Ford Expedition

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Ford Expedition

Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	1997–present
Predecessor	Ford Bronco (standard) Ford Excursion (Expedition EL/Max)
Class	Full-size SUV
Body style(s)	5-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Curb weight	5801 lbs/ 2631 kg (standard) 6088 lbs/ 2761 kg (EL)[1]
Related	Ford F-150 Lincoln Navigator

The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV built by the Ford Motor Company. Introduced in 1997 as a replacement to the Ford Bronco, it was previously slotted between the smaller Ford Explorer and the larger Ford Excursion, but as of the 2005 model year it is Ford's largest SUV. Ford currently offers the standard regular-sized model and the larger EL/Max model, succeeding the Excursion which was discontinued in 2005.

The Expedition (especially the larger EL/Max model) is once again Ford's flagship SUV. All Expeditions were originally built in Wayne, Michigan. In 2009 Ford shifted its current third generation model production to Louisville, Kentucky as Ford has begun converting the Wayne assembly plant to start building the future production of the Focus.

Vehicle Background

The Expedition, as of the 2010 model year, offers up to eight passenger seating (in XLT trim with front bench seat option) and a V8 engine. It is similar to the Lincoln Navigator, especially for the 2007-present model with the introduction of the King Ranch trim line in 2008. Over five hundred thousand Expeditions have sold since 2004, reflecting high consumer demand for its family-friendly interior, cargo space, off-road capability and high towing capacity. All four-wheel-drive Ford Expeditions have Control Trac 4WD, which is designed by BorgWarner, and use BorgWarner 4WD 2-Speed Electronic transfer cases with Torque-On-Demand technology. Other 4WD features include front mounted closed loop recovery/tow hooks, self engaging/disengaging hubs and optional off-road Skid Plates (placed over vital areas).

Expeditions also have available ElectroPneumatic self leveling / load leveling suspensions systems. The ElectroPneumatic suspension (electronically controlled and actuated by air) is "smart" enough to detect when a heavy trailer, such as a travel trailer, is present via weight transfer. Additional sensors placed on the left and right sides of the vehicle also monitor for any listing. This keeps the Expedition running straight, level, and true while towing and at night helps to keep the Expedition’s headlamps from blinding oncoming traffic. A specially modified Special Service Vehicle version is also available from Ford for law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and EMS agencies.

Availability

Both the Expedition and Expedition EL are sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the CMNI, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam, the Philippines, the Middle East, Central America, the Caribbean, South America (except Argentina and Brazil), Cambodia, Mongolia and South Korea^[2].

1997-2002

First generation

Production	1997–2002
Assembly	Wayne, Michigan, United States
Platform	Ford U platform
Engine(s)	4.6 L Modular V8 5.4 L Triton V8
Transmission(s)	4-speed 4R70W automatic 4-speed 4R100 automatic
Wheelbase	1997-98: 119.0 in (3023 mm) 1999-2002: 119.1 in (3025 mm)
Length	204.6 in (5197 mm)
Width	78.6 in (1996 mm)
Height	1997-98 4WD: 76.4 in (1941 mm) 1997-98 2WD: 74.9 in (1902 mm) 1999-2000 4WD: 78.4 in (1991 mm) 1999-2000 2WD: 76.5 in (1943 mm) 2001-02 4WD: 76.6 in (1946 mm) 2001-02 2WD: 74.3 in (1887 mm)
Fuel capacity	26 US gal (98 L; 22 imp gal) 30 US gal (114 L; 25 imp gal) (optional)
Related	Ford F-150 Lincoln Navigator

The Expedition replaced the full-sized Ford Bronco. Seating capacity was up to nine passengers when equipped with a front bench seat and an optional third-row seat, and the towing capacity was 8,000lb (3,600 kg) when properly equipped. Ford made mechanical and cosmetic changes for the 1999 model year Expedition. Both the 4.6L and 5.4L engines received more power without reducing fuel economy. Ford also revised the front grille, front fascia, and bumper with integrated fog lamps in the lower valance.

For the 2000 model year, Gentex auto dimming Electrochromatic rear view mirrors became available. Lower front bumper valances and running boards on Eddie Bauer models were changed to Arizona beige to complement other Eddie Bauer trims. Also new for 2000 was optional rear park distance/back up sensors which were mounted on the rear bumper, and optional front seat side impact airbags.

Engines:

2003-2006

Second generation

Production	2003–2006
Assembly	Wayne, Michigan, United States
Platform	Ford U platform
Engine(s)	4.6 L Modular V8 5.4 L Triton V8
Transmission(s)	4-speed 4R70W automatic 4-speed 4R75E automatic
Wheelbase	119.0 in (3023 mm)
Length	205.8 in (5227 mm)
Width	78.7 in (1999 mm)
Height	2005-06 4WD: 76.6 in (1946 mm) 2005-06 2WD: 76.7 in (1948 mm) 2003-04: 77.6 in (1971 mm)
Fuel capacity	28 US gal (106 L; 23 imp gal)
Related	Ford F-150 Lincoln Navigator

The 2003 Expedition shared the Ford U platform for 8,300 lb (3,800 kg) towing. The rear axle and suspension were changed to an independent suspension configuration giving a more refined ride. Popular new features included power folding third-row seats and turn-signal mirror lights.

The base 4.6 L V8 engine was dropped in 2005 as the 5.4 L V8 was updated with 24-valve technology. Along with the 2005 model V8 engine mechanical update, the Expedition also received a significantly updated version of the 4R70W 4-Speed Automatic transmission. This new transmission, now called 4R75E; sported several major updates, both mechanically and electronically.

The 4R75E 4-Speed Automatic overdrive transmission featured fully electronic Smart Shift technology. A turbine speed sensor improved transmission control and provided the basis for the fully electronic shift scheduling. Microprocessor speeds were improved for better responsiveness and precision of the control system. The transmission was continuously learning, and would calculate the torque in the next gear and schedule shift points based on the Expedition’s projected performance in the next gear.^[3] For 2005 model Expeditions the 4R75E transmission is designated by the letter "B" under TR (for Transmission) on the manufacturers Safety Compliance Certification Label, located in the driver’s side door jamb. For 2006 model Expeditions, the 4R75E transmission is designated by the letter "Q".

AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control was optional for 2005.

Engines:

Russian "Москва-Чукотка" land expedition

On April 12, 2006, three 2005 model Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer SUVs successfully and autonomously completed a grueling 32 day, 14,000 kilometer off-road expedition, across North Asia (Russia) and the frozen Artic Tundra while at times, traversing uncharted territory. The expedition team was made up of six members (two in each vehicle) and included the expedition leaders Alexey Mikhailov and Alexander Borodin; Technical director Andrey Rodionov; Professional drivers Sergey Goryachev, Victor Parshikov and Alexey Simakin. The Ford Expedition SUVs crossed the Artic Circle twice and visited landmarks such as the spot where American aviator Carl Ben Eielson was lost. The northern most point on the route was latitude 69°42′ North (Pevek). The eastern most point visited was longitude 169°40’ West (Cape Dezhnev). The Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer SUVs used in the expedition were standard four-wheel-drive production versions and were lightly modified. Modifications included Utility bumpers with front end guards, winches, Safari roof racks, high-powered off-road lights and extra belly plating. Because the trip would venture far from civilization, the vehicles were also equipped with gas stoves to prepare food, and high capacity auxiliary fuel tanks (mounted in the rear cargo bay) for when gas/petrol stations became nonexistent. The vehicles still retained their factory stock engines, transmissions, drivelines, four-wheel-drive systems, suspensions and even their factory OE 17x7 Machined/Painted Aluminum five spoke wheels. The body panels were not modified and the Eddie Bauer Pueblo Gold trim (fender extensions, side cladding) were left intact for the trip. On two of the Expeditions, the rear bumpers were removed in order to accept Caterpillar tracks when off-road conditions became too demanding for conventional tread tires.^[4]

2007-present

Third generation

Production	2007–present
Assembly	Wayne, Michigan, United States(2007-2009) Louisville, Kentucky, United States(2009-present)
Platform	Ford T1 platform
Engine(s)	5.4 L Triton V8
Transmission(s)	6-speed 6R75 automatic 6-speed 6R80 automatic
Wheelbase	119.0 in (3023 mm)
Length	206.5 in (5245 mm)
Width	78.8 in (2002 mm)
Height	SWB: 77.2 in (1961 mm) Eddie Bauer: 78.3 in (1989 mm)
Fuel capacity	28 US gal (106 L; 23 imp gal)
Related	Ford F-150 Lincoln Mark LT Lincoln Navigator

For 2007, the Expedition was redesigned, utilizing the new T1 platform. The new platform provides 10% more torsional rigidity than the previous model, and includes the independent rear suspension. As in previous years, the Expedition is powered by the 5408 Triton V8 engine, rated at 300 hp (220 kW) and 365 lbf·ft (495 N·m) of torque, which when properly equipped can tow up to 9,100 lb (4,130 kg).

The new 2007 model Expeditions also débuted an all-new 6-Speed 6R75 Automatic transmission with Dual Overdrive gears. Like its predecessor the 4-Speed 4R75E, the 6R75 is capable of learning, and schedules precise shift points based on what it’s learned. Data the transmission has collected and learned is saved in the Transmission Control Module (TCM) For 2007 and 2008 model Expeditions, the 6R75 is designated by the letter "C" under TR (for Transmission) on the Safety Compliance Certification Label located in the driver’s side door jamb.

In addition, a L V8 gas-electric hybrid, rated the same for both power and torque as the L may be available in future years and/or a 4.4 L V8 diesel engine, based on the Ford Lion V6 engine with estimates of 330 bhp (246 kW) and 515 ft·lbf (700 Nm) of torque respectively. The 2007 Expedition was unveiled at the Houston Auto Show rather than at Detroit, Los Angeles, or New York where most new models are, as 20% of all Expedition sales are in Texas. The third generation Expedition went on sale in August 2006. The first 2007 Expedition to roll off a Ford assembly line was donated by Ford to the Peter family of Jamaica, Queens, New York as part of an episode of the ABC series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition that aired May 7, 2006.

For the 2008 model year, power deployable/retractable running boards became available, along with a rear view backup camera system. The camera, which is mounted under the Expedition’s center liftgate appliqué, utilizes the Gentex auto dimming rear view mirror’s picture-in-mirror technology to display what it sees.

For the 2009 model year, additional features included the now standard FlexFuel capability, which can take gasoline, E85 (85% ethanol/15% gasoline), or any combination of the two, and the newly installed EasyFuel capless fuel-filler system. The 5.4L V8/FlexFuel feature also upgraded its torque power to 310hp and 365lb-ft. The 2009 model year also boosted its maximum towing capacity to 9200 lbs for the 4x2 version, and up to 9000 lbs for the 4x4 verison.

The new entertainment features added to the 2009 model year included the optional Ford SYNC, a voice-activated, multi-entertainment/navigational system, which can hold up to 10gb of storage space for more than 2400 songs, a jukebox function, a screened photo display, iPod/Zune capability for downloading and recharging, ripping CDs, and integrated compatibility for cellphones and Bluetooth; the newly compatible Sirius Travel Link, which allow drivers to access traffic, weather, sports, and local movie listings; and a "Route Guidance" mode for road and street information. Also, the Ford SYNC features a "911 Assist" system that allows drivers to call for serious emergencies or other road information and vehicle health reports, which gives owners updates on the condition of their Expeditions. With the exception of the 2007-2009 XLT models (from the Wayne Plant built orders), the steering wheel also has a tilt feature and radio controls, including Ford SYNC buttons, allowing the driver to press the button and use voice commands to activate the system. For accessory purposes, a HD radio can be installed upon request at a Ford dealership in the United States.

The 6R75 6-Speed Automatic was replaced by an updated variant, the 6R80 6-Speed automatic. For the 2009 Ford Expeditions, the 6R80 transmission is designated by the number "6" under TR (for transmission) on the Safety Compliance Certification Label located in the driver’s side door jamb. The front bench seating option has been discontinued for the 2009 model year, as have the "Expedition" front door side badges and the lower black cladding.

As of 2009, the Ford Expedition will be built at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville along with its sister SUV, the Lincoln Navigator, and the Ford F-Series Super Duty. That plant used to build the Ford Excursion until 2005^[5].

For the 2010 model year optional packages have now been renamed (to Rapid Specificated Order Codes) and upgraded (100s for XLT, 200s for Eddie Bauer, 300s for Limited, 400s for King Ranch) for the newer models. It has also announced that the 2010 models will now feature Ford's MyKey and trailer sway control as a standard on all trims.^[6]. The 2010 models were ranked 6th among the top 11 affordable large size SUVs in "US News & World Report^[7].

Safety

Safety features for the 2009 models were also updated to include the SOS Post-Crash Alert System and a perimeter alarm. The vehicle itself also received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA. Also, rain-sensing windshield wipers were added as a optional for Eddie Bauer but standard on the Limited and King Ranch versions.

2010 model year NHTSA crash scores:^[8]

• Frontal Driver:
• Frontal Passenger:
• Side Driver:
• Side Rear Passenger:
• Rollover 2WD:
• Rollover 4WD:

Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package (Option Code 536)

Complete Package includes these enchantments to the Expedition:

• Heavy-Duty Class IV Trailer Hitch Receiver

• Wiring Harness with 4 and 7 pin Connectors

• Electronic Trailer Brake Wiring Kit

• Heavy-Duty Auxiliary Transmission Oil Cooler

• Heavy-Duty High-Flow Radiator

Expedition EL

Expedition EL

Also called	Ford Expedition Max
Production	2007–present
Assembly	Wayne, Michigan, United States(2007-2009) Louisville, Kentucky, United States(2009-present)
Platform	Ford T1 platform
Engine(s)	5.4 L Triton V8
Transmission(s)	6-speed 6R75 automatic 6-speed 6R80 automatic
Wheelbase	131.0 in (3327 mm)
Length	221.3 in (5621 mm)
Width	78.8 in (2002 mm)
Height	EL/Max: 77.7 in (1974 mm) Eddie Bauer: 78.3 in (1989 mm)
Fuel capacity	33 US gal (125 L; 27 imp gal)
Related	Lincoln Navigator L

For 2007, an extended-wheelbase version of the Expedition called the Expedition EL (for "extended length") was introduced in the United States. In Canada and Mexico it is badged as a Expedition Max because of confusion with the Canada-sold Acura EL. At first it was supposed to be called the Everest but Ford changed their minds at the last minute^[9]. However, Ford now uses the Everest name for its SUVs in Asia. As with the standard size Expedition, the EL/Max version will continue to have the same features for the 2010 model year^[10].

The EL/Max replaced the discontinued Excursion and is expected to compete more effectively with the Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL. While both GM and Ford vehicles are similar in size (as both Suburban/Yukon XL 1500s and EL vehicles are packaged as half-tons), there is a difference in the pricing range, as the sale price for the EL model Expedition is lower than the sale price of the Suburban/Yukon XL's. Another difference is that while Chevrolet and GMC offer different engine sizes for their Suburban/Yukon XL models (5.3L, 6.0L and 6.2L), the EL/Max only comes with a 5.4L/V8 engine, just like its standard-size sibling and does not have a 3/4 ton version like the Suburban/Yukon XL has.

Outside North America, including the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam, the Expedition EL is also imported to and sold in the Middle East and the Philippines, where in the latter the EL version is the only type of Expedition that is imported and sold there. Ironically, the Philippines is also where Ford also sells the Everest SUV.

The Expedition EL is about 15.8 in (40 cm) longer than the standard Expedition for a total of approximately 222 in (18.5 feet or 563 cm), and has a 131 in (333 cm) wheelbase, producing 24 ft³ of additional cargo space over the standard 119 in (302 cm) wheelbase model. The EL/Max versions also carries the same updated 2009 features as noted above, save for the Eddie Bauer version (18" machine-aluminum wheels). And while they are larger in size, its maximum towing capacity is 8900 lbs on the 4x2 version and 8700 lbs on the 4x4 version, about 300 lbs short of the regular sized Expedition. They also received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA^[8]. The Expedition EL was also ranked 9th among the top 15 "Best Family Haulers", according to a June 2009 consumers favorite survey conducted by Edmunds^[11].

Just like the standard sized Expedition, the Expedition EL comes in 4 trim lines: XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited and the recently added King Ranch series. All four versions are available in the United States, with the exception of Canada (Eddie Bauer, Limited and King Ranch versions only), Mexico (Limited version only), the Middle East (XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited versions only) and the Philippines (Eddie Bauer version only). The Expedition EL can be distinguished by its longer rear-quarter windows and the aft wheel well trim not cutting into the rear passenger doors.

Special Service Package

A Special Service Package Ford Expedition used by the Pennsylvania State Police.

To compete with large police SUVs that are sold by other automobile companies, primarily the Chevrolet Suburban, Ford has made a special package for the Expedition that's only available to law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and EMS agencies. Ford calls it the Expedition Special Service Package. The only differences between the standard Expedition and the Special Service Package Expedition are provisions for emergency services related equipment such as radios, lightbars and sirens. There are also options designated fleet only such as custom two-tone paint arrangements that are available to the Expedition Special Service Package.^{[12][13][14][15]}

Funkmaster Flex edition

A special edition with Funkmaster Flex trim and logos including unique paint has been offered since 2007. This model is based on the Limited regular length Expedition.^[16]

Yearly American sales

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Ford Expedition

• Ford Expedition official websites:
  • U.S.A.
  • Canada
  • Mexico (Expedition/Max/King Ranch)
  • Kuwait
  • Middle East
  • Philippines
  • Puerto Rico