Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV produced by Ford Motor Company since the 1997 model year. The successor to the Ford Bronco, the Expedition shifted its form factor from an off-road oriented vehicle to a truck-based station wagon. Initially competing against the Chevrolet Tahoe, the Expedition also competes against the Toyota Sequoia, Nissan Armada, and the Jeep Wagoneer.
First used for a 1992 F-150 concept vehicle, Ford first marketed the Expedition nameplate for 1995 on a trim level package for the two-door Ford Explorer Sport. As with its Bronco predecessor, the Expedition heavily derives its chassis from the Ford F-150, differing primarily in suspension configuration. All five generations of the Expedition have served as the basis of the Lincoln Navigator–the first full-size luxury SUV. The model line is produced in two wheelbases, with seating for up to eight passengers.
Ford currently assembles the Expedition at its Kentucky Truck Assembly facility alongside the Lincoln Navigator and Super Duty trucks. Prior to 2009, the model line was assembled by the Michigan Assembly Plant.
Background
The Expedition offered up to nine-passenger seating in model years before 2007 ; 2007–present model year Expeditions have bucket seats in the first row and seats eight passengers. From its introduction in 1996 to 2014, it was powered by a standard Triton V8 engine when, for the 2015 model year, it was replaced with a more compact, yet more efficient and powerful 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine. It is similar to the Lincoln Navigator, especially in Limited or King Ranch high-end trims; both of which were introduced in 2004 for the 2005 model year. With the 2011 model year, the base model was designated XL, an upgraded XLT, and a new XLT Premium that replaced the Eddie Bauer trim which was phased out from the entire Ford vehicle lineup. As of 2010, over 1,545,241 Expeditions had been sold. A modified Special Service Vehicle version is available for law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and emergency medical services.The Expedition is also known for being one of the longest-lasting vehicles on the road. With 5% of vehicles over 200,000 miles, it landed the #4 spot in a 2016 study by iSeeCars.com listing the top 10 longest-lasting vehicles. The Expedition was also the last Ford vehicle to retain its older design found in the early to mid 2000's, meaning, all the way up to 2017, it kept its triangular-styled tail-lamps and rounded-rectangular shaped headlamps along with the overall boxy shape of the body.
First generation (1997)
Known internally at Ford as the UN93, the first generation Expedition was developed under the UN93 program from 1993 to 1996, headed by chief engineer Dale Claudepierre at a cost of US$1.3 billion. Initial planning began in 1991 parallel to PN96 F-Series development, prior to the UN93 program fully being approved in 1993. Styling approval was completed in early 1993 under design chief Bob Aikins, with the UN93 design being frozen by September 1993, at 34 months prior to the start of production in July 1996.The all-new full-size SUV was unveiled on May 9, 1996, and launched on October 2, 1996, as a 1997 model. It replaced the aging two-door Ford Bronco. The XLT was the base model. The Expedition featured optional three row seating, first-row captain's chair seating, available second row captains chair seating, leather seating surfaces, illuminated running boards, heated side view mirrors, power moon roof, dual zone climate control and Ford's Mach audio sound system with rear subwoofer. Many of these features were standard on the Eddie Bauer version.
Expedition was available with automatic full-time ControlTrac four-wheel drive with two-speed dual range BorgWarner 4406 transfer case and a center multi-disc differential. ControlTrac was introduced in 1995 and included four selectable modes: Two High, Auto, Four High and Four Low. Two High mode and Auto mode with auto-lock was not available.
A short- and long-arm independent front suspension with speed-sensitive power-assisted steering was combined with a multi-link rear live axle. Optional equipment included off-road under-body skid-plate protection, Traction-Lok rear limited-slip differential, and a heavy-duty trailer towing package.
Optional was an electronically controlled pneumatic air suspension system that would raise and lower the vehicle depending on road and load conditions. The system also included a kneel-down mode for easier ingress and egress, as well as loading cargo,
Standard was the 4.6L Triton V8 with the 5.4L version optional. The first-generation Expedition was rated as a Low Emission Vehicle. The latter engine combined with the heavy-duty trailer towing package and appropriate axle ratio can achieve a towing capacity of.
Powertrain
Safety and security
A two air bag supplementary restraint system with 2-way occupant protection was standard. The air bags would adjust deployment force depending on crash severity. Features included SecuriLock with smart key and engine immobilizer, security approach lamps, four-wheel anti-lock braking system, side-intrusion door beams, post-crash fuel pump shut-off, and three-point safety belts for all rows of seating with tension and locking retractors.An optional four air bag SRS with 4-way occupant protection was available for the 2000–2002 model years. This included seat-mounted side torso side air bags.
The 2001 model introduced a BeltMinder system to detect when the driver did not have their safety belt secured.
Model year changes
1998
No major cosmetic or mechanical changes. A new exterior color was added: Wedgewood Blue. Limited availability for 4.6L Windsor versus Romeo engine. This limited run was available only for Expeditions equipped with the Ultimate Tow Package.1999
The 1999 model year received a facelift similar to that of the contemporary Ford F-150. Included in the update was a new front grille which now dropped lower in the center, as well as a new front bumper that incorporated the fog lamps into the lower valance and larger center air intake. Both the 4.6L and 5.4L V8 engines received updates including increased power and torque. The Two-High mode for automatic full-time ControlTrac four-wheel-drive equipped models was dropped, leaving only Auto, Four High, and Four Low modes. The dashboard also received an updated radio and air conditioning controls and revised gauge cluster and a digital odometer for the first time.2000
Available features on 2000 models included a hidden radio antenna, Gentex auto dimming electrochromatic rearview mirrors, lane departure indicators on side view mirrors. The lower front bumper valance and illuminated running boards were changed over to Arizona beige to complement the standard Arizona beige exterior body trim on Eddie Bauer models. Estate Green Clearcoat Metallic replaces Spruce Green Clearcoat Metallic, and Arizona Beige Metallic replaces Harvest Gold Clearcoat Metallic in the color palette.2001
New trim packages included the XLT model. XLT versions could be optioned with the XLT No Boundaries package that included monochromatic black paintwork with chrome grille and special alloy wheels. Eddie Bauer versions could be optioned with the Eddie Bauer Premier package that included either monochromatic Arizona beige or solid black paintwork with painted alloy wheels and upgraded leather seating. A reverse sensing system was made optional.2002
No major cosmetic or mechanical changes. Last year model for the UN93. This was also the last model year for XLT No Boundaries and Eddie Bauer Premier trims.Ford SVT Thunder
Ford's Special Vehicle Team proposed a high-performance variant called Thunder for the 2000 model year. It was equipped with the 5.4 L V8 from the SVT Lightning pickup and had a top speed of. However, since this generation of the Expedition had only two model years left, it was never put into production.Second generation (2003)
The redesigned second-generation Expedition was developed under the U222 program code name from 1996 to 2002, under Ford chief vehicle engineer Steve von Foerster and chief program engineer John Krafcik from 1998 to 2002. Design work began in 1997, with a proposal by Tyler Blake being chosen by management and frozen for production in 1999. UN93-body mules were spotted testing in 2000, with full prototypes running from late 2000. The new Expedition was unveiled at the 2002 North American International Auto Show, in January. It was launched in May 2002 for the 2003 model year and featured a new four-wheel independent long-travel suspension system, becoming the first full-size sport utility vehicle to use a fully independent suspension.The new independent rear suspension was perceived as being controversial by some at the time of its introduction. A misconception was that the Expedition's towing and off-road capabilities would be reduced, in comparison to the previous generation's rear live axle. Nevertheless, underbody obstacle clearance improved by half an inch, and up to two inches under the axle differentials. The new suspension reduces rear unsprung mass by, and allows for a full of suspension travel improving its ability to traverse uneven terrain for improved control and ride quality. The four-wheel independent long-travel suspension itself is a purpose-built version of race suspensions found on off-road desert race vehicles.
The Expedition also gained a hydroformed fully boxed frame providing a 70 percent improvement in torsional stiffness. Towing capacity increased by for a maximum towing capacity of when properly equipped with the appropriate axle ratio and heavy-duty trailer towing package. Payload capacity was increased to a maximum of. Models equipped with the heavy-duty trailer towing package received a heavy duty 9.75" rear differential and axle combination compared to the 8.8" of the standard version.
Along with the high towing capability came all-new steering, braking and electronic systems to help the Expedition better control and maneuver long heavy trailers. Adaptive variable assist power rack-and-pinion steering was introduced along with the largest brake rotors in the segment at that time with brake calipers 100 percent stiffer than the previous generation Expedition. The four-speed 4R70W automatic transmission received all-new control software to allow the transmission to automatically adjust to the demands of towing, using new computer logic that recognizes changes in load and road conditions.
The automatic full-time ControlTrac four-wheel-drive system remained available, with an uprated two-speed dual range BorgWarner 4416 transfer case. The new transfer case featured an updated intelligent locking center multi-disc differential with front-to-rear "torque biasing" capability in Auto mode. A new dedicated microprocessor with new control software was added allowing the system to detect different terrain and surface conditions to predict traction loss before it happens. Two High mode was also reintroduced. [|Four-wheel electronic traction control] was now available as an option, and simulated front and rear differential locks.
The V8 engines offered on the previous generation were carried over, but not without major changes and improvements. Both the 4.6 L and 5.4 L Triton V8 engines received further refinements in design and overall efficiency. The Expedition qualified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle and was certified under the Environmental Protection Agency Tier 2 regulations one year earlier than required. The 4.6 L engine received an all-new redesigned cast aluminium engine block optimized for weight reduction and NVH improvements. The 5.4 L engine received an all-new redesigned cast-iron engine block with computer-designed ribbing and bracing, along with thicker side skirts and reinforcement at the oil pan flange. The new engine block helped reduce engine vibration and unwanted noise while providing refined performance.
Both engines featured piston skirts coated with a Teflon-based friction-reducing material, and fitted with low-tension, low oil consumption rings. In addition, a new fail-safe cooling mode provided protection even in the case of a catastrophic coolant loss. In the event of coolant loss, the engine control unit shuts off fuel to alternate cylinders to reduce the risk of engine damage from overheating. The valves continue to operate, in order to pump cooling air through the cylinders. The cooling system was designed to maintain an ideal engine temperature even when subjected to a prolonged 15 percent gradient in weather. A returnless fuel supply system helped to reduce evaporative emissions by providing consistent pressure to the fuel injectors through a high-pressure pump.
New active hydraulic engine mounts were introduced to prevent the powertrain from inducing vibrations into the chassis. By optimizing these engine mounts, the engine block can act as a mass damper, absorbing chassis resonance, improving ride comfort.
Expedition's passenger cabin was better sealed than before, in an effort to eliminate intrusive outside noise from reaching the occupants. Wind, powertrain, road and vehicle body noise was reduced by improving interior acoustics through new damping materials, a total of 10 shear-style isolating body mounts, heavier sealing of body and panels, redesigned rubber door seals, and extensive use of interior structural acoustic foam in the upper B-pillars, upper and lower D-pillars and floor pan. Road noise was reduced by 2 decibels, body air leakage reduced by 56 percent, chances for sealant noise disturbances reduced from 15 percent to less than 0.5 percent and wind noise measured at was reduced from 35 sones to a world class level of 29 sones.
The Expedition also received a thorough exterior and interior cosmetic redesign. Expedition featured an all-new front fascia, grille work, headlamps, body trim, rear fascia, tail lamps and liftgate. Interior fit and finish were improved with an all-new interior featuring new dash, door panels, genuine aluminium trim, and plush carpeting. Premium perforated leather seating surfaces were standard on Expedition Eddie Bauer. Expedition FX4 models featured all of Expedition's optional off-road equipment as standard equipment. Expedition's drag coefficient was 0.41 Cd.
Three-row seating was standard with all-new manual fold-flat stow away third row seats. No longer did owners have to remove the third rows seats for more storage. The third row could simply "disappear" into the floor. Power assisted PowerFold fold-flat third row seating was available as an optional extra. Available features included in-dash CD-ROM–based navigation system, DVD based rear entertainment system, ultrasonic rear park assist/back up sensors, power moon roof, power adjustable accelerator and brake pedals, Gentex auto dimming electrochromatic rear view mirror, turn signals, side marker lights and reflectors, second-row captain's chair luxury seating, premium audiophile sound system with in-dash six-disc CD changer and rear subwoofer and four-wheel independent pneumatic air-ride suspension system.