1998 Ford Expedition Sport Utility Vehicle Review & Performance

The stylists at Ford took a sensible approach when they set out to give shape to the Expedition. They already

had two winners to their credit--the F-150 pickup and the Explorer. So they borrowed the best elements from each

to create another success. From nose to windshield, the Expedition shares sheet metal with the F-150. From the

front doors back, the Expedition has the contours of an Explorer. No panels interchange between Expedition and

Explorer, but the resemblance is unmistakable.

This combination of ingredients works well. The Expedition is handsome, with a sloping hoodline and rounded

front end that reflect attention paid to aerodynamic design. It's a design that pays off with improved fuel

efficiency and reduced wind noise. As a matter of necessity, the sides and back are shaped more for utility than

style. Clever use of trim and rounded corners provides some visual definition, however.

Stretching more than 17 feet from nose to tail, the Expedition is certainly no compact. And there's no way to

disguise that. GM's Suburban is even longer, adding a foot-and-a-half to the total. Ford touts the Expedition's

shorter length as a benefit when trying to fit into a garage. (However, Ford is working on an even bigger rig to

compete with the Suburban.) It's true that an Expedition will fit into some garages that are too small for a Suburban,

but check yours to be sure as garage sizes vary.

Two trim levels, XLT and Eddie Bauer, make up the Expedition model range. With little demand for plain, entry-level

vehicle in this class, Ford equips the XLT well and the Eddie Bauer even better. Differences between XLT and Eddie

Bauer are confined to paint and trim. And even these distinctions can be blurred by checking off items from a long

list of optional equipment.

The Expedition derives much of its chassis and mechanical hardware from Ford's F-150 pickup and all Expeditions are available with two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

The Expedition's generous outside dimensions provide for a large, commodious interior. Two seating configurations

are available. Ordered with front bucket seats and a center bench, the Expedition can comfortably haul five

passengers. Ordered with the front full-width seat and center bench makes room for six passengers. Well-padded chairs

provide comfortable seating.

Adding the optional third-row bench provides seating for two more passengers--three if they are small. Getting

in and out of the third seat requires some agility, so it helps if they are small and young.

Our XLT came with full carpeting, attractive color-keyed door- and dash panels and amenities galore, including

power windows, mirrors and door locks, air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel and an audio system that should please

many buyers. First- and second-row occupants get separate heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls; a

third set of controls for the third seat is optional.

A curved dashboard houses instruments and controls where they can easily be reached. A large center console offers

additional storage space and a place for front-seat occupants to rest their arms; a roof-mounted center console is

also available. The Eddie Bauer roof console adds a digital display that provides the date and time, average fuel

economy, compass headings, along with a switch for the power swing-out rear quarter windows.

Attractive and durable materials are used throughout the Expedition's cabin. Soft-touch coverings are applied to

switches and door panels. The window switches are lighted internally at night, a nice touch that not all vehicles carry.

From the driver's seat, you can't help but notice the size of the Expedition. Surprisingly, its bulk doesn't make

it especially difficult to drive. Speed-sensitive variable-assist power steering works in the driver's favor by

keeping steering effort down to a reasonable level. Brake pedal feel is light, yet precise. Lots of large windows,

along with big mirrors, make it easy to see in all directions. Extra care and attention is required when maneuvering

in close-quarters, however.

The ride quality is good, though it is not as soft as that of a traditional family sedan or wagon. The

two-wheel-drive version is slightly smoother on the highway thanks to its independent front suspension, but both

two- and four-wheel-drive versions ride very nicely considering their size and weight. An advantage of the Expedition's

long wheelbase is a resistance to pitching over freeway expansion joints and other irregularities. When driven on

twistier roads, the Expedition does not lean unduly in corners, nor does the front end dive excessively under

hard braking.

Buyers of 4x4 Expeditions can order the load leveling system, which uses compressed air to compensate for varying

loads while improving ride quality. Built into the system is a one-inch increase in ride height. When parked, the

system can make the Expedition kneel down to lower the step in height, which makes getting in and out of the

vehicle easier.

Four-wheel-drive Expeditions are more competent off road than their size and fancy trimmings suggest. While serious

rock-climbing is not suggested, occasional forays off the beaten path can be undertaken without fear of being left

stranded. By simply turning a rotary knob on the dashboard, the driver can choose between two-wheel drive, part-time

four-wheel drive, full-time four-wheel drive and low-range four-wheel drive.

Beyond the choice of two- or four-wheel drive, the buyer also chooses between two V8 engines. They are identical

save for displacement. They are smooth and quiet. We recommend the larger unit, which delivers extra pulling power

for full passenger loads and heavy trailers. Both engines are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.