2007 Ford Expedition

Four-wheel-drive models have 2-speed transfer cases with optional electronic shift-on-the-fly capability, controlled by a dash-mounted rotary knob. In low range, it shifts the engine's electronic throttle control to a special off-road calibration for more precise torque management in the worst conditions, such as a sandy hill-climb or a slippery uphill towing challenge.


This new Expedition boasts an all-new structure and front and rear suspensions engineered, Ford points out, "to F-Series tough-truck durability standards." The frame is 10 percent stiffer in torsional rigidity, and the drive shafts pass through portholes in its lateral rails to lower the center of gravity for better handling. The new generation five-link independent rear suspension improves on the original introduced in 2003, monotube shocks at all four corners enable more precise tuning and improved ride, and a new variable-boost steering pump reduces low-speed effort while improving higher-speed feel and feedback.


All this comes together very nicely on the road, where our test Eddie Bauer Expedition came across as rock solid yet surprisingly agile and comfortable, even on rough surfaces. Its powertrain performance—including during a heavy towing test—was more than adequate, and its new larger brakes hauled it down with authority and improved pedal feel thanks to a new dual-bore master cylinder. The longer EL version felt a bit more heavy and ponderous, as expected, yet still drove smaller than its substantial size. Both were also uncannily quiet inside due to a new acoustic windshield, thicker side glass, Quiet Steel in the dash panel, and increased insulation throughout.


Besides Ford and GM, only Nissan and Toyota have true Full-size SUV entries, and each has its own features and advantages. But we're impressed enough to believe that you couldn't go wrong with this much-improved Expedition at the top of your shopping list. (www.fordvehicles.com)