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Ford Expedition

1707 messages,  Last post on Sep 24, 2012 at 7:42 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Expedition, SUV

Messages Page 21 of 172

#193 of 1707 Expedition or not ... by klkrause

Mar 05, 2001 (6:35 am)

Well, I am definitely Ford biased and my wife and I just bought an Expedition. However, we did not even consider the Sequioa because my wife works for Ford and we get a decent discount on Ford products. Also, you can get 0.9, 1.9, and 2.9% financing on the Expeditions until the beginning of April.
 
So far we like our Expedition a lot, but my guess is that long-term the Sequoia will have better overall reliability. Toyota is well known for their reliability.
 
As far as the size goes ... I have always driven smaller vehicles (compact cars), and it didn't take me long to adjust to the Expedition. The steering at low speeds, especially, helps a lot when moving around in parking lots, gas stations, etc.
 
I was very impressed with the new Explorer and Mountaineer (2002). The '02 Explorers have just started arriving at dealerships so should be available and inventories should be increasing quickly. The third rows in these vehicles are actually quite impressive, especially for mid-sized SUV's. I'm 6'3" and sat in the third row without much difficulty. Also, the new Explorer and Mountaineer have 4-wheel independent suspension which greatly improve ride quality and handling.
 
Please let me know if you need any more info (klkrausespeakeasy.net if you'd like to e-mail me).

#194 of 1707 To klkrause by traveling101

Mar 05, 2001 (8:11 am)

Thank you so much for your response. I am very curious about the 3rd row seating on all the new midsize SUVs. I assumed they would be tiny, but being a tall family ourselves, more room back there is mandatory! I will go see if we have any 2002 models at our dealerships.
 
But about the Expedition, I also have some questions. The salesman I dealt with for my test drive turned out to be a novice (his 5th day on the job!) and later I discovered he mildly misinformed me about some features. Maybe you could help. In the Eddie Bauer, does 4 corner load leveling suspension really help with rollover prevention? And is it that feature that actually gives the vehicle air suspension or are those 2 different things? Also, why are some models so much higher off the ground than others? Is it the difference between 2WD and 4WD, or air suspension/load leveling? And didn't I read somewhere that ground clearance is actually adjustable (for easy entry and exit) or am I thinking of another SUV?
 
Any input would be appreciated. Thank you.

#195 of 1707 Expedition and air suspension ... traveling101 by klkrause

Mar 05, 2001 (8:27 am)

As far as I know the load-leveling suspension is the same as the "air suspension." It is supposed to lower automtically to help ease of getting in and out, but I haven't seen it in action. I've heard some people say that the ride is a little better, as well, but again haven't ridden in two of them to compare.
 
As far as helping to prevent roll-overs ... I can't imagine that would be the case. If anything, the higher the vehicle is off the ground, the easier it would be to roll-over. After driving a few hundred miles in our Expedition this weekend, I noticed that you definitely have to take it a little easier when cornering, but it's not so bad that you feel like you're going to roll-over all the time. Once you are adjusted to the taller, larger vehicle I'm sure it will be second nature to drive like you really should!
 
The 4X4's are indeed higher off the ground that the 4X2's. We ended up getting a 4X4 without the load-leveling suspension and I personally like the higher ride, but again I'm quite tall and have no problems getting in or out.
 
Where do you live? How many dealerships do you have in your area? We have literally 10 Ford dealerships within 20 minutes of where we live, so I found one I liked and purchased from there. If you are seriously considering a Ford vehicle, please let me know and I can probably help get you a lower price, as well.

#196 of 1707 TL101: Expy vs. Seq. by rickc5

Mar 05, 2001 (12:43 pm)

I concur with KLK that the air suspension and load-leveling suspension are indeed the same thing. I don't have the air suspension on my new 2001 EB, and having looked underneath, there's nothing connected to the rear axle or suspension except shocks. That's it.
 
I compared the Expy to the Seq extensively before I bought. Our Eddie Bauer saved us about $9000 over a comparably equipped Seq Limited. This was two months ago, when Toyota dealers absolutely would NOT discount their vehicles. MSRP or see ya later! We now have about 2000 miles on the new Expy with no problems. Its primarily my wife's vehicle and she is quite happy with it. She says the size doesn't bother her. Make no mistake though, the Expy is a HUGE truck. So is the Seq.
 
One thing: DO NOT SIGN THE FINAL PAPERS UNTIL YOUR DEALER CHANGES OUT THE FIRESTONE TIRES. Don't budge an inch on this! Your family's safety is what we're talking about here. Those Firestones are "DEATH TIRES". I now have Michelin LTX M/S tires, and both the steering and ride were dramatically improved.
 
KLK is also right about 4x2 vs. 4x4. If your climate/hobbies don't require a 4x4, you might consider the 4x2. The ride height should be a little lower on the 4x2. Also, the EB and the XLTs with the Sport Package have 17" wheels, also adding to the ride height.
 
Once you get used to how a tall 4x4 handles, there's no problem. you just don't take corners as fast.
 
BTW- Any vehicle can be made to handle like a sports car these days. HOWEVER, most of the changes to suspension and tires that improve handling also adversely affect the ride quality. Your choice....

#198 of 1707 What a deal!? by jmwii

Mar 05, 2001 (9:53 pm)

For those of you who might be looking in N. New England for an Expedition....We just purchased our 2001 EB with heated seats and sunroof. MSRP was 42,300. Grappone Ford in Concord let it go for 37,000. This is less than the Edmunds invoice price for the vehicle. This was at 2.9% for 60 months as well...This seemed like a fair price. Is this price comparable to what others have paid in New England? Thanks!

#199 of 1707 jmwii: Deal by rickc5

Mar 06, 2001 (7:22 am)

Can't compare to New England, but its similar to what we paid for ours in Denver two months ago. Bought it for $650 LESS than Edmunds/dealer invoice.

#200 of 1707 Suspension by hdlouie

Mar 06, 2001 (3:24 pm)

I first tested a 1998 4x4 with 16 inch wheels and loved the way it handled and road. I ordered a 1999 4x4 with 17 inch wheel and it was quite a bit higher than the 98. Both were XLT's and road very differnt. The 99 was so sloppy it was scary to drive on the freeway. You had to constanly make corrections with steering to keep it staight.Well as someone mentioned I made a few modefications to stablize it. One, new shocks(Edlebrocks), two, sway bar (helwig) for the rear. And I had Ford replace the steering box for a late 99 and up Expedition. It's not perfect but can corner pretty fast. Down fall is a little on the stiff side. Then I decided to change out the 17's for some 285/75/16's BFG KO's, on 16x8 wheels. Love these tires so far but have to get them in the dirt now. These tires were 1.1 inches taller. You can take a look at my cheap web site that earthlink gave me to take a look at it.
http://home.earthlink.net/~louladot/

#201 of 1707 Rear Seat Entertainment System in 2001 EB? by cobhoth

Mar 06, 2001 (9:35 pm)

Anyone have the Rear Seat Entertainment System in the 2001 EB? Just trying to get some feed back on it. Right now in Northern Cali. The dealers are giving this package away for free.
 
Thanks for any info.

#202 of 1707 Gas mileage with 3.73 vs standard rearend by cobhoth

Mar 06, 2001 (9:40 pm)

What is the difference in gas mileage with each rearend. I can't find the difference.
 
Thanks

Messages Page 21 of 172

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