2004 Ford Expedition

We drove the Eddie Bauer version on a two-day route that included off-road treks up steep and slippery hills, through a deep mud puddle and along a deeply snow-covered forest trail. The Expedition handled the terrain very well even though it wore its standard Continental tires, not the special off-pavement rubber we'd prefer for such exercises. On road, where such vehicles spend nearly all their time (on our trip and under your ownership), we found the steering feel and precision to be much improved, and the ride was both smooth and controlled on the curving mountain roads. Braking and especially noise, vibration and harshness control also were improved over the first generation Expedition.


There's sufficient space in the second and third-row seats, and egress is much easier with the lower floor and the way the outboard seats in the second row easily tumble forward. The power-folding third-row seat is a nice feature, and egress to the cargo area is greatly enhanced by a large and low-mounted handle that opens the rear hatch. (www.fordvehicles.com)