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AutoBuzz Special: The 2003 Ford Expedition XLT
By Jason Ang
Photos By Ulysses Ang and Jason Ang
Information Courtesy of Ford Group Philippines

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Ford Group Philippines launched its latest weapon in the full-sized SUV wars, the all-new 2003 Ford Expedition.  The Expedition already has a reputation for being the biggest, roomiest, brawniest SUV in the land, and the new model will certainly cement its status as the no-holds-barred choice. 

Dave Macasadia, Ford Group Philippines Vice President for Sales and Marketing said, “The Expedition has been a top-seller since it was introduced in the Philippines in 1998.  For 2003, it is expected to continue its leadership by offering improved functionality, safety, security and comfort that full-size SUV customers demand.” 

The vehicle was unveiled near the driveway of the New World Renaissance Hotel in Makati City and attracted a small crowd of onlookers.  The vehicle is indeed an improvement in almost every way from its predecessor. 

Exterior

This won’t be a case of mistaking the new for the old one.  The new Expedition looks unmistakably sharper than the previous model.  The profile is of course similar, but the lines are bolder and the styling cues more integrated. 

The front looks more imposing, with a wider track, and a huge grille flanked by complex reflector quad-beam projector headlamps.  The bumpers are now body-colored and flow into the front fenders.  Below, there’s a matching gray fascia with integrated fog lamps. 

The wheel wells are now properly filled with huge 265/70 R 17 tires.  The step in height still requires the use of a step board, and one with integrated lights is duly provided on each side. The side mirrors protrude further from the body and are now larger to give a better view. 

The tailgate has been made as wide as possible, for easier loading of goods into the back. The glass hatch still flips up separately for dropping in of small pieces of luggage. 

Length has increased by 30 mm, while width and wheelbase remains the same.  Weight has gone down by 70 kg. from the previous model, to 2288 kg.  Height has decreased by 26 mm, but ground clearance has increased slightly due to repositioning of some chassis components. 

Interior

The interior is the most improved aspect of this SUV.   The dashboard and instrument panel looks cleaner, with metal accents for the air vents that also act as open-close controls.  A “message center” at the lower right hand corner varies its display for odometer, compass, trip meter, average temperature, average fuel economy, distance-to-empty, elapsed drive time, system check, auto-lock, reverse mirrors and the reverse sensors.  The pedals are power adjustable to allow a shorter driver to still remain a safe distance from the wheel.  A “conversation mirror” allows the driver to see what the rear passengers are up to by glancing up at the overhead console.

Ford Group Philippines president Henry Co has every reason to look up: the Ford Expedition has been the dominant force in the full-sized SUV category. He sees continued rule with the 2003 Expedition.

Dave Macasadia, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing leads the company in unveiling its flagship model: the Expedition.

The driveway of the New World Renaissance Hotel proved to be the perfect place to unveil the new Expedition. Because of its size, it already took its fair share of curious on-lookers even before the covers were removed.

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