2005 Ford Expedition XLT | Review | Buying Guide
Ford has one of the most versatile, varied and comprehensive SUV line-ups in the industry. It starts with the Escape, a compact SUV now offered with an industry-first hybrid model and extends through to the all-new Freestyle, a mid-size SUV crossover and the Explorer, the truck-based traditional SUV and on past there to the two full-size SUV entries, the Expedition and the slightly larger Excursion.
Naturally within each of these segment entries there is a whole series of available models and trims. Ford has a barrage of vehicle offerings this year and the 2005 Ford Expedition, reviewed here, is a significant part of that barrage. The 2005 has some additions on last year that include a more powerful engine on all models, a redesigned instrument cluster, raised roof rails instead of a roof rack for a cleaner appearance and available AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control. This Ford system senses rollover potential and then adjusts engine speed while braking individual wheels to settle the vehicle down and help the driver stay in control.
The XLS, XLT and XLT Sport models reviewed here are the bottom three of a comprehensive and varied 6-model line-up that also includes the Eddie Bauer Edition, the Limited and the NBX, an off-road geared machine.
Under the Hood
This year Ford is offering just one engine for the Expedition, but it is quite a bit stronger than last year’s top engine so, for the lower end of the Expedition scale, the XLS, XLT and XLT Sport, it represents a significant power upgrade. That is, XLS models get a major boost from 232 hp and 291 Lb-ft of torque last year to 300 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque. This is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission that can tow up to 8900 lbs!
Safety is an aspect of driving that Ford has been taking more seriously, with cues from Volvo. The 2005 Expedition offers load-leveling suspension and Ford's AdvanceTrac traction-control/antiskid system. Also available are head-protecting curtain side airbags for the first two seating rows. They protect occupants in the event of side collisions and in rollover accidents.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The base model XLS comes with front air conditioning, cruise control, cloth upholstery on a front split bench seat (with 6-way driver’s side power) and both 2nd- and 3rd-row split folding seats. Power mirrors, windows, door locks, remote keyless entry and an audio system with CD capability are all also standard. This is no bare-bones vehicle. It is well equipped and the up-level trims just get better from there.
For 2005, options are not available for the XLS but they are numerous for the up-level trims and include leather upholstery and a an array of seating upgrades and both safety and entertainment optional add-ons, including a Reverse Sensing System, a DVD rear-seat entertainment system, a power moonroof and much more.
A navigation system is available for the top-level models but not for the XLS and XLT editions.
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• Ford Expedition 2WD Eddie Bauer
• Ford Expedition 2WD Limited
• Ford Expedition 2WD XLS
• Ford Expedition 2WD XLT Sport
• Ford Expedition 2WD XLT
• Ford Expedition 4WD Eddie Bauer
• Ford Expedition 4WD Limited
• Ford Expedition 4WD NBX
• Ford Expedition 4WD XLS
• Ford Expedition 4WD XLT Sport
• Ford Expedition 4WD XLT |
