Ford showed the new 2007 Ford Expedition and the "all-new" Expedition EL (extended length) at the Houston Auto Show
, which opened on Jan. 28. The Expedition EL is Ford's replacement for the now-defunct Excursion. Unlike the Excursion and Suburban, it has a (second-generation) IRS, and fold-down third-row seats...
Like the Excursion and the Suburban, it can also swallow up 4x8 sheets of plywood with the rear hatch closed. It comes with a 300 horsepower 5.4L V8, an all-new first-in-class 6-speed automatic, and it can tow 9,100 pounds.
More info can be found here on the Ford site, as well as here and here.
I said when the new GM full-size SUVs debuted at the L.A. and Detroit shows, that I thought the lack of IRS and fold-into-the floor 3rd-row rear seats might come back to haunt them. Now that these new Expeditions have debuted, I'm convinced of that fact—especially now that Ford has a far better Suburban-fighter with the very worthy EL model. I think, if I were part of the team that put together the new GM SUVs, that I might just go and find the nearest bar...
More info can be found here on the Ford site, as well as here and here.
I said when the new GM full-size SUVs debuted at the L.A. and Detroit shows, that I thought the lack of IRS and fold-into-the floor 3rd-row rear seats might come back to haunt them. Now that these new Expeditions have debuted, I'm convinced of that fact—especially now that Ford has a far better Suburban-fighter with the very worthy EL model. I think, if I were part of the team that put together the new GM SUVs, that I might just go and find the nearest bar...
tryan says:
04:01 AM, 01/30/06
I don't think GM has to worry about the lack of an IRS for their new Yukon/Tahoe, solid-axles tend to have a devout following and belief that they are superior for towing/hauling. While that fact may not be valid anymore, solid axles are still simpler and cheaper to build/replace/modify which probably helps retain the same following.
What I think GM AND Ford need to worry about is the amount of money they are throwing into large SUV's as the light at the end of this market's tunnel becomes visible. Maybe they should be focusing more money down at the smaller end of the model spectrum....
rsholland says:
07:14 AM, 01/30/06
One of the many advantages of IRS is better packaging. By that I mean it is far more likely to get more leg room for 3rd-row passengers with an IRS, than without. I would expect in a comparison between the 3rd-row seating of the solid-axle Suburban and IRS-Expedition EL, that the Ford's rear seat will be roomier.
Also, the IRS makes it easier to engineer the fold-into-the floor rear seat—which to me, is by far the biggest benefit (and selling point), as that can be seen and be appreciated by anyone.
As to towing, you may be right—for a while. Once word gets out that the Ford can "really" tow 9,100 pounds, that solid-axle-is-better thinking will largely go away I think.
sabastian says:
08:08 AM, 01/30/06
I realize that torque is more important in a large SUV than a small car, but 300bhp from a 5.4L V8? That seems a little...well...weak. Furthermore, doesn't Ford realize that the huge SUV's days are numbered? No wonder they're having financial problems.
ateixeira says:
11:24 AM, 01/30/06
I'm not crazy about this face-lift, in fact I liked the old front-end and interior better.
Still, there wasn't much broken to fix, and I agree about the IRS and the folding 3rd row being a key feature that GM missed out on.
navigator89 says:
01:13 PM, 01/30/06
300hp is weak for what will be one of the biggest SUVs on the market. 350hp would be better. Come on, the smaller and lighter Explorer has 292hp! The Expedition and F-150 have been criticised by many for being sluggish due to a lot of weigth without muscle.
Apart from that, this new Expedition looks good. It still retains that distinctive handsome look. The front headlights look pretty similar to the upcoming Edge.
Looking forward to a road test and pictures of the interior.
rsholland says:
03:16 PM, 01/30/06
Tahoe only has 320 HP, so it's close. The 6-speed tranny will certainly help too.
terpfan says:
04:57 PM, 02/ 1/06
IRS and folding flat seats are a definite plus, but Ford is working with a distinct power deficit - six speed automatic notwithstanding. I also think the truck is waaaay to feminine looking. Even women don't like girly looking trucks. Regarding the power issue, the six-speed auto has been in the Navigator since '05 and it hasn't helped its acceleration much at all. Not to mention the fact that top of the line Yukon Denalis, Tahoe SSs and Escalades will have between 385-403 horsepower AND six speed automatics. The 5.3 Tahoes/Yukons will likely get the six speed next year.
dhh says:
06:42 AM, 02/ 2/06
For vehicles of this size, horsepower is not as important as torque. What is the torque rating of that engine?
That said, what happened to the rumored V-6 turbo-diesel? It boggles the mind that GM and Fordcan offer vehicles with the sort of mileage ratings that these things have. Why no diesel offerings? Mercedes, Toyota, and other major manufacturers are all planning diesel offerings in the US in the very near future. If Ford and GM don't act quickly, they will lose an opportunity and more importantly, market share.
k2sb2003 says:
05:10 PM, 02/ 6/06
You people crack me up. If solid axels tow more and have higher pay load then why do the expedition and the explorer have better ratings than there not so current compeditors. the other thing is that try to push an suv around a corner or off road with a solid axel adn find the best medium is next to impossible. Drive the expedition and then the tahoe, you will see the difference and understand why ford. second the same 4.5L turbo diesel that is in the LCF would be the perfect match for power and gas mileage. ive driven that motor in the LCF adn that thing moved out pretty well.
any further questions email me.
thatcher3 says:
10:04 PM, 03/18/06
I am thrilled that Ford has come out with something that will replace the size of the Excursion. With children and everyday activities with practices, my expedition never seems to have enough room for storage. The power folding rear seat is also a plus. I thought I was going to have to switch to a GM product to get the size I need. Thank you Ford! I'm a very happy mom in Arkansas.