The Ford line-up is immense this year, with multiple offerings
in many segments, all serving different purposes for different
people but all displaying the usual Ford ruggedness and
capability. The SUV line-up is particularly diversified,
from the Escape, a compact SUV, to the mid-sized pair, Explorer
and Freestyle, to the Explorer Fast Trac, a mid-size with
a truck bed to the biggest of all. The Expedition and the
Excursion are Ford's largest SUVs.
The 2005 Ford Expeditions reviewed here are the work-horse
members of the line-up, the bottom three trims, used and
chosen by those who need SUV capability but perhaps don't
need heated leather seats.
Available Models
The lineup of Ford Expeditions grew in 2004 and does again
this year for a total of six offerings, the XLS, XLT and
XLT Sport, reviewed here, and the off-road geared NBX, the
up-level Eddie Bauer and the luxurious Limited.
Interior Features
The 2005 Ford Expedition is suited to those who want full-size
power and strength, over that of the Explorer, but perhaps
without the behemoth dimensions of the Excursion, Ford's
largest SUV. However, it still has three rows of seating,
with an available front bench seat pushing the seating capacity
to nine. Various seating arrangements for the up-level models
include captain chairs, for first and second rows and a
number of power chair features; both for comfort adjustment
and stowability.
The 2005 Ford Expedition makes good use of its large interior.
It provides versatility with a fold-flat-into-the-floor
third row 60/40 seat, a 40/20/40 second row seat with manual
CenterSlide section and best-in-class cargo volume.
Though basic trim levels, these are not bare-bones vehicles.
The XLT comes with a good array of standards for interior
comfort that include air conditioning, power mirrors, windows
and door locks, a CD audio player and much more.
Exterior Features
The 2005 Ford Expedition is quite a big vehicle, and its
design does nothing to hide this. Ford says that it exudes
a confidence-inspiring stance with large headlamps, tail
lamps, mirrors and door handles. Depending on the trim level
you choose, a couple of wheel types come standard. All models
come with 265/70R17 tires, with white-letter all-terrain
tires on XLT and up.
Performance
There is now one engine offered for the Expedition and this
year it is 40hp stronger than last year's top-powered engine
choice. Though still a 5.4-liter V8, it delivers 300 horsepower
at 4750 rpm and 375 lb-ft of torque at 3750 rpm. It is the
modern modular engine with 3-valve aluminum cylinder heads
that was introduced last year for use on the F-150 pick-up
truck.
An optional load-leveling air suspension and standard integrated
Class III towing capacity combine for a serious 8900lbs
of pull. A full-size spare and front tow hooks add to capability.
Safety and Security
Dual front airbags and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are
standard on all models. A comprehensive safety package can
be added for significant additional safety including front
and curtain side airbags. New for 2005, the Ford Expedition's
available AdvanceTrac comes with Roll Stability Control;
a system designed to reduce rollover potential by triggering
the system when it detects that one or more wheels are about
to leave the ground. This reduces engine power and/or applies
braking to the necessary wheels to help settle the vehicle.
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2005
Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer
2005
Ford Expedition - Price Quote
5.4-liter,
3-valve Triton V-8 engine is standard on all series,
offering 40 more horsepower than last year 
