2003 Ford Eddie Bauer Expedition

2003 Ford Expedition

Linda McAvoy

"Sweet truck!"

That was my youngest son's instant appraisal when I picked him up at school in the 2003 Eddie Bauer Expedition that was to be my test vehicle for a week.

His was an accurate, if succinct, observation. The new Expedition is big, comfortable and good-looking with the feel of a luxury car, and the advantages of an SUV. Notice I didn't say drives like a luxury car because, while it's definitely a smooth ride, drivers must still remember they're in charge of a two and a half tonne automobile

Let's just skip the anti-SUV rants here and recognize that if you're considering this vehicle, you likely need to regularly accommodate many passengers along with varying amounts of cargo, are mindful of bad weather and road conditions, and must tow heavy things, yet want comfort, convenience and an upgrade from basic transportation.

You're also well aware that there's a 106-litre fuel tank that uses regular gas at an average rate of 17 litres per 100 kilometres.

Just about everything, from the roof rack to the reverse sensing system with message centre, is standard on the Eddie Bauer model with the exception of: AdvanceTrac 4WD system, in-dash navigation system, Safety Canopy side curtain airbag system with rollover sensing, rearseat DVD entertainment system and power moonroof.

Also available on the Eddie Bauer is seating for seven with two second-row leather captain's chairs.

My test vehicle was equipped with all of the above except the navigation system, which, if installed, replaces the in-dash six-disc CD changer with the front floor console mounted one.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The step-in height of the 2003 Expedition is 5 centimetres lower than previous models. While that doesn't sound like much, it does make a noticeable difference. This being a good thing for those who previously bemoaned having to climb their way up into the driver's seat, but a bad thing for those (me) who liked the big old truck feeling in previous models.

With two captain's chairs in the second row, plus the lower stepin height, for a brief moment it felt like -- dare I say it -- a minivan, albeit an upscale one.

But that feeling quickly passed once I'd checked out the vehicle's exterior lines, drove it around a bit and realized its tow capacity. The ability to tow 3930 kg (the best in its class) means hauling a fully loaded trailer on family road trips won't be a problem.

This is a smooth-riding, quiet truck that turns tighter without feeling tippy and has noticeably less rocking and bounce than previous models, which is partly attributable to the fact that the 2003 model has an independent rear suspension system (the first in its oversized class).

The ControlTrac has what's called "surface detection predictive technology," which essentially means it anticipates wheel slippage in low-traction situations and automatically transfers torque to the wheels (front-to-rear) with the best traction.

The Brake Assist feature works in emergency or panic braking situations and helps quickly apply full braking power which, according to Ford, reduces braking distance by 20 per cent or more. (It has to be said, your results will vary. ABS tends not to be as effective in loose surfaces, such as gravel or snow, when it comes to coming to a stop.)

The safety story includes dual-stage airbags, seatbelt pretensioners and seat-track sensors that match airbag deployment to driver size and crash severity. All are part of the Personal Safety System. The Safety Canopy system ($565 option) with electronic rollover sensors has side curtain air bags that cover two thirds of the first two rows' side glass in the event of side-impact or rollover.

There is a new beam located behind the front bumper fascia positioned at the same height as car bumpers and side impact door beams on most passenger cars. This is supposed to quash some of the safety concerns other drivers have about the height of SUVs, as this is supposed to "improve Expedition-to-car compatibility" and in a collision "help enhance the crash-energy absorption capabilities of both vehicles".

INSIDE STORY

Life is definitely easier in this redesigned Expedition.

A power folding third seat that folds flat (a first for fullsize SUVs) heads the list of good things. With the push of a button, (two buttons actually since the bench has a 60/40 split and each section has it's own power button), you instantly have more cargo room without having to wrestle that third seat out of the truck and into the garage. Plus, you're not constantly deciding before each trip whether or not to put it back in. One set of controls is in the rear cargo area and another is accessible from the second row.

Large families will probably forgo the two extra captain's chairs and stick to the more standard 40/20/40 split bench with seating for three. Though long past the baby stage and not having actually tried it out, this configuration offers a sliding centre section that moves forward up to 27.9 cm, placing young ones within easy reach of parents, which seems like a good idea.

Getting into the third row is still a pain. With captain's chairs in the second row, it's quicker for smaller people just to scoot through the space between the two seats (but mind your head; youngest son hit his head, several times, on the ceiling-mounted DVD housing.)

For larger people, or with the standard second-row seating, you still have the same two-step tilt process, which remains awkward.

But once you get there, you'll be pleased with the space. The new independent rear suspension allows for a lower floor (23 cm lower), which translates into more room and allows the seat to fold down into the floor.

The aforementioned rear seat DVD entertainment system has a flip down seven-inch LCD screen with AV inputs for video games as well. Turns out the drive to the grandparents' house is about the same length as the average movie. A happy coincidence, but at $1,720 it's not an option I'd consider unless I had younger kids and did a whole lot of long-distance driving. Then I'd insist they wear headphones.

Be aware that with the DVD screen down, the driver's view to the rear is obstructed. Some drivers may also have to strain to peer around the new taller driver's chair with its all-in-one head restraint.

THE DETAILS

Heated and cooled seats are an easy-to-get-used-to luxury. The adjustable control buttons have been moved from their former position down with the floorlevel seat controls (where they were constantly being accidentally bumped and turned on) to a protected spot in front of the centre console.

Combine the six-way power adjustable driver seat (with memory) with the adjustable pedal feature and everyone, regardless of stature, should be safe and comfortable behind the wheel.

The reverse sensing system is sensitive and annoying but occasionally useful. Obviously with a vehicle this size (5.23 metres long, 2.0 metres wide and 1.97 metres high), parallel parking and reversing into tight spots takes a bit of practice. It's advisable to check garage-ceiling heights before venturing in.

Sideview mirrors are huge, heated, and automatically tilt down when the truck is in reverse, with turn signals and approach lamps on the Eddie Bauer model.

There's a dash-mounted, easily accessible switch that allows you to choose from settings, including A4WD and 4x4 high and low; depending on the terrain.

Door handles; the large, hand-through-pullout type, are easy on the hands no matter what your size or strength. And much to my relief, the rear hatch door is lighter and easier to pull down, with glass that also opens separately.

There are plenty of cup holders throughout, but I wouldn't recommend slamming the front doors while there are open cans in the two cupholders that are molded into the doors.

MINOR DETAILS

Didn't care for the four round shiny chrome Audi-wannabe vent covers, although simply twisting the outer ring is a handy way to control airflow. The two-tone dash looks a bit odd at first but is meant to reduce glare.

Cruise control and a second set of climate and audio controls are on the steering wheel where a couple of the push buttons are too small and closely set. Oddly, the power window and lock buttons are a lot smaller than in previous models, and the reversed position of the door lock/unlock switches is a minor annoyance.

The tilt steering wheel mechanism is stiff and difficult to control. Also since the gearshift lever is on the steering column, for many drivers the correct position of the wheel will effectively block their view of the gearshift indicator. The dash-mounted Message Centre and control buttons are also partially obstructed.

PRICE

Base MSRP prices range from $44,760 for the XLT 4.6 L model to $52,305 for the 5.4 L Eddie Bauer. There's also a 5.4 L FX4

Off-Road package starting at $45,945. The test vehicle listed at $57,165 (plus destination and delivery).

Linda McAvoy can be reached at lmcavoy@mcavoy.com