2011 Ford Expedition Reviews
The 2011 Ford Expedition Large SUVs. SUVs are about hauling people and cargo, and when it comes to cargo, the Expedition scores a resounding win over its closest competition, the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe. On the road with the Expedition, reviewers have a few complaints. Overall though, most reviewers say that the Expedition is comfortable to drive and a good highway cruiser; it’s just that the Yukon and Tahoe are better-driving SUVs.
Even compared to the gas-only Tahoe and Yukon, the Expedition has a slightly lower price. On the other hand, the Yukon and Tahoe have longer warranties than the Expedition does.
For 2011, the Ford Expedition gains a new entry-level XL model and loses the long-running Eddie Bauer edition. Actually there are two versions of Ford's flagship sport-utility vehicle: the regular Expedition and the long-wheelbase Expedition EL.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Ford Expedition is a full-size, body-on-frame SUV that's offered in four trim levels: base XL, midrange XLT, upscale Limited and top-of-the-line King Ranch edition. Buyers can also opt for the extended-wheelbase Expedition EL, which adds 15 inches of overall length.
The new entry-level XL model comes standard with seating for five (or eight in the third-row-equipped EL), 17-inch alloy wheels (18-inch on the EL), automatic headlights, foglights, a roof rack, running boards, air-conditioning (with rear controls), cloth upholstery, a power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, cruise control, full power accessories and a six-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack and rear audio controls. Upgrading to the XLT adds 18-inch alloy wheels and a third-row seat to regular-wheelbase versions, plus a reverse-sensing system, power-adjustable pedals, power rear quarter windows, the voice-operated Sync system and an upgraded stereo with satellite radio and steering-wheel-mounted controls.
The Limited trim level goes a few steps further with 20-inch polished alloy wheels, power-folding mirrors, a power liftgate, a back-up camera (with its display built into the rearview mirror), rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone automatic temperature control, perforated leather seats (heated and ventilated up front, heated in the second row), a wood-and-leather-trimmed steering wheel, a power-folding third-row seat, a 110-volt household style power outlet and a standard heavy-duty towing package. Other major add-ons, depending on trim level, include 20-inch alloy wheels, a load-leveling rear air suspension, a manually folding third-row seat for the regular-wheelbase XL (which increases seating capacity to eight), second-row captain's chairs (which reduce the maximum passenger count to seven), a sunroof and a new rear-seat video entertainment system that features two headrest-mounted screens. All Expeditions are powered by a 5.4-liter V8 that produces 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. Properly equipped, the Expedition has a maximum tow rating of 9,200 pounds.
Fuel economy is about average for a full-size SUV, with the EPA estimating 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 16 mpg in combined driving for a 2WD Expedition. The Ford Expedition comes standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, a rollover-sensing stability control system, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Second-row bucket seats are an option on all but the entry-level XL models.
Both Expedition body styles offer generous cargo room behind that third row, including an ample 18.6 cubic feet in regular-wheelbase models and a whopping 42.6 cubic feet in the EL version.
Two body styles are available: a regular-length model and a long-wheelbase Expedition EL offering 14.8 inches of additional overall length and 130.8 cubic feet of cargo space--including 24 cubic feet more behind the third-row seat than the standard model. Although entry to that third row is a bit difficult in the standard Expedition, it's much easier in the EL model thanks to the wider doors. The 2011 Expedition is available in XL, XLT, Limited, and King Ranch trim levels, and each of these is offered as a stretched EL version. Ford's SYNC voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system is a standard feature on XLT, Limited, and King Ranch trim levels. A keyless entry keypad, heated power mirrors, air conditioning, an electrochromic rearview mirror, illuminated visors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are all standard across the Expedition range.