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Accompanying the spirited acceleration is the highly improved handling, thanks to a heavily modified suspension system. Though still employing a ladder-on-frame construction, the 2003 Expedition is the first in its class to use fully independent double wishbone suspension all around. Along with the wider track, this results in a well-balanced and sorted out driving experience. If the previous model was synonymous to an uneducated brute, the new Expedition has some years of etiquette school under its belt. The most obvious difference is that bigger model feels smaller and nimbler than its exterior dimensions suggest. Slicing through traffic isn’t just done with intimidation and power; because of the Expedition’s new found stability, it’s starting to behave like a tall wagon. Besides the new suspension system, the Expedition’s standard 275 / 60 HR 17 Continental ContiTrac TR tires provide just enough road contact to ensure that this SUV is able to put its huge power and torque figures down properly. The rear-axle Limited Slip Differential system keeps tire squeal in check, especially during brisk accelerations. Another astonishing improvement is the surefootedness of the brake system. The four-wheel vented disc system provides ample stopping power, further enhanced by the better pedal feel and modulation plus less fade. Nose dive is reduced thanks to Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. The only downside is that with all the improvements to the handling, the ride is somewhat stiffer and firmer. Though still not as Popsicle-harsh as some of its rivals, it is noticeable, especially if driven back-to-back with the previous Expedition. Perhaps the most important subject for any potential Expedition owner has to be the interior comfort and accommodations. Can Ford justify the heightened pricing? If looked at in careful detail, certainly. Though it doesn’t have the obvious ‘luxury features’ such as plastic wood trim and leather, this one at least improves on the old Barbie Doll plastic. The black and beige interior scheme is certainly lively and doesn’t suffer from the same austere feeling of the previous model. Lined with high-grade plastics, chrome and moquette fabric, it’s more Lincoln in here than Ford. In fact, stepping inside would make one forget about getting something that barely passes for cow hide. Designed, by surprise—a woman, the Expedition’s interior radiates more family-like, cuddly warmth compared to the older one’s tourist bus feel. Like all full-sized SUVs in the Philippines, seating is ten. However, unlike its rivals, the Expedition features three forward-facing rows, all of which are commendable in comfort and support (there are adjustable headrests for eight of the ten passengers). Ford added some IQ points for the Expedition’s second row: the seatbelts now allow a division of space among three or four passengers. If you’re less than four, you can choose the wider setting, and if you’re four, choose the narrower ones. The result is seven seatbelt buckles, but the unused ones can be pushed into compartments. The second row also offers a split-fold function in 40 / 20 / 40 ratio, creating a large, flat load space without the need to remove any of the seats. |
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