Any opinion on Ford Expedition?

[QRTRHRS]

There is a 98' with about 34k for sale near me. My wife hit some ice and rolled her Explorer. Lucked out with a fractured elbow and some bumps. She was not going real fast so the damage is mostly "gravel rash". However, about every panel got nailed so we think it's totalled. Should find out tomorrow. We are also going to look around for a GMC Yukon 2 door.

 

[QRTRHRS]

PS, the Durango is a little too "truck like" for her.

 

[COBRAJET]

QRTRHRS,
We had a 98 for about 18 mos. It was a 2WD Eddie Bauer with a 5. 4 and 3. 73's. It was a very dependable vehicle. Never went in for anything. It was an absolute pig in the gas mileage department. 11 around town was it and maybe 16 at 75 on the freeway. Other than that it was just fine. A lot of room, great stereo, and very quiet down the freeway. Make sure you get a sweet deal... there are a ton of lease returns out there with low mileage and very decent prices... CJ

PSD Picks

 

[LSMITH]

QTRHRS, the expedition is a nice vehicle. I also work in a lot of the automotive suppliers and I can tell you that ford has the highest quality standards of any domestic manufacturer by quite a bit. Tighter tolerances and more quality checks make a better vehicle. I am going to buy an expedition for my wife this summer.

I am ducking now, so lay it on me for saying that guys.

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99 2500 QC 4X4 AUTO SB 24V LARAMIE SLT 3. 5 LSD 285-75-16'S SPA Boost/EGT Everything but leather NRA Member Great Lakes TDR Member

 

[Alan Reagan]

My neighbor has one. Loves the ride. Hates the mileage. Says it's 9 around town and 14 on the road. Ouch.

 

[BCFAST]

Leased a new 99 at Christmas 1998. Was an E. Bauer 2wd with the big 5. 4 and trailer package. The build quality was great! No squeeks, rattles, leaks or problems in 30k miles... the factory tires do suck, however (noisy and wander with age). The mileage when empty was just awful! I got the race car done in time for a race in Virginia, hooked up my little 18 foot enclosed trailer and hit the road... that POS couldnt tow it's own shadow dripping wet! The loaded trailer weighs about 5000lbs and strained the Expedition to the limit. In conclusion, the Ford is a nice vehicle to drive and is well-built, but if you're gonna pull, theres better... if you're just gonna drive around, theres more efficient. Conclusion: it aint worth it! Oh, BTW, it cost me huge to break the lease because the residual value on a Ford is in the toilet!

 

[tmacc]

QRTRHRS,
We have a '98 and really like it. It has the 5. 4L and has pleanty of power for a 2 horse trailer. My wife got 72k out of the original tires. She does drive rather conservetively(sp). She gets about 14. 5 mph, mixed back roads and highway. We have had 2 problems. An AC line blew. The major problem was the motor developed excessive piston slap at 32k. This was a problem w/ some first gen. 5. 4L engines. We had to wait 4 months for the new re-engineered engines to come off the line while we drove the truck the whole time. It had 43k by the time the new engine arrived. This was replaced under warranty and the local dealer did a great job. We didn't have to take it back for anything. I would definately check this out. I know other folks w/ this engine and they have not had any problems, but you never know. One thing. I always felt the first engine used too much oil. So I would ask about oil consumption. If you get a chance, listen to it start up on a cold morning. That's what got my attention. Sounded like it didn't have any oil in it.
I'm not trying to scare you off. The truck has been great and my wife loves it. However since mt daughter has sort of outgrown horses for the time being, (she turns 16 this summer and wants a car)we are looking for something that get beter gas milage. Anyway, good luck.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Thanks for you feedback guys. I kinda expected the mileage to be not real great on a vehicle this size. My wife wants to drive a bunch of different SUV's before she decides which way to go. She was happy with the Explorer as far as mileage, handling, ride, etc. It was just a little narrow interior space wise. It is a buyer's market now too. Lot's of off leaser's and people holding off on big ticket items.