Driving Impressions

Full-size sport-utilities aren't known for their driving manners, but the latest-generation of vehicles from both Ford and General Motors have made real progress in delivering a more car-like impression. In this regard, the 2007 Ford Expedition is notably superior to the 2007 Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon, and it tracks down the highway with excellent straight-line stability, negotiates forest roads with surprising agility, and absorbs impacts from bumps or broken pavement without straying from its path. While the Tahoe bounds from bump to bump as its heavy rear axle rebounds from impacts, the Expedition maintains a surprising calm considering its truck heritage. Most of the magic comes from car-like engineering, a synergy between a chassis frame that's 10 percent more rigid, high-pressure gas shocks that afford excellent wheel control, and a second-generation, link-type independent rear suspension. Moreover, steering effort has been reduced 15 percent, while the brakes have been upgraded to deliver more stopping capability. The two-speed 4WD system is engaged with a simple rotary knob mounted on the dashboard, and it automatically reduces throttle sensitivity in low range for better traction in slippery circumstances. As before, the overhead-cam 5.4-liter V8 delivers 300 hp, but it's really tuned to deliver 365 pound-feet of torque for towing, a product of variable valve timing and cylinder heads with three valves per cylinder. In the past, this engine has seemed sluggish compared to its competition, despite its excellent power rating, but the addition of a new, six-speed automatic transmission for 2007 has transformed its personality. The seamless transition through the gears keeps the engine from laboring through its rpm range, and the result is an impression of reliable power. This engine performance also has a notable impact on towing, making it seem like a pleasure instead of a chore. With its optional towing package in place, the standard Expedition will now tow 9000 pounds, the best rating in this class. (A 2WD Expedition is rated 9200 pounds, a 4WD 9000 pounds, a 2WD EL is rated 9000 pounds, a 4WD EL is 8750 pounds.) Oddly enough, the Ford engineers tell us that the Expedition's complement of dynamic safety features makes it possible to deliver this improvement in overall driving performance. The Expedition can be tuned for far greater responsiveness to the driver because the electronics can be relied upon to compensate for any unusual circumstances. The prime technology here is Ford's unique stability control, which incorporates sensors to detect both roll angle and yaw rate. If the Expedition gets out of shape, the system reduces the throttle or applies the brakes to help keep the vehicle upright. This is the third generation of a system originally engineered by Volvo. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety claims its data suggest stability systems in general reduce the chance of single-vehicle rollovers by SUVs by an astonishing 80 percent. For all its comfort and stability, the Expedition is still about utility rather than sport. When it comes to driving, the Expedition feels very heavy, and while it offers driving precision, it's not as alert or sporty as its GM and Nissan competitors. Though the brakes have been upgraded for 2007, they still seem to require a lot of effort to get the Expedition whoa'd down. Nevertheless, The Expedition's overall driving performance is far more refined than any other vehicle in its class.

Final Word

Fuel prices have chased lots of people away from full-size sport-utilities, but all the vehicles in this class now offer a surprising amount of car-like refinement in addition to the customary utility. Even in this group, the 2007 Ford Expedition stands apart because it not only offers the best overall utility package but also delivers superior performance in virtually every way. As fuel prices help shift priorities to smaller, more efficient vehicles, it's important to remember that full-size sport-utilities will become more useful than ever simply because no other vehicle can do so much with so many people. Ford is right on target with its family adventure concept, and the Ford Expedition is the best vehicle for family vacation travel on the American road.