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Ford Expedition

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

You are in the Ford Expedition Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford Expedition, SUV

Messages Page 99 of 172

#975 of 1707 Navigator3740 and Mfullmer by jrc346

Dec 24, 2002 (12:38 am)

Navigator3740-You make some very good points. I was thinking of doing exactly what you did listing the Expeditions many assets. The reason I didn't was because I figured that Mfullmer had already known about those features and just had concerns with the ones that he posted. I also agree that Ford has more "high tech" engines than GM, but I am disappointed that their (GM's) motors always feel more torquey. The 5.4L 260 HP V8 in my Expedition defiantly doesn't feel that big. I know it pushes alot of weight and its AWD but my friends 2000 Yukon XL kills my Expy off the line. I guess there are trade offs. GM is having problems with piston slap and such. Where Fords 5.4L V8 during 1999 and 2000 have head gasket leaking (oil) problems but is otherwise an excellent engine. It just seems that all car companies have some edge somewhere.
 
Mfullmer- What I'm doing when I say look at the Yukon or Tahoe is just pointing out two other capitable vehicles. This is coming from a Ford guy too;-) I know that you are fed up with GM so maybe this (going Ford) is a good change. However this is Expeditions first year. Ford did alot to make sure that there wont be any problems but things do show up on first year vehicles. So far there has only been 1 major problem on the 4x4 Expeditions and there is a fix for that. So I guess I'm just trying to caution. The Ford Expedition is a terrific new SUV and has ALOT to offer, but since it is a first year vehicle it may not be totally free from recalls and defects (something that I think you are trying to get away from). If I was in the market for a new SUV now I would get the Expedition because (1)I am a Ford guy and (2) because my past experiences with Ford first year vehicles has been relatively positive.
 
I became a Ford guy in 1986 after GM gave me a Lemon Cutlas Ciera. I know its not much of a car to begin with but its how they handled the problem that made me switch car companies.

#976 of 1707 I'm considering a new '03 E/Bauer and have questions... by mardyn

Dec 24, 2002 (11:29 am)

Hello all, I'm pretty serious on getting a new '03 Expedition later this week... have a coupla' questions. Any answers would be appreciated...
 
With a 5.4L 2wd & 3.73 rear gear, what kinda' fuel milage can one realistcally expect? City? Highway 70 mph? Any thoughts?
 
Also, I don't really like the massive center console that runs all the way to the dash. I'd much prefer the floor area between the driver & passeger areas to be open. I wonder if there is carpet under the console?
 
btw, price here in DFW area is apprximately $32,906.00 drive out (no DVD, but has power fold rear seat)
 
Anything else I', missing here? Again, any imputs would be appreciated.
 
Thanks
David Berry

#977 of 1707 Torque & Mileage....... by navigator3740

Dec 24, 2002 (10:23 pm)

JRC: I'm facinated that you get beat. I have raced my partner in his same year Tahoe, and cream him every time. Maybe I'm lucky? I'll admit I like how the GMs drive, but I can't get past what I consider to be archaic technology I find on the OVERDRIVE models....

Mr. Berry, you're going to get horrible mileage, ok? If you're buying for mileage, you're looking at the wrong vehicle. Realistically, you're going to get 13 city, 16 HWY in an Expedition, no matter what you do. And I can't believe you want the console out. Where would you put your "stuff"? On the seat? Exactly the reason I LIKE the big SUVs...... Whatever.

#978 of 1707 How they drive..... by navigator3740

Dec 24, 2002 (10:28 pm)

I rented an 03 Expedition from Hertz in Phoenix last Thursday, and took it to Glendale and back. There were 3 to 6 passengers throughout the day for those of you who cringe because I'm wasting resources, but that's another board.

I think the new version Expedition drives nicer than my current Navigator. I'm really impressed with how well it holds a lane, and the old pitch & yaw from the live axle is now gone. I'm not in love with the dash appearance, and I hate that tilt wheel, but from a performance perspective, this truck felt like solid gold. No rattles, squeaks or air noise, everything worked perfectly, and the power was great. I'm very impressed. Usually on a rental, you can find a problem. Not on this one. I did note it was averaging 13 MPG, which is no surprise at all.

#979 of 1707 Thanks Nav by jrc346

Dec 25, 2002 (12:50 am)

Thanks for your encouraging words on the new Expedition. This vehicle sounds more and more like my next vehicle, though probably in a year or so. I think I may have to test drive one myself In what year did the Navigators get 300 HP? If your Navigator has 260 like mine then maybe I just dont know how to drag (lol who thought anyone would be racing SUV's? Haha).
On plus side I do get 2 more MPG than my buddy with his Yukon XL.

#980 of 1707 jrc..... by navigator3740

Dec 25, 2002 (9:23 am)

The Nav got 300hp mid year 1999. Mine however, was a very early 99, and has the 260hp engine, which has never left me wanting for power BTW. Even towing old Chevy's back from California on trailers, it goes up Baker grade (a local radiator buster) without even breaking a sweat, or dropping speed. And it will dust my partner's 99 Tahoe-it's not even a close race. What do you know about head gasket problems? I have 64,000 trouble free miles on mine. Haven't heard about this.

#981 of 1707 Thanks for the info guys... by mardyn

Dec 26, 2002 (11:27 am)

Regarding my question about milage on the '03 Expedition: I know the thing gets horrible milage, 15-16 on the highway is awful. My '00 F250SD w/PSD avarages 17.7 in town, but it's time to trade to take advantage of tax (depeciation) write offs for my business. I'd really like a diesel in the Expedition but understand that's still about a year out or so ('04?).
 
Also, on the console deal, I lke the main part of the console between the seats, just dont like the extension up to the dash. I'm thinking about getting a regualar truck style console, which is plenty good to hold all my junk.
 
Anyway, stopped by another dealer this morning and they've offered another $1000.00 bucks for my trade... price difference is now at $10815.00 drive out. That's a pretty good deal I beleive.
('03 Expedition, Eddie Bauer. 5.4L, power rear seat, but no DVD). Any thoughts?
 
Thanks
David Berry

#982 of 1707 Nav Head gaskets by jrc346

Dec 26, 2002 (3:34 pm)

I guess that there was a problem at one of the 5.4L V8 factories. Where one corner of the head wouldn't get machined completely leaving a little bump in that corner. So when the head was installed onto the block the head wouldn't be down flat on the block. The head gasket normally wouldn't blow (coolant and oil) but would just leak alot of oil and people were complaining of a strong oil smell inside the car. Ford is doing free replacments on all engines with this issue. It effects mostly 1999 engines and some 2000's. However it doesn't effect ALL 5.4's. In fact I dont think that this is a large problem. I too have been fortunate. 72,000 trouble free miles:-) I love this beast!

#983 of 1707 Thanks, Thanks, and Thanks by mfullmer

Dec 27, 2002 (11:30 am)

First, let me say, that since I "discovered" the Expedition I haven't even looked back at the Tahoe/Yukon. My main reason for moving from a mid-size to a full-size is the rear seat but I didn't want to have to take the seats out when I didn't need them.
 
Regarding the engine stuff. I'm not into the technical stuff although I do remember (as my parents have owned car dealerships since the mid 70's) that those early to mid 80's Fords were nothing to brag about. This was period when many dealers wouldn't even consider a "For Sale" trade opting instead to just wholesale every Ford they took in. Remember the old acronym for F-O-R-D???
 
And just to be technical. The Explorer has had the option of Electronic Climate Control since it was redesigned for the '95 model year.
 
But that has all changed now. They are leading the pack with quality (mechanical) and I just don't understand why they are not using the full extent of the technology available.
 
Although it's not a point I would reject the Expedition for, having the memory linked to the HVAC and Stereo is a big deal to me. My Partner hates the automatic control of the HVAC and likes to always adjust the fan and temp. I, on the other hand, leave it on auto and 69 or 70 at all times.
 
Because these are small things I'm definitely NOT discounting the Expedition. It just seems like Ford, while they have come a long way, still lags in some areas.
 
Regarding the issue of the suspension changes. I'm glad they did it for the Expedition but I really think the blame comes from the Marketing people. Until just recently the Full-Size Sport Utes were being designed and marketed to Full-Size truck owners. They are just now realizing that their real customers are just as much Large Sedan/Minivan owners who don't really want a "trucky" feel.

#984 of 1707 What is 4 corner load leveling air suspension? by bytre

Dec 28, 2002 (12:52 am)

I saw a switch for this in a 4x2 eb I test drove today and asked about it - the dealer was clueless. I also see it as an option on some option pricing lists, and it appears to be mutually exclusive with the Advancetrac system.
 
I cannot seem to find much solid technical data on it though, only a brief description that it levels things out when heavily loaded. I need a little more info to make an informed decision if this is a feature I want instead of advancetrac, or if my information is bogus.
 
Any help would be appreciated. We want to buy before the end of the year.

Messages Page 99 of 172

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