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2011 Ford Expedition Des Moines

The Expedition returns for 2011 as Ford's largest SUV, since the larger Excursion was dropped a few years back. The Expedition is a truck-based, full-size SUV that can carry up to eight people. This vehicle comes in XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited and King Ranch trim levels. There are no significant changes for 2011. A trailer-sway control feature is standard and works in conjunction with the electronic stability system to detect trailer movement and apply braking, as well as reduce engine torque, to keep the vehicle in control. A standard MyKey system allows parents to impose vehicle restrictions on teen drivers. Parents can limit the vehicle's top speed, add a persistent seat-belt reminder, limit the volume on the stereo to 44 percent of its maximum volume and have a speed chime activate at 45, 55 or 65 mph. Among full-size sport-utilities, the 2011 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 large family transportation. It also makes an excellent tow vehicle, smooth and stable, with tow capacities in the 9,000-pound range. Safety equipment includes front airbags, torso-protecting front side airbags, three-row head-protecting side-curtain airbags with rollover deployment, tire-pressure monitor, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist, and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control with Roll Stability Control (RSC) and Trailer Sway Control. A rear obstacle detection system is standard on Limited and King Ranch.

Powering the '11 Expedition

The 2011 Expedition's 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 6-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. Unlike the Tahoe and Suburban, the Expedition comes only as a half-ton truck. The sole powertrain is a flex-fuel engine that can run on E85. Despite its size, this latest-generation Ford offers real progress in delivering a more car-like impression. 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. The Expedition makes an excellent tow vehicle. With the optional towing package, the standard 4WD Expedition is rated at 8,900 pounds, the 2WD at 9,200 pounds, the 2WD EL at 8,900 pounds, and the 4WD EL at 8,700 pounds.

2011 Ford Expedition Design

The front features a squared-off four-bar grille and angular headlights, and the rear window can open independent of the liftgate. Regular- and extended-length Expeditions sport the same exterior styling. Both the long and regular-length versions of the Expedition use many of the components from the Ford F-150 pickup. However, the Expedition features independent rear suspension, which improves driving precision, ride comfort, and rear-seat roominess. The Expedition rides on a wheelbase of 119.0 inches, while the EL models stretch that to 131.0 inches. Overall, the EL measures 14.8 inches longer than the standard Expedition, and that adds slightly over 22 cubic feet of cargo volume, from 108.3 cubic feet for the Expedition to 130.8 for the EL.

Inside the 2011 Ford Expedition

The Expedition can seat up to eight occupants across three rows of seats. The 2011 Expedition's liftgate with its flip-up glass hatch makes access to the cargo area very easy. The Expedition's second- and third-row bench-type seats fold flat into the cargo floor, affording a long cargo area that can be easily loaded. The Expedition is also available with an optional power-folding third-row seat and electronically powered liftgate to make it even easier to load cargo. However, the seat cushions of the second- and third-row seats are a little slim in order to allow the seats to fold properly. The steering wheel, gauge clusters and climate controls are similar to those in Ford's F-150 pickup truck. Thanks to an independent rear suspension, the third-row seat folds flat into the floor. A power-folding mechanism for the third-row seat is optional on lower trims and standard on higher ones. 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. 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.

Ford Expedition 2011 Lineup

The 2011 Ford Expedition XL comes with cloth upholstery with front captain's chairs, second-row 40/20/40 split bench reclining fold-flat seat with CenterSlide, third-row 60/40 split bench fold flat-to-the-floor seat, full-length overhead console, large center console, power door locks, power windows, heated power mirrors, carpeting, auto-dimming mirror, three power points, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 with audio input jack, fog lamps, luggage rack, and 17-inch aluminum wheels.

The Expedition XLT, Expedition EL XLT, and EL XLT 4WD add reverse-sensing system, SYNC, Premium sound system, power-adjustable pedals, universal garage door opener, and a large selection of other trim and convenience features.

Expedition Limited and Limited 4WD, Limited EL and Limited EL 4WD add heated and cooled front seats, power rear quarter windows, dual-zone climate control, memory for driver's seat and exterior mirrors, rear-view camera, rain-sensing wipers, power liftgate, PowerFold rear seat, leather, 20-inch alloy wheels and a wide range of additional convenience and trim features.

Expedition King Ranch and King Ranch 4WD, King Ranch EL and King Ranch EL 4WD feature Chaparral leather upholstery, King Ranch badging, and gold exterior accents. The leather 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.

Conclusions

It competes with the Chevrolet Tahoe, Toyota Sequoia and Dodge Durango. A longer version, called the Expedition EL, is about 15 inches longer and has a standard third row. It competes with the Chevrolet Suburban. For all its comfort and stability, the Expedition is still about utility rather than sport. When it comes to driving, the Expedition feels big and heavy, which it is. As good as it is, the Expedition certainly isn't sporty and no one should expect it to be. Still, the Expedition's overall driving performance is quite refined for its class. Overall, the 2011 Ford Expedition is more refined than ever, and for those who need room for a large family, towing power, or both, the Expedition will serve its purpose every time. For the latest updates on this model, visit the official Ford Expedition website.