|
Ford Expedition: Benchmarking 4WD
performance
Ford Expedition remains the
established benchmark in the full-size
4WDs. On road and off the road, it
maintains its smooth, stable ride. The
Expedition benefits from a
four-wheel-independent suspension, which
gives it its characteristic smoothness
and responsive handling. It is driven by
a 5.4-liter V8 featuring three valves
per cylinder and variable valve timing,
which produces 335 horsepower and 365
pound-feet of torque.
On the highway, the Expedition inspires
confidence. It's stable at high speeds.
When the road is windy, the Expedition
offers sharp steering response. Small
inputs to the steering wheel are
answered immediately by its car-like
rack-and-pinion steering.
The four-wheel disc brakes are smooth
and responsive. The Expedition comes
standard with ABS and Brake Assist.
Brake Assist is designed to recognize a
panic-braking situation and maintain
full braking force even if the driver
mistakenly relaxes pressure on the brake
pedal.
The popular Eddie Bauer model best
exemplifies the Expedition with its
luxurious and inviting interior and
feature details that make for a more
comfortable and convenient ride. Safety
features include the Safety Canopy air
curtain system designed to offer head
protection for first- and second-row
passengers in the event of a rollover or
side impact. AdvanceTrac with Roll
Stability Control, Ford's electronic
stability control system, monitors
traction at all wheels, plus the rate of
change of body lean, and automatically
cuts power or selectively applies one or
more wheel brakes to correct a skid or
prevent a rollover.
The Expedition has a towering presence,
thanks to the raised center section of
its sloped-down hood. Big 18-inch wheels
enhance its bold look. Bumpers are
smoothly integrated into the overall
design. Expedition's slab sides,
forward-slanting C-pillar, and
relatively simple front-end treatment
all contribute to its unmistakable Ford
identity.
Door handles are the full-grip variety,
making them easier for occupants to
grab, whether left- or right-handed,
gloved or not gloved. Expedition's low
bumper beams are designed to prevent
smaller cars from sliding beneath its
frame in an accident.
An attractive cabin makes the Ford
Expedition a pleasant place to be on
long trips. Shapes are round, and
controls are hefty for an easy grip.
This is particularly true of the
upper-level models such as the Eddie
Bauer and Limited. The Eddie Bauer
Expedition features handsome leather
trim that's warm and friendly with
metallic satin finish trim on the rings
that surround vents and door handles.
The available power-operated (PowerFold)
third-row seats fold flat with the press
of a button. The third-row seat is split
60/40. Push one button on the wall of
the cargo area, and one side powers
down. Hold down the other button, and
the other side powers down. The
power-down buttons are convenient. The
third row disappears into the floor,
leaving a perfectly flat cargo area. It
is an impressive piece of engineering to
watch as the seat folds down and flaps
gracefully flop into place to cover the
gap between the cargo floor and hinged
seats.
In Oman, the Ford Expedition is brought
to you by Arabian Car Marketing Co. LLC,
a part of the renowned Saud Bahwan
Group. It comes with 6 years unlimited
mileage protection, service and parts
network that stretches across the
Sultanate, over 98% parts availability -
and Ford Privilege Card – which provides
24 hours On-road assistance from AAA,
Oman’s premier On-road Assistance
Service Providers.
|
