R O A D    T E S T

Just by reputation, there is little doubt why the Ford Expedition has become the default choice of government officials, celebrities and the rich elite living in North Forbes.  It looks dignified, it is spacious, almost unstoppable and it requires a small oil field to run. 

That said, it hasn’t distracted would-be buyers in trying out a piece of Philippine road elitism, and because of this, the Expedition has become a best-seller, with more than 2,000 vehicles sold to date in the Philippines.  However, for the rest of us who don’t rely on chauffeurs and use peso bills to wipe our asses, the Ford Expedition has turned itself from a desirable vehicle to something that’s as useful as a white elephant—clearly; not the vehicle for everyone. 

In terms of looks, the Expedition is cleanly and neatly designed, in a truck sort of way.  Although not as handsome as the BMW X5 for instance, the curving sides of the Expedition look well integrated throughout showing the right amount of balance and poise that don’t make the this Ford too tall or fat—but still retaining a sense of bulk—something it can effectively use to bully its way through Philippine roads.  There are strips of chrome here and there, effectively highlighting the Expedition’s luxury-oriented nature without going overboard.  Critics would argue that it shares the F-series’ front-end, though there’s nothing generally wrong with it since this line of Ford pick-ups is just as handsome.  Panel gaps are truck-like, so expect to be able to insert some hidden stashes of food and drink somewhere between the bumper and the hood. 

Inside, it is typical Ford truck fare with large, pre-school sized buttons and G.I. Joe-like plastic materials.  Everything is in logical order, especially if one’s familiar with the F-series or Club Wagon’s layout.  Although generally not that impressive inside, the Expedition still has some saving graces that are worth mentioning such as the massively comfortable front and middle seats with high-quality fabric material.  Moreover, some genuinely excellent quality materials such as the steering wheel, which feel as if they’ve been lifted straight from a Lincoln rather than a Ford.

Speaking of seats, the 10-seater configuration of the Expedition is clearly forced to meet with the Philippine regulation.  Though the first two rows of seats are truly spacious and fit for kings, the rearmost side-facing benches will be uncomfortable even for pet slaves.  In fact, aside from seating in a very awkward position (having your knees perpendicular 90 degrees to the floor), only Mini-mes will find the headroom to have ample enough to breathe properly.

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