delivers 310 hp, but it's really tuned to deliver torque, 365 pound-feet of it, for towing. The six-speed automatic transmission runs seamlessly through the gears, keeping the engine from laboring through its rpm range. The result is a lot of reliable power.

Summary

Among full-size sport-utilities, the Ford Expedition stands apart with its superior driving comfort and utility package. Ford is right on target with its family adventure concept, and the Ford Expedition is one of the best vehicles for family vacation travel on the American road. It makes an excellent tow vehicle, smooth and stable, with tow capacities in the 9000-pound range.

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com