2008 Ford Expedition - Styling Review

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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."