Ford’s multi-talented Expedition SUV is competent, powerful, and updated for 2005 with a host of evolutionary improvements.  This full-size SUV is more efficient, more powerful and safer, if not particularly exciting to the eyes.  That’s probably part of the reason that Ford has expanded the F-150′s King Ranch trim package to the Expedition for 2005.  New engines and electronic throttle control probably don’t excite Joe Consumer, but saddle-style Castano leather and big, Texas-style badges are sure to grab his eye.

Roomy and quiet, the Expedition is able to please trailer-towers and soccer moms alike.  The design is conservative, with a boxy face and molded body-sides, and there are so many Expeditions running around that one barely notices them at the curb any more.  The square, upright design is favored by customizers because it’s one of the few vehicles that doesn’t look completely cartoonish rolling on 22″ or 24″ wheels.  The Expedition is available in six trim levels.

Inside, there’s seating for eight.  Ford’s attention to quality and detail has paid off in recent years, and what was once an unabashedly trucklike interior with hose-out plastics has matured into a rather appealing living room.  The seats are tall and wide, perfect for a variety of passengers, and there’s real legroom in the third-row seat as well.  The second-row seat has a sliding center section to get tots closer to parents in the front.  A big console offers space for random small items.  Standard equipment includes cruise control and keyless entry, and the Expedition can be equipped like a luxury car if so desired.  Heated and cooled front seats, a power folding third-row seat, and power adjustable pedals are all available.   Best of all, the Castano leather-slathered King Ranch package is finally available on a people-hauler.  Makes sense, doesn’t it?  The whole King Ranch kit of big logos, leather, running boards and special wheels is all there, and it makes the Expedition look very nice inside and out.

The really good stuff, however, is under the hood.  The Expedition’s engine lineup has been simplified, with both the 4.6 and 5.4 V8 engines replaced by a new 5.4 V8.  This isn’t the thirsty 5.4 that was the optional engine last year; it’s an all-new, three-valve per cylinder unit.  It matches the smaller 4.6 liter’s fuel economy, while boosting horsepower to 300, outdoing both of the previous engines.  Electronic throttle control means it’s smoother as well as more powerful.  A four-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties, and the Expedition can tow up to 8900 pounds when properly equipped.  A Class III hitch receiver is standard equipment.

One can’t say the Expedition has a carlike ride with a straight face, but ride quality is good.  A fully independent suspension helps, with double wishbones front and rear contributing to a smooth ride whether loaded or not.  The rack-and-pinion steering imparts a feeling of confidence, as if the view out over that big, square hood wasn’t enough.  Ford’s AdvanceTrac traction control is available, and the newly-available Roll Stability Control (RSC) is borrowed from Volvo.  RSC monitors vehicle pitch and uses the traction control to correct accordingly.  With RSC, the Expedition can perform emergency maneuvers without flinching.  Ford also offers full-length side airbags that can stay inflated in the event of a rollover.  Anti-lock brakes are standard; the Expedition’s braking capabilities are average.

The Expedition has helped the full-size SUV supplant the full-size van as the big family hauler of choice, and it’s easy to see why.  It’s versatile, powerful, and easy to drive, and unlike most conversion vans, it doesn’t look that bad, either.  Pricing starts at just over $31,000.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2005 Ford Expedition.
Length:     205.8 in.
Width:        78.7 in.
Height:        76.7 in.
Wheelbase:    119.0 in.
Curb weight:    5607 lb. (4×4)
Cargo space:    110.5 cu.ft. (all seats folded)
Engine:     5.4 liter SOHC three-valve V8
Drivetrain:     four-speed automatic, rear- or four-wheel drive
Horsepower:     300 @ 5000
Torque:     365 @ 3750
Fuel capacity:    28.0 gal.