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2008 Ford Expedition Review

July 23, 2008

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Most controls logically placed
ConsumerGuide

Ford's now-signature four-bar grille sits front and center
Kelley Blue Book

Unashamedly big and bold
ForbesAutos

With the Ford Excursion discontinued several years ago, the Ford Expedition has taken over the top spot in Ford's SUV lineup. After a redesign for the 2007 model year, the 2008 Ford Expedition arrives in dealer lots sporting the same well-received styling.

The 2008 Ford Excursion "is available in four trim levels," according to Edmunds, which lists them as "XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited and new King Ranch." Edmunds writes that the exterior differences are minor but noticeable, and mostly include larger wheels on the higher trim levels and "gold body cladding and running boards" on the Eddie Bauer trim, which changes to a "monochromatic paint job" on the Ford Expedition 2008 in Limited trim. Aside from a few variations on the exterior, all trim levels of the 2008 Ford Expedition feature what Kelley Blue Book describes as "Ford's now-signature four-bar grille" that "sits front and center," along with a "raised 'powerdome' hood, new headlamps and larger wheel 'lips.'" For those who need a bit more space than the already-expansive Ford Expedition offers, Car and Driver says that a "stretched Expedition EL" that boasts "an additional 14.8 inches on the standard truck" and "arguably looks more proportional in a world accustomed to Suburbans and Yukon XLs" is available. ForbesAutos adds that the Ford Expedition is "unashamedly big and bold," flaunting its size with "cues from Ford's F-Series pickup."

While the exterior of the Ford Expedition 2008 lineup doesn't draw any significant criticisms in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, the interior is another story. Edmunds opens by saying that "the interior controls and displays aren't always easy to read or use." ConsumerGuide adds that "most controls" on the Ford Expedition are "logically placed, though the switchgear lacks a precision feel" and the navigation system "absorbs most audio functions, awkwardly combining pushbutton and touch screen operation, and its screen washes out in even moderate sunlight." Motor Trend brings a few more criticisms, finding that "the instrument panel, with its mix of round and rectangular gauges and chrome, plastic, and wood trim, appears retro for the sake of being retro and at the expense of good function." However, on the positive side, Kelley Blue Book reviewers feel that "driver and passengers will enjoy tone-on-tone leather," along with "a stylish center stack on the instrument panel and cup holders galore."

Conclusion

A strong exterior offers great road presence, but the interior of the 2008 Ford Expedition suffers from some poor styling decisions.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Most controls logically placedConsumerGuideFord's now-signature four-bar grille sits front and centerKelley Blue BookUnashamedly big and boldForbesAutos With the Ford Excursion discontinued several years ago, the Ford Expedition has taken over the top spot in Ford's SUV lineup. After a redesign for the 2007 model year, the 2008 Ford Expedition arrives in dealer lots sporting the same well-received styling. The 2008 Ford Excursion "is available in four trim levels," according to Edmunds, which lists them as "XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited and new King Ranch." Edmunds writes that the exterior differences are minor but noticeable, and mostly include larger wheels on the higher trim levels and "gold body cladding and running boards" on the Eddie Bauer trim, which changes to a "monochromatic paint job" on the Ford Expedition 2008 in Limited trim. Aside from a few variations on the exterior, all trim levels of the 2008 Ford Expedition feature what Kelley Blue Book describes as "Ford's now-signature four-bar grille" that "sits front and center," along with a "raised 'powerdome' hood, new headlamps and larger wheel 'lips.'" For those who need a bit more space than the already-expansive Ford Expedition offers, Car and Driver says that a "stretched Expedition EL" that boasts "an additional 14.8 inches on the standard truck" and "arguably looks more proportional in a world accustomed to Suburbans and Yukon XLs" is available. ForbesAutos adds that the Ford Expedition is "unashamedly big and bold," flaunting its size with "cues from Ford's F-Series pickup." While the exterior of the Ford Expedition 2008 lineup doesn't draw any significant criticisms in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, the interior is another story. Edmunds opens by saying that "the interior controls and displays aren't always easy to read or use." ConsumerGuide adds that "most controls" on the Ford Expedition are "logically placed, though the switchgear lacks a precision feel" and the navigation system "absorbs most audio functions, awkwardly combining pushbutton and touch screen operation, and its screen washes out in even moderate sunlight." Motor Trend brings a few more criticisms, finding that "the instrument panel, with its mix of round and rectangular gauges and chrome, plastic, and wood trim, appears retro for the sake of being retro and at the expense of good function." However, on the positive side, Kelley Blue Book reviewers feel that "driver and passengers will enjoy tone-on-tone leather," along with "a stylish center stack on the instrument panel and cup holders galore." ConclusionA strong exterior offers great road presence, but the interior of the 2008 Ford Expedition suffers from some poor styling decisions.  2008 FORD EXPEDITION STYLING | [8 out of 10] ConsumerGuide: "Most controls logically placed" Kelley Blue Book: " Ford's now-signature four-bar grille sits front and center" ForbesAutos: "Unashamedly big and bold" With the Ford Excursion discontinued several years ago, the Ford ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Gas prices...gas prices, moan, complain...woe are we. This is a good time to ask yourself whether you really need a full-size, truck-based SUV. Well, do you? Do you need to tow more than three tons? Do you need a maximum payload of over 1,500 pounds? If you answered no to these questions, they why are you even thinking of wasting this truck's capabilities on commuting or people-hauling? There are less costly and more efficient vehicles out there for those jobs, including crossovers, minivans, and even the 2009 Ford Flex (we don't know what to call that vehicle yet).

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See the Ford Expedition in Other Years:

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Comments (2 total)

  1. By Earl Wells #1, Posted: 1/17/2009

    2008 Expedition EL

    The poor gas mileage comments for the expedition EL are unwarranted. The gas mileage one attains is closely related to the driving style one uses. I just completed a 4000 mile trip that included mountains, plains, headwinds, tailwinds and all in bewteen. The EXP had 12,500 miles on the odometer at the start, a fresh oil change (5-20 FORD oil), MOS2 oil additive with approx 500 pounds of misc on board. Speed was 65 to 80 MPH. The gas mileage was between 18 and 19(MAX). Pretty good considering the weight and wind resistance. City/highway mix never gets below 16 MPG

  2. By Andrew Genovese #2, Posted: 5/25/2009

    2008 Expedition EL I agree

    People who complain about poor gas mileage for a vehicle this size are morons. I just completed a trip from Arizona to upstate NY. I had my Expedition fully loaded with a 5,000LB U Haul trailer in tow. I got on average 16MPG for the trip. I usually get between 18-19 with a mixture of road and freeway driving without a trailer. This vehicle has great gas mileage for its size.

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