2003 FORD EXPEDITION - "123 INNOVATIONS. ZERO BOUNDARIES"

By Tom O’Connor
West Coast Automotive Editor

MISSION VIEJO, California -- I wasn’t in this 2003 Ford Expedition XLT, full sized SUV for more than a minute when it came to my mind how much my mom would have given to own a vehicle like this when I was growing up in Michigan.

Looking into the vast expanses of the Expedition’s rear seating area I vividly recalled how each morning, rain or shine, mud or snow, I along with my seven brothers and sisters and three of four neighbor kids would cram into the back of our Ford station wagon and drive the five miles over country roads to our elementary school. No seat belts, airbags or safety canopy with rollover protection. No four wheel drive to plow through the snow drifts or mud and no “AdvanceTrac” to protect against winter icing and spring rains. The more I think of it, we would have been better off in a buckboard pulled by Belgium horses.

Those certainly were different times and automotive technology certainly has come a long way. The Expedition boasts 123 innovations, standard features include a host of the most innovative automotive design, technology and safety features available today.

When it comes to selecting a vehicle, for most people style and comfort are primary considerations. Whether one chooses the XLT or Eddie Bauer model, when it comes to style and comfort the 2003 Expedition certainly delivers.

The newly designed 2003 Expedition incorporates many of the refined styling changes that were introduced into the Explorer line two years ago: smooth, clean lines; restyled wraparound taillights; bumpers with molded in color to compliment the painted upper panels; running boards; oversize door handles; remote keyless entry system; two stage lift-gate with lift up glass; luggage rack; 17" bright alloy wheels and platinum grille. Like the mid sized Explorer, the Expedition conveys that it is a solidly built, well designed vehicle.

INTERIOR & COMFORT: The Expedition XLT is outfitted with leather and chrome. Although the dash in the Expedition XLT model is very functional, I found it to be a bit understated especially when compared to the Explorer. The chrome trimmed vents for the air conditioning were large and conveniently placed. The XLT comes standard with a premium, 160-watt, AM/FM/CD/cassette sound system with 4-premium speakers and driver adjusted speed compensated volume. Rear passengers can also access the sound system through a set of controls mounted on the rear of the center console. The Eddie Bauer Edition offers an upgraded 340-watts, Audiophile stereo with in-dash 6-disc CD and 7-premium speakers.

I loved the oversized center console. It provided a generous arm rest for the driver and front seat passenger and the storage compartment was large enough to house numerous CDs, sunglasses, pencils, maps, several cans of soda and my wife’s oversized purse which usually ends up on the floor taking up most of the front passenger compartment. Additionally, Ford’s designers deserve a note of appreciation for their generous placement of cup holders in the front and rear console, front and rear door panels and in the third row passenger compartment - eleven in all. To some, I know it seems trivial but I think ample cup holders are great. In this SUV no one gets stuck "holding the Coke" if you know what I mean.

The large, leather captains chairs were very comfortable and the physical height of the Expedition allows the driver to comfortably see over and around the traffic. The oversized electric side view mirrors provide exceptional rear and side visibility. One thing I noticed however, was that this Expedition did not have a reverse back up alert system. If you live in the city this is an option that I would definitely recommend because, as with other full size SUVs, backing out of small parking spaces without some type of warning system is difficult.

When it comes to passenger seating and cargo space, the Expedition definitely has plenty of it. At 205.8 inches long, this is a vehicle that provides an abundance of head, hip and leg room and can easily carry eight adults without cramping anyone´s comfort.

The second row uses a 40/20/40 split seat configuration that allows the center seat to slide forward. This is particularly useful when using an infant or child restraint seat as it allows the child to be moved closer to the front passengers. It also comes in handy to separate two warring siblings.

The left and right side seats move forward to allow easy access to the Expedition´s 3rd row, 60/40 split bench seat. Although not as plush as the mid seats, the third row seats provide room for comfort.

When not in use, the mid and third row seats fully recline and fold flat to allow access to 110.5 cubic feet of storage space - that’s enough space for a sleep over. With the seats down you can fit just about anything in this car including full sheets of plywood and mountain bikes. I know because I tried it.

RIDE & HANDLING: The 2003 Expedition´s ride, handling and tracking are tremendously improved by the use of a stronger, stiffer hydro-formed frame, rack and pinion steering and a fully independent rear suspension system. Although it does not have the same sedan feel of the smaller Explorer, the Expedition did not have the truck-like drive that is so common in many full sized SUVs.

The model we tested included Ford´s AdvanceTrac electronic stability enhancement system. According to Ford, if the system senses oversteer or understeer, it automatically adjusts braking and throttle to match the vehicle’s direction to the driver’s intention. It helps you maintain control, especially in slippery conditions or on uneven road surfaces.

After spending an entire day traveling from south Orange County to LAX, Santa Monica, Hollywood - with a scenic, twisting drive along Mulholland Drive before returning to Orange County, I can attest to the ease and responsiveness of the Expedition’s steering, its tight turning radius and to the smoothness of its ride on city streets and freeways. Like the smaller Explorer, road noise was almost non-existent. The 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS provide exceptional braking power. Overall, I had no complaints after driving the Expedition in all types of traffic and road conditions. here in Southern California.

POWER & PERFORMANCE: This vehicle exudes power. The 2003 Expedition comes standard with Ford´s award winning 4.6 Liter, 232 hp, Triton V8 engine. The Expedition that we drove had the standard 4 speed automatic overdrive transmission, 4X4 off road package and sported the larger 5.4 liter Triton motor: a 16 valve, fuel injected that produces 260 hp @ 4500 rpm and 350 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2500 rpm. There is plenty of power for acceleration merges on the freeway and to meet its massive 8,650 lb., max towing capacity (8,900 lb., with the 4X2 model).

SAFETY: The Expedition comes standard with front driver and passenger airbags. A side safety canopy with rollover sensing is available, as is the AdvanceTrac system, as reasonably priced options. Other standard safety equipment and features includes: four wheel disc brakes with ABS; automatic headlamps, approach lamps, fog lights; speed sensitive front wipers and rear wiper/washer/defroster; automatic keyless entry and securilock anti-theft feature; side intrusion door beams.

CONCLUSION: I thoroughly enjoyed this vehicle. It offers solid good looks, comfort, safety, performance and value. This is a great SUV and the price is right. No question, this is a SUV my mom would have loved.

COMPARISON VEHICLES: Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Toyota Sequoia

HIGHS: Excellent ride and handling. Comfortable interior. Oversized console and convenience features. New styling. The Expedition was named best full-sized SUV in initial quality two years in a row according to J.D. Powers.

LOWS: No reverse back up alert system; I prefer the wider running board of the Explorer to the Expedition’s tubular step bar.

VEHICLE PRICING: On the standard equipped vehicle the MSRP ( manufacturer's suggested retail price): $37,610. As tested with optional safety canopy (side air bag system); Advance Trac; and leather captain’s chairs: MSRP $40,405.

FUEL ECONOMY: 28 gal fuel tank. As equipped with the 5.7 Liter V8 engine: EPA estimated 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. Results reported vary with options, driving conditions, and condition of the vehicle. As tested, our vehicle averaged a city/freeway combined 15.9 MPG

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For more information visit the Ford website or Call Toll Free: 1-800-392-3673(FORD); TDD for the hearing impaired:1-800-232-5952, Monday - Friday 7 AM - 11 PM EST, Saturday 8 AM - 6 PM EST.

LIFE’S A TRIP - Enjoy the drive. Be a safe and courteous driver, obey all highway laws, never drive impaired, and buckle everyone up. Copyright © 2003 The Weekend Drive, All Rights Reserved.