Inside Line has a First Drive up on the new 2007 Ford Expedition.
For those who hate SUVs, especially large SUVs, the new 2007 Expedition is just more proof that the Apocalypse is almost upon us, and that FoMoCo should indeed go down the tubes for having the audacity to continue to produce such behemoths.
On the other hand, for those who like big SUVs, the new Expedition and Expedition EL should come as very good news. This vehicle is better in just about every way when compared to the 2006 model...
The styling is more "butch," it has a 6-speed automatic and new safety features are standard. In addition it has a new-and-stronger frame, and a new-and-improved IRS. The all-new EL model, which replaces the Excursion, is a far better competitor to go up against the Suburban. Before the all-new EL model, the Expedition had to compete with both the Tahoe and Suburban, as it's sized in between the two. Now the smaller (if that word can be used) Expedition need only to worry about the Tahoe, as the EL has the Suburban covered.
I've left the best news for last; and that is the prices have dropped—a LOT! Entry-level 2007 XLTs have a MSRP of $5,485 less than a comparable 2006 model.
Snippet: The most important changes come inside — particularly in the third row, which is now a realistic environment for full-sized people. Ford claims it will comfortably seat a 6-foot-2-inch adult. We sat in the Expedition's third row back-to-back with the Chevrolet Tahoe and were impressed by its additional space — enough to actually keep knees at the seat bottom level rather than forcing a fetal position with knees closer to the chest. Thanks to the independent rear suspension, the Ford has a lower load floor, which allows far more space and comfort. The third-row seat is also available in a split-folding (60/40) design that folds flat into the floor using buttons in the cargo area.
I've left the best news for last; and that is the prices have dropped—a LOT! Entry-level 2007 XLTs have a MSRP of $5,485 less than a comparable 2006 model.
Snippet: The most important changes come inside — particularly in the third row, which is now a realistic environment for full-sized people. Ford claims it will comfortably seat a 6-foot-2-inch adult. We sat in the Expedition's third row back-to-back with the Chevrolet Tahoe and were impressed by its additional space — enough to actually keep knees at the seat bottom level rather than forcing a fetal position with knees closer to the chest. Thanks to the independent rear suspension, the Ford has a lower load floor, which allows far more space and comfort. The third-row seat is also available in a split-folding (60/40) design that folds flat into the floor using buttons in the cargo area.
harvey44 says:
06:56 AM, 08/15/06
This should solve all of Ford's problems huh.
jerrywimer says:
08:31 AM, 08/15/06
Nice opening for this news. I like the GMs better, of course. But there's nothing (other than what I consider to be mostly ugliness) wrong with the new Expy's. They may not solve all of Ford's problems but at least they shouldn't add to them.
rsholland says:
10:51 AM, 08/15/06
Now that Ford has a long-wheelbase Expedition, I wonder if they'll offer a vehicle like the Avalanche? The Avalanche is built on the longer Suburban chassis. Ford could do the same if they so choose.
jerrywimer says:
12:02 PM, 08/16/06
That would be interesting (though ugly if they don't do something for the styling!). I remember a Ford show car of some sort (maybe the concept for the FreeStyle?) that had a convertable rear that allowed it to go from wagon to trucklike back.
rsholland says:
01:54 PM, 08/16/06
I like the styling.
jerrywimer says:
09:08 AM, 08/17/06
Somebody must. Or they would completely bomb. ;o)
gregg_vw says:
06:27 AM, 08/24/06
It's the same old 1998 Expedition styling with a 2007 front clip update. It will look dated in months as a result, as motorists begin to perceive the similarities of the new one with the TWO previous generations. Ford has added some good features over the years (IRS, stronger frame, 6 speed, etc.), but neglecting the styling and engine departments so blatantly will bite them in the butt.
tom79au says:
01:47 AM, 09/24/06
It's car's like this that give us 4wd drivers a bad name....
With It's independent rear suspension it's certainly not a serius offroader, just a fuel guzzling suburban road blocker.... WHY BOTHER?