2004 Ford Expedition

Completely redesigned for 2003, the Ford Expedition continues to set unparalleled standards few other SUV dare match. When Ford introduced its full-size sport-utility vehicle in 1997, the Expedition was based on the F-150 pickup-truck platform. That's the way SUVs were built: Take an existing truck chassis, make some necessary modifications and bolt on an SUV body with two rows of seats where the pickup bed used to be. But for 2003, Ford gave the Expedition its own, purpose-built platform, new exterior design, interior styling, safety technologies and a new off-road package. The 2004 Expedition continues in basically the same realm with several new trim levels, features, and colors.


The current generation Expedition is wider, lower and stronger, and has independent rear suspension instead of a truck-style live axle. The advantages, says Ford, are many, but the main ones are improved ride and handling, easier egress and a second- and third-row fold-flat seating system that provides a flat cargo floor without having to remove the rear seats. Powertrains were improved for the '03 model year and towing capacity was increased to 8,900 pounds.

Completely redesigned for 2003, the 2004 Ford Expedition continues to set unparalleled standards few other SUV dare match from third-row Powerfold seats to Triton V-8 powertrains.

Five trim levels are offered-XLS, XLT, XLT Sport, NBX, and Eddie Bauer. The best-selling Expedition has been the XLT 4x4 outfitted with the larger of the Triton V-8 engines, the 260-horsepower 5.4-liter. The XLT Sport level is new for 2004 and includes Dark Shadow Grey body cladding and tubular step bars plus two-tone bumpers in addition to the standard XLT-package features: tilt steering wheel, cruise control, driver's side power seat with lumbar, third-row 60/40 split-bench seat, power-adjustable pedals, AM/FM/CD/Cassette stereo, and more. Also new for 2004 is the NBX trim level, which replaces the XLT FX4. Optional features on all Expeditions are Powerfold third-row seating, AdvanceTrac, limited-slip axle, load-leveling air suspension on all four corners, reverse sensing system, on-board navigation, DVD rear-seat entertainment package and an in-dash/6-disc CD audio system.


Although both of the Expedition's Triton engines may seem familiar, the Expedition's 232-hp 4.6-liter version provides 291 lb.-ft. of torque and the 5.4 makes 350, with 90 percent of that grunt available at a mere 1,870 rpm. Ford emphasizes that both new blocks were designed to run more quietly while producing more power at fewer rpm. The 4.6 Ford also touts the stout rear differentials that come with each engine and says that power plus strength equal towing capacity.


Making the 2004 Expedition both quieter and stronger than the previous generation is the extensive use of structural foam in the SUV's body. Ford says that new body provides 42 percent better torsional stiffness. In addition to the body's rigidity, the Expedition's frame is 70 percent stiffer, in part because of state-of-the-art hydroformed rails. It's also lower. The front "roll center" is 2.3 inches lower than on the 2002 model, and the rear roll center is a remarkable 8.3 inches lower.