A hole was left in Ford's product lineup when they discontinued the oversized Excursion SUV.
Realizing they needed a vehicle to compete against the venerable family haulers like the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL, Ford brings to market for the 2007 model year an all-new longer wheelbase version of their popular Expedition SUV.
Enter the 2007 Ford Expedition EL (Extended Length), with 14.8 inches of additional overall length, Expedition EL delivers 130.8 cubic feet of cargo space - including 24 cubic feet more behind the third-row seat than the already spacious Expedition.
Expedition EL rides on a 131-inch wheelbase - 12 inches longer than the standard Expedition. Expedition EL is unique from the B-pillar back, including larger second-row doors designed to improve the ingress and egress to both second and third rows.
Unlike its competitors, though, the Expedition EL is only available in light-duty (half-ton) range with only one engine, a 5.4-liter V8 that burns gasoline.
Expedition EL's V8 is rated at 300 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. It's mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission with two overdrive gears and manual-shift capability.
When properly equipped, a 2WD Expedition EL can tow up to 9,000 pounds. Don't expect good fuel economy from the Expedition EL. Fuel economy figures aren't available, but you can expect lower mileage than from a standard Expedition since the EL weighs significantly more.
The Expedition EL is available in three trim levels: XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited. Each is offered in 2WD or 4WD configurations. Eight-passenger seating is standard.
The Expedition EL XLT comes well-equipped with features like automatic headlights, running boards, a six-speaker CD stereo with an MP3 player input jack, front captain's chairs with six-way power adjustments for the driver, cruise control, full power accessories, and a Class III trailer hitch.
Stepping up to the Expedition EL Eddie Bauer nets you two-tone exterior paint, 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, an upgraded sound system with an in-dash CD changer, leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver seat with memory, a six-way power front-passenger seat, apower-folding third-row seat, a trip computer and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The top-of-the-line Expedition EL Limited provides chrome wheels, perforated leather seats with heating and cooling elements up front, a 10-way power front-passenger seat and a wood/leather-trimmed steering wheel.
I especially liked the power-folding third-row seat in my Expedition EL Eddie Bauer test model. It's much easier and more convenient to push a button to lower/raise the seats, changing this extra-large SUV to either a family hauler or cargo hauler.
The cabin is obviously quite spacious and Ford did well at improving its road-cruising quietness. Thanks to independent front and rear suspension systems, the Expedition EL delivers a very comfortable ride both on the highway and around town.
However, as one may suspect, the Expedition EL needs a large parking space. Also, maneuverability in my grocery store's crowded parking lot was not a praiseworthy feature.
When pulling away from a stop, passing other vehicles, or entering onto an expressway, my Expedition EL's V8 engine seemed a bit strained. Not to the point where I was afraid to merge with faster moving traffic, but enough that I had to adjust for the amount of time it took to get to speed.
From a safety standpoint, the Expedition EL is very safe. Ford's exclusive AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control) is standard. This system utilizes a gyroscopic roll rate sensor to accurately measure the vehicle's yaw and roll angles. If the roll rate sensor detects a significant roll angle, the system applies additional countermeasures - such as applying brakes to one or more wheels or reducing engine power - to help the driver maintain control.
Base price for a 2WD version of the Expedition EL XLT is just $33,725. Obviously, you'll pay more as you add options or step up to the Eddie Bauer or Limited models.
2007 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer EL 4X4
Engine 5.4-liter (300 hp) V8
Transmission 6-speed automatic
Drive type 4WD
Fuel Economy Not available
Base Price $41,125
As Tested $51,280 (includes $820 destination charge)
Website http://www.fordvehicles.com |
