2011 Ford Expedition

The one-two punch of soaring gas prices and social stigma has convinced an awful lot of folks who jumped on the SUV bandwagon during the past decade that they don't really need to be driving a big honkin' truck after all. But for the holdouts or those people who truly need lots of towing and hauling capacity, there's the 2011 Ford Expedition.

Actually there are two versions of Ford's flagship sport-utility vehicle: the regular Expedition and the long-wheelbase Expedition EL. Both come with the big V8 engine, hefty towing capacity and supersized eight-passenger interior that buyers expect in a full-size SUV. The biggest difference between the two is the EL version's significantly larger cargo hold.

With room for up to eight passengers and excellent towing capabilities, the 2011 Ford Expedition allows you to take your family and friends on a trek wherever your adventurous heart desires.

The 2011 Ford Expedition is not just another SUV.  For those who love size, the Expedition seats up to eight people in up to three rows of seats.  Cargo room varies with 108.3 cubic feet of volume behind the first row, 55 cubic feet behind the second row and 18.6 cubic feet behind the third.  The optional third row folds flat into the floor via an optional power-folding mechanism. Available in XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited and King Ranch series, and 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, the 2011 Ford Expedition is definitely versatile.  The Expedition is powered by a 5.4-liter, 310-horsepower, flex-fuel V-8 engine with 365 pounds-feet of torque, and can tow up to a gargantuan 9,200 pounds.

Apart from the two, there is the base XLT trim, and the Eddie Bauer trim just above it, while the Limited sits at the top.

All Expeditions sport an Independent Rear Suspension, a feature not common in the full-size SUV market. Motivation comes via a 5.4-liter V8 good for 300 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, and 375 lb-ft of torque at 3,750 rpm which the EPA rates at 12 mpg city and 18 mpg highway in a rear-wheel drive application.

The motor is coupled to a six-speed automatic, the only available powertrain combination. Towing capacity is an impressive 9,200 lbs, when properly equipped and in the rear-wheel drive configuration.

In government crash testing, the Ford Expedition received a five-star rating (the best possible) for frontal and side-impact protection for driver and passengers.
Interior Design and Special Features

A large part of the 2011 Ford Expedition's appeal has to do with its passenger cabin, which can be fitted with a variety of seating options to comfortably accommodate five, seven or eight passengers. The standard second-row bench seat features reclining seatbacks and is split 40/20/40, which allows the center portion to slide forward to put young children within easy reach. Second-row bucket seats are an option on all but the entry-level XL models.

The Expedition's interior design is generally attractive, though some people might find the dash's array of buttons confusing. Some low-quality interior materials also disappoint, particularly when you've paid the extra money for a premium trim level like the top-of-the-line King Ranch edition. Of all the Expedition's available bells and whistles, the voice-operated Sync system -- which, among other services, allows you to control your cell phone and MP3 player without removing your hands from the steering wheel -- is a standout.

Driving Impressions
There's no denying that the 2011 Ford Expedition -- all 17-plus feet and more than 5,500 pounds of it -- is one heck of a big truck. Oddly enough, though, it doesn't really feel like it from behind the steering wheel. Much of the credit goes to the fully independent rear suspension, which is a rarity in a full-size SUV. The ride quality is good overall, though some competitors feel a bit smoother on the highway. Relatively precise and responsive steering also makes the Expedition more nimble than you'd expect.

The 5.4-liter V8 under the hood is sufficient for everyday driving, but performance suffers when you've packed up the Expedition with full load of passengers and cargo and/or towing a trailer. The six-speed automatic transmission is smooth and produces quick shifts, but it has some trouble finding the right gear in certain situations.