2002 Ford Expedition XLT

Although it doesn't have a factory DVD player, the entertainment system that's packaged with the Comfort & Convenience Group is a worthwhile mobile babysitter.

As you'd expect from a vehicle that checks in curbside at 4,891 pounds, this full-size hauler is definitely most at home on the smooth and straight. While it can be driven through the twistier bits in a modestly enthusiastic manner, pressing near the limit elicits fairly pronounced push, and modulating velocity through corners via trailing throttle or trailing brake is an open invitation to palpable tail wag. Despite a softish pedal, the anti-lock binders did a good job of halting out tester with maximum efficiency and minimum drama.


Inside, Expedition boasts impressively functional overall design. Short on ostentation in XLT guise, it nonetheless features a legible, well-laid-out dash and logical, easy-to-use controls. The front buckets are comfortable in a firm sort of way, although they do come up a bit short in the lateral support department. A 30/70 split-bench occupies the adult-friendly second row, with the lesser element offering a flip-down back and tumble-forward capability that eases access to the third-tier perch. While decidedly kid-proportioned, it's nonetheless a standard feature that costs extra in its GM counterparts.

Expedition offers a variety of interior configurations. Three seating rows accommodate up to nine people, and removing/folding the rear rows yields huge cargo capacity.

Depending on how it's configured, the Expedition will hold anywhere from a basic 20.5 cubic feet of cargo to a massive 110.7 cubic feet—although the latter figure is only available when the second-row seat is folded down and the third row removed. Supported by a pair of gas-pressure struts, the Expedition's generously proportioned rear hatch also features a convenient flip-up back glass for when your hauling duties are confined to only smaller items.


Those whose regular payload consists primarily of kids should find much to like about the Expedition's sole notable change for 2002: the optional rear-seat entertainment system. Available only in conjunction with the Comfort and Convenience Group and 6-disc CD changer, it includes a headliner-mounted, flip-down viewing screen, wireless remote control and individual headphone jacks for audio. Although more sophisticated viewers may decry having to settle for conventional video rather than a DVD-based format, it's definitely a step in the right direction from a competitive standpoint.

Base XLT level is comfortable and ergonomic. The Eddie Bauer model offers even plusher accommodations.

There's no denying that time has definitely started catching up with the Expedition. Formerly the dominating force in its field, this noble road warrior was finally eclipsed by the Yukon in the 2001 annual sales derby. But even as it awaits a major overhaul for the 2003 season, the Expedition continues to age pretty gracefully—and in a relatively cost-effective manner. If your SUV needs run to the more "upscale" end of things, both literally and figuratively, consider taking one for a test drive. (www.ford.com)