Used Ford Expedition Manchester NH

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2008 Ford Expedition Design

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. There are several different wheel designs, including 20-inchers with a chrome finish. The Expedition doesn't have the style of GM's sport-utilities, but at least it avoids the science-fiction look. 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, chassis technology that improves driving precision, ride comfort, and rear-seat roominess.

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.

Handling of the 2008 Ford Expedition

For all its comfort and stability, the Expedition is still about utility rather than sport. When it comes to driving, the Expedition feels big and heavy, and while it goes where you direct it, it can take awhile to get there and isn't as alert or sporty as the Chevy or Nissan. The brake discs are large, but a lot of effort is required to get the Expedition slowed down. Nevertheless, the Expedition's overall driving performance is refined for its class.

The overhead-cam 5.4-liter V8 delivers 300 hp, but it's really tuned to deliver torque, 365 pound-feet of it, for towing. The six-speed automatic transmission runs seamlessly through the gears, keeping the engine from laboring through its rpm range. The result is an impression of reliable power

Steering effort is light and easy. The two-speed 4WD system is engaged with a simple rotary knob mounted on the dashboard, and it automatically reduces throttle sensitivity in low range for better traction in slippery circumstances.

Used Ford Expedition Lineup

The Eddie Bauer and Eddie Bauer 4WD are trimmed as outdoor adventure vehicles and are distinguished by a longer list of convenience features as standard equipment, notably the Expedition's unique power-folding split third-row seat. Other standard features include leather upholstery, 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, six-way power adjustable front passenger seat, memory for the mirrors and driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, an AM/FM stereo tuner with 6CD changer, trip computer, conversation mirror, mirror-mounted turn signals, and protective cladding for the lower body panels. The Eddie Bauer EL  and Eddie Bauer EL 4WD are equipped like the standard wheelbase versions but have front tow hooks and 255/70R18 tires instead of 17s.

The XLT and 4WD XLT come with cloth upholstery with front captain's chairs (driver's seat is six-way power adjustable), a 40/20/40 split-bench seat in the second row, and a rear cargo bin. A tilt steering wheel (leather-wrapped for 2008), front and rear air conditioning with rear controls, remote keyless entry, automatic headlights, alarm and an AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 player connectivity and rear controls are also part of the package. Exterior standard equipment features 265/70R17 tires on alloy wheels, running boards, roof rails, fog lights, power-adjustable outside mirrors (now heated), and a rear liftgate with flip-up glass and a rear defroster/wiper/washer system. Also added as standard for 2008 are keyless entry keypad, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, overhead console, and illuminated visors. The 2WD models have highway tires and the 4WD drive models have on/off-road tires and front tow hooks.

Interior of the 2008 Ford Expedition

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 ceiling 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 peoplein 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 Home Depot. 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.

Conclusion

Among full-size sport-utilities, the 2008 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 the best vehicle for family vacation travel on the American road.

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com