2010 Ford Expedition Manchester NH

See Our Inventory of the 2010 Ford Expedition Manchester, NH

2010 Ford Expedition Overview

The Ford Expedition comes in two lengths, the standard model with a 119-inch wheelbase, and the Expedition EL with its 131-inch wheelbase. Every Expedition is powered by a single-overhead-cam 5.4-liter V8 rated at 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment. Every Expedition model is available with either rear-wheel drive (2WD) or electronically engaged four-wheel drive (4WD) that can be driven on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. Four trim levels are available: the entry-level XLT, the outdoorsy Eddie Bauer, the luxurious Limited, and the top-of-the-line King Ranch

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.  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.

2010 Ford Expedition Lineup

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.

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 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.

Interior of the 2010 Ford Expedition

The Expedition is about more than convenience. A DVD-based navigation system with sizable 6.5-inch screen is available as an option. The rear-seat DVD entertainment system has an eight-inch screen that flips down from the headliner and also includes two sets of wireless headphones. A plug-in jack for an MP3 player is standard across the line. The Expedition is even a nice place to be when all the entertainment is switched off, as the combination of thick glass and a generous amount of acoustic insulation behind the dash and on the floor makes this a remarkably quiet interior; it's actually possible to have a conversation with the people in the third-row seat while you're at the wheel.

The 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. This means you don't have to unbolt the passenger seats and leave them on the floor of your garage every time you're making a serious run to the home improvement store. In this regard, the Expedition is much better designed than GM's large SUVs. 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.

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.

Driving Impressions of the 2010 Ford Expedition

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.

The Expedition makes an excellent tow vehicle. With the optional towing package, the standard 4WD Expedition is rated at 9,000 pounds, the 2WD at 9,200 pounds, the 2WD EL at 8,900 pounds, and the 4WD EL at 8,700 pounds.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