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The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV built by the Ford Motor Company. Introduced in 1997 it slots between the smaller Ford Explorer, and the now discontinued and larger Ford Excursion. The Expedition offers up to nine passenger seating (in XLT trim with front bench seat option) and a range of V8 engines. It is similar to the Lincoln Navigator, especially for the 2004 model with the introduction of the Limited trim line. One million Expeditions have sold since 2004, reflecting high consumer demand for its family-friendly interior, cargo space, and high towing capacity. A specially modified Special Service Vehicle version is also available from Ford for law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and EMS agencies. The Expedition (especially the larger EL/Max model) is once again Ford's flagship SUV. All Expeditions are built in Wayne, Michigan.
[edit] 1997-2002
The Expedition replaced the full-sized, 1978-1996 Ford Bronco. Seating capacity ranged up to eight passengers with the third-row rear seat option, and the Expedition could tow 8,000 lb (3,600 kg) when properly equipped. Ford made changes for the 1999 Expedition that were both mechanical and cosmetic. Both the 4.6L and 5.4L engines got more power without lowering the mpg. It also got a new grille, front fascia, and bumper with incorporated fog lamps in the lower valence.
Engines:
[edit] 2003-2006
The 2003 Expedition shared the Ford U platform for 8,300 lb (3,800 kg) towing. The rear axle and suspension was changed to an independent suspension configuration giving a more refined ride. Popular new features included power folding third-row seats and turn-signal mirror lights.
The base 4.6 L V8 engine was dropped in 2005 as the 5.4 L V8 was updated with 24-valve technology.
AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control is optional for 2005.
The Expedition uses the code U1 in the 5th and 6th positions of the VIN.
Engines:
[edit] 2007-Present
For 2007, the Expedition was redesigned, utilizing the new T1 platform. The new platform provides 10% more torsional rigidity than the previous model, and includes the independent rear suspension. As in previous years, the Expedition is powered by the 5.4 L (5408 cc, 330 cu in) Triton V8 engine, rated at 300 hp (220 kW) and 365 lbf·ft (495 N·m) of torque, which when properly equipped can tow up to 9,100 lb (4,130 kg).[4] In addition, a 4.6 L V8 gas-electric hybrid, rated the same for both power and torque as the 5.4 L may be available in future years and/or a 4.4 L V8 diesel engine, based on the Ford Lion V6 engine with estimates of 330 bhp (246 kW) and 515 ft·lbf (700 Nm) of torque respectively. The 2007 Expedition was unveiled at the Houston Auto Show rather than at Detroit, Los Angeles, or New York where most new models are, as 20% of all Expedition sales are in Texas. The third generation Expedition went on sale in August 2006. The first 2007 Expedition to roll off a Ford assembly line was donated by Ford to the Peter family of Jamaica, Queens, New York as part of an episode of the ABC series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition that aired May 7, 2006.
As of 2009, the Ford Expedition will be built at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville along with its sister SUV, the Lincoln Navigator, and the Ford F-Series Super Duty.
[edit] Expedition EL
Ford Expedition EL Limited
For 2007, an extended-wheelbase version of the Expedition called the Expedition EL (for "extended length") in the United States and the Expedition Max in Canada and Mexico replaced the discontinued Excursion and is expected to compete more effectively with the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL. The extended-length version is known as the Expedition Max in Canada and Mexico, because of confusion with the Canada-sold Acura EL. The Expedition EL is about 15.8 in (40 cm) longer than the standard Expedition for a total of approximately 222 in (18.5 feet or 563 cm), and has a 131 in (333 cm) wheelbase, producing 24 ft³ of additional cargo space over the standard 119 in (302 cm) wheelbase model. Just like the standard sized Expedition, the Expedition EL comes in 4 trim lines: XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited and the recently added King Ranch series. The Expedition EL can be distinguished by its longer rear-quarter windows and the aft wheel well trim not cutting into the rear passenger doors.
[edit] Expedition Special Service Package
To compete with large police SUVs that are sold by other automobile companies, primarily the Chevrolet Suburban, Ford has made a special package for the Expedition that's only available to law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and EMS agencies. Ford calls it the Expedition Special Service Package. The only differences between the standard Expedition and the Special Service Package Expedition are provisions for emergency services related equipment such as radios, lightbars and sirens. There are also options designated fleet only (such as custom 2 tone paint arrangements) that are available to the Expedition Special Service Package.[5][6][7][8]
[edit] Funkmaster Flex edition
A special edition with Funkmaster Flex trim and logs including unique paint has been offered since 2007. This model is based on the Limited regular length Expedition.[9]
