By its sheer size and heft, the Ford Expedition commands respect on or off the road.
In a subdivision in Antipolo City where I live, the security guards would stand straight and salute every time they see a Ford Expedition roll in. This annoyed me because I don’t get the same respect when I am behind the wheel of my old jalopy. That was my experience during the short downtime with the 2009 version of Ford’s flagship SUV.
The latest model Expedition EL has a wheelbase 12 inches longer than the previous generation model. Those extra inches increased passenger capacity by way of a third row seat. My test unit was a white Expedition Eddie Bauer model, which means that this variant is special.
Inside, the Expedition does not disappoint also due to its cavernous cabin. I was able to fit six adults at the back with relative ease and had space to fit a baby’s cradle at the back.
My first brush with the Expedition was in 1998, when I drove it for a comparison test with a GM SUV. I remember being traumatized by its fuel consumption, because half of my salary went to feeding it with fuel to drive around town. Being a true-blue Ilocano, I developed an allergic reaction to this metal beast.
Imagine my surprise when this flex-fuel 2009 version’s fuel consumption was almost equal to my V6 sedan gas use. It may not be a fuel miser, but a V8 having a similar fuel rating as my V6 is acceptable in my book.
The authoritative hum of the 5.4-liter V8 engine was subtle, and provided power when I summoned it during passing maneuvers. For an SUV with immense proportions, the Expedition is agile and fast on its feet. Forget about 0 to 60 runs, this SUV pounces at the vehicle in front like a lion. The 6R80 6-speed automatic transmission was precise and smooth. Despite traveling on a full load, the ElectroPneumatic self-leveling suspension system held its own and gamely absorbed the bumps and uneven terrain.
The Ford SYNC, a voice activated multi-entertainment/navigational system, kept my passengers entertained while they feasted on the picturesque view of the northern countryside. It was like traveling on a mini-bus. The commanding view of the road gives vertically-challenged guys like me confidence to strut around town like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The Expedition is imported lock, stock and barrel from Ford’s Louisville, Kentucky truck plant, along with its sister SUV, the Lincoln Navigator.
The Expedition is imported in limited quantity. You may have to wait in line if you want to have one parked in your garage.
