2002 Ford Expedition XLT

Overall demand for full-size sport-utility vehicles has admittedly softened of late. But for those who really need the space and capability these magnum load-toters offer, nothing less will do. Despite rating only "middle child" status in Ford's exceptionally broad-based SUV lineup, the Expedition definitely fills the bill when it comes to both aspects of that packaging equation. Introduced in 1997, this versatile hauler was spun from the firm's best-selling F-150 pickup platform and immediately took over the top spot in its segment. While it's definitely feeling the competitive heat from the newer Chevrolet Yukon, GMC Denali and Toyota Sequoia, there's still plenty of appealing features to be found in this Blue Oval offering.

Expedition still has the boxy look it was introduced with in 1997. The SUV is due for a makeover in 2003.

Expedition buyers can choose from two trim levels: XLT and upline Eddie Bauer. Both are available in rear- or four-wheel drive. We opted for the former in both cases, although that hardly constitutes a hardship drive. In addition to extremely flexible standard seating for nine in a 3/3/3 configuration, the $30,225 "entry level" Expedition also includes items like a 4.6-liter/232-horsepower SOHC V-8, a 4-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, a 26-gallon fuel tank, power windows/locks/mirrors, a tilt steering column, power driver's seat, keyless-remote entry, power adjustable pedal set, cruise control, intermittent front/rear wipers, privacy glass, dual 12V powerpoints, AM/FM/cassette stereo and a half dozen cupholders.


Our Expedition tester also had a pretty fair load of extras. Heading that list was the upgrade 5.4-liter/260-horse SOHC Triton V-8. Filling out the options roster were the Comfort and Convenience Group (front bucket seats, rear A/C, floor/overhead consoles, automatic day/night inside mirror, heated outside mirrors, illuminated vanity mirrors, and 16-inch cast aluminum wheels with specific 255/70SR16 all-terrain tires), No Boundaries Group (chrome accent trim, special interior fabric, illuminated running boards, fog lights, Plus 1 wheel/tire package with 275/60SR17 rubber), leather upholstery, side airbags, 6-disc CD changer, VHS-based rear entertainment center, Trailer Towing Group (Class III hitch with 7-wire harness, upgraded engine/transmission cooling systems, rear load-leveling suspension, 30-gallon fuel tank) and the SONAR Reverse Sensing System. Factor in $715 in destination fees, and this particular XLT stickered at $39,105.

A choice of two Triton V-8s are offered. Those who tow should consider upgrading to the 5.4-liter model.

Opting for the bigger engine—a well-reasoned $695 choice—not only nets an additional 28 horses, it also brings considerably more low-end grunt. Torque rises from 291 lb.-ft. to 350 and peaks at 2,500 rpm instead of 3,500. That pays major dividends in the towing department while also ensuring that both freeway merging and stoplight-to-stoplight in-town work remain well out of the white-knuckle category, regardless of the payload you're carrying. For the record, the standard tow rating in an Expedition with a Class III hitch is 6,700 pounds (6,400 in 4x4 trim), although more demanding toters can step up to a Class IV package that bumps that figure to 8,200 (7,400 in 4x4 trim). While our vehicle came with a fuel-economizing 3.31:1 standard differential, limited-slip units with 3.55:1 and 3.73:1 cogs also are available.


The Expedition's chassis mechanicals fall into the conventionally unconventional category. In front, upper and lower A-arms are matched with torsion bars while the rear is based on a 5-link live axle that's normally paired with coils but uses self-leveling air springs when fitted with the trailering package. Stabilizer bars are found fore and aft to help keep body roll in check. That combination delivers a fair bit of isolation from road impacts, as does the power-assisted recirculating ball steering. However, those who favor more open lines of communication between driver and vehicle might deem the Expedition a bit too distant for their tastes.