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2011 Ford Expedition Manchester, NH

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2011 Ford Expedition Design

The Expedition and the Expedition EL are big vehicles, measuring more than 17 feet from nose to tail. As a result, crowded parking lots can be challenging. The Expedition has a turning circle of nearly 41 feet, while the EL requires nearly 44 feet.

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.

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

Driving the 2011 Ford Expedition

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. We've found the load-leveling air suspension works very well. Using a weight-distribution hitch, we found the Expedition relatively smooth and reasonably stable while pulling a 24-foot trailer with two race cars stacked inside along with tools and spares, and three adults riding in the cabin.

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 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.

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.

2011 Ford Expedition Cabin

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.

2011 Ford Expedition Line Up

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. There is also a King Ranch Decor Group 401A, which includes navigation, rear-seat entertainment, moonroof, and power running boards.

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. Limited Decor Group 301A features navigation system, rear-seat entertainment, moonroof, and power running boards.

The Expedition XLT and XLT 4WD, 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. XLT options include moonroof, power running boards, air suspension ($485), rear-seat entertainment, leather, and voice-activated navigation. The XLT is also available with three comprehensive packages with increasing levels of features, the 201A, 202A, and 203A.

Conclusion

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 9,000-pound range.

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com