2008 Ford Expedition Comfort & Quality

The generous dimensions of the 2008 Ford Expedition may make it difficult to maneuver in a parking lot, but they also afford a tremendous amount of interior space. Build and materials quality are also on the rise at Ford, especially with the King Ranch trim of the Ford Expedition.

The monstrous 2008 Ford Expedition "can seat up to nine occupants across three rows of seats" when equipped with the optional front bench seat, according to Cars.com, and it does so with impressive comfort levels. ConsumerGuide writes that the front offers "generous room on supportive seats," while the "second-row seat moves fore and aft and the seat backs are split 40/20/40," allowing for multiple configurations to achieve a comfortable riding position, according to ForbesAutos. Surprisingly, the third-row seats receive some of the highest praise in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, as ConsumerGuide claims "3rd-row accommodations are among the best of any SUV, with adult-sized headroom and legroom on a chair-height bench." Car and Driver adds "third-row seating space is generous, easily besting the GM offerings."

Rear cargo space and other interior storage also benefit from the overall size of the Ford Expedition 2008, especially in stretched EL form. Cars.com says that "the Expedition EL offers 131 cubic feet" of total cargo volume with all the rear seats folded, while the standard Ford Expedition's "maximum cargo capacity is 108.2 cubic feet." ConsumerGuide praises the "available power-folding 3rd row," which they say "saves awkward stretching," and they further note that "a large glovebox, roomy center console, and large door pockets provide abundant small-item storage." For those who need even more storage space, Edmunds writes "opting for the second-row captain's chairs drops seating capacity to seven but earns a storage console between the seats."

The Ford Expedition 2008 lineup boasts improved materials and build quality, and while it's still far from perfect on most trims, the King Ranch edition will satisfy all but the most discerning of buyers. On regular 2008 Ford Expeditions, ConsumerGuide is disappointed to find "a plethora of hard-plastic panels" that "cheapens Expedition's interior ambiance," and Edmunds adds that there "are quite a few small, cheap feeling buttons that are hard to tell apart at a glance." However, Kelley Blue Book appreciates the "softer cushions and upgraded materials" on the Ford Expedition 2008, and Motor Trend writes that "every editor was impressed by the luxurious 'Chaparral' leather" and "the ultraquiet ambiance" of the Ford Expedition King Ranch.

The ultraquiet ambiance that those Motor Trend reviewers mentioned is characteristic of all 2008 Ford Expeditions. ConsumerGuide says that the Ford Expedition is "impressively hushed," and "road noise over most surfaces is minimal." Edmunds agrees, finding that "despite some noticeable noise from the tires, the Expedition's cabin remains quiet enough to carry on a conversation."