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2012 Ford Expedition Manchester

For 2012, the Ford Expedition gains standard blind-spot mirrors. The XLT can now be equipped with heated second-row seats, and front parking sensors are standard on the Limited and King Ranch trim levels.  The Ford Expedition is a full-size sport-utility vehicle. It seats up to eight people, hauls a mountain of gear, and can tow trailers in the 9,000-pound range. When equipped with four-wheel drive, the Expedition will get there whether the road is dry, wet, snowy, or even when there's hardly any road at all.  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.  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. With its combination of utility, a smooth, stable ride and a pleasant interior, the Ford Expedition is a fine choice for families that tow or take driving vacations.  The Ford Expedition comes in two lengths, the standard model and the Expedition EL.  Every Expedition is powered by a single-overhead-cam 5.4-liter V8 rated at 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment.

Interior of the '12 Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition features a rich blend of finishes, textures and color. Wood, chrome and leather make the Expedition an inviting place to spend a day on the road. The layout of the gauges and controls is easy to understand and no controls are too far out of easy reach. The King Ranch is a great representation of modern American-style luxury.  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.  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.  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.

Exterior of the '12 Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition is a truck and it doesn't pretend to be anything else. This is a good identity to have, because Ford trucks continue to have an outstanding reputation for utility, reliability and durability.  Both the long and regular-length versions of the Expedition use many of the components from the Ford F-150 pickup. However, the Expedition featuresindependent rear suspension, which improves driving precision, ride comfort, and rear-seat roominess.   This third-generation Expedition features a three-bar grille, large headlights, and a domed hood that combine to deliver a look that's both distinctive and respectable.

Model Lineup

The 2012 Ford Expedition XL and 4WD XL come 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 EL XL and Expedition EL XL 4WD are equipped the same.

Options include SYNC voice-activated communication and entertainment system, heavy-duty trailer towing and remote start.

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, rear-seat entertainment , leather, and voice-activated navigation. The XLT is also available with three comprehensive packages with increasing levels of 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. Limited Decor Group 301A features navigation system, rear-seat entertainment, moonroof, and power running boards.

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.

Conclusions

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 of the information from this review was obtained through newcartestdrive.com