2005 Ford Expedition | 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 are the bottom three of a comprehensive and varied 6-model line-up. However, the three models reviewed here are the cream of the Expedition crop, 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. That is, the top-level Expedition models get a boost from 260 hp and 350 Lb-ft of torque last year to 300 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque this year. This is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission that can tow up to 8900 lbs!
The Expedition NBX has a number of off-road enhancements; a 2-speed transfer case, skid plates, front tow hooks, off-road suspension, chrome steel wheels with 265/70R17 all-terrain white-letter tires and both steps and a roof rack.
Safety has become something more of a watchword at Ford, who appear to be taking a few valuable cues (and technology) from Volvo. The 2005 Expedition offers load-leveling suspension and Ford's AdvanceTrac traction-control/antiskid system with Roll Stability Control, newly combined this year. 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 other trim changes relate to luxury and high-end styling features. Where the base models (including the NBX) come with front air conditioning, cruise control, cloth upholstery and so on, the Eddie Bauer adds leather captain chairs, dual-zone climate control, and an Audiophile sound system with an in-dash 6CD changer. Power mirrors, windows, door locks, remote keyless entry and keypad entry are naturally all standard features. The top-level Limited adds heated 8-way power front seats, wood detailing and some exterior enhancements.
For 2005, options are numerous for the up-level trims and include 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 NBX.
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Ford Expedition Buying Resources...
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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 |
