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2009 Ford Expedition Review

July 9, 2009

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

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
Motor Trend

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

Unashamedly big and bold
ForbesAutos

Benefiting from the styling revamp of 2007, the 2009 Ford Expedition occupies the top spot in Ford's SUV lineup, which it does quite comfortably.

The 2009 Ford Expedition "is available in four trim levels," according to Edmunds, which lists them as "XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited and new King Ranch." Aside from a few variations on the exterior, all trim levels of the 2009 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.'" Edmunds reports 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 2009 in Limited trim.

ForbesAutos adds that the Ford Expedition is "unashamedly big and bold," flaunting its size with "cues from Ford's F-Series pickup." For those who need a bit more space than the already-expansive Ford Expedition offers, Car and Driver says 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.

While the exterior of the Ford Expedition 2009 lineup doesn't draw any significant criticisms in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, the interior is another story. Motor Trend finds 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." Edmunds says that "the interior controls and displays aren't always easy to read or use." Consumer Guide 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." 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

The exterior of the 2009 Ford Expedition is strong, but the interior isn't particularly fabulous.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes: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 functionMotor TrendFord's now-signature four-bar grille sits front and centerKelley Blue BookUnashamedly big and boldForbesAutos Benefiting from the styling revamp of 2007, the 2009 Ford Expedition occupies the top spot in Ford's SUV lineup, which it does quite comfortably. The 2009 Ford Expedition "is available in four trim levels," according to Edmunds, which lists them as "XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited and new King Ranch." Aside from a few variations on the exterior, all trim levels of the 2009 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.'" Edmunds reports 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 2009 in Limited trim. ForbesAutos adds that the Ford Expedition is "unashamedly big and bold," flaunting its size with "cues from Ford's F-Series pickup." For those who need a bit more space than the already-expansive Ford Expedition offers, Car and Driver says 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. While the exterior of the Ford Expedition 2009 lineup doesn't draw any significant criticisms in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, the interior is another story. Motor Trend finds 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." Edmunds says that "the interior controls and displays aren't always easy to read or use." Consumer Guide 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." 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." ConclusionThe exterior of the 2009 Ford Expedition is strong, but the interior isn't particularly fabulous. 2009 FORD EXPEDITION STYLING | [8 out of 10] Motor Trend: "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" Kelley Blue Book: " Ford's now-signature ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

If you're interested in the 2009 Ford Expedition, also consider the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, Toyota Sequoia, and Nissan Armada. The Chevrolet Tahoe is equal in size to the GMC Yukon and its ritzier Denali edition. The Chevrolet Suburban is a longer Tahoe, and the GMC guys call that a Yukon XL or Denali XL. Regardless of which one you get, this quartet from General Motors has a slight edge in interior quality, but the Ford wins with better room in the third row. Plus, the Ford offers a power-folding third-row option, and with that, the seat automatically folds flat into the floor. This is a big plus over the GMs. However, the GMs strike back with more engine choices (including a hybrid) and a more supple-riding suspension, but the Ford offers what some consider more responsive handling. Then again, we're discussing a vehicle that weighs almost three tons, so regardless of its responsiveness, we're not talking Corvette- or Mustang-type handling here. A properly equipped 2009 Ford Expedition can tow four and a half tons, besting the Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Armada in this important category by a bunch. Both the Toyota and Nissan are offered in one size—larger than the standard Expedition but not quite as enormous as the long-wheelbase Expedition EL.

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See the Ford Expedition in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

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