2008 Ford Expedition Exterior Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 37 Expedition reviews and test drives.
Exterior - What the Auto Press Says
Though the Expedition earns a good score for exterior styling, it's conservative design doesn't garner the same praise that competitors with more cutting-edge styling do. Automotive.com says the Expedition's combined elements "deliver a look that's both distinctive and respectable."
Edmunds describes the Expedition's appearance as a "tough-guy look," with "prominent truck -- perhaps even locomotive -- styling cues." The standard size, four-door Expedition has a 119-inch wheelbase, is 206.5-inches long, 77.2 inches tall, and 91.8 inches wide, whereas the EL trims have a wheelbase that is 12 inches longer than the standard Expedition, and a full length stretched by nearly 15 inches.
During its 2007 redesign the Ford Expedition received a different front grille, headlights and a domed hood, all of which were the topic of much discussion in auto reviews. Describing the redesigned Expedition, Car and Driver writes that "the biggest difference lies up front, where a bulging 'power dome' hood flows into a more prominent grille featuring at its center a blue oval big enough to play back-up cheese platter at your next cocktail party." Meanwhile, Edmunds thinks the front design resembles the Ford F-150 pickup.
Size is also a noted issue, and there are two camps. As the Chicago Tribune reviewer worries, parking lots and small spots are a problem with the Expedition, especially the EL, and "you have to look for a spot to park where you won't be hemmed in and unable to open your doors." On the other side, the San Antonio Express-News appreciates that the "extended length" EL Expedition is actually shorter than the Ford Excursion, "and therefore easier to fit into tight spaces -- including some residential garages."
Several reviews appreciate the Ford Expedition's attention to detail. For Auto Mall USA it's the door handles, which "are the full-grip variety, making them easier for occupants to grab, whether left- or right-handed, gloved or not gloved." Auto Mall USA also likes the Expedition's liftgate window, which opens independently of the door to allow quicker loading and unloading of smaller items. To the Cars.com team, it's standard running boards that "help make the climb into and out of the SUV easier."
Exterior Trims
Variance in the exterior of the 2008 Ford Expedition's trim is mostly in wheels and tires. XLT and EL XLTs have 17-inch aluminum wheels and tires standard, Eddie Bauer Expeditions have 17-inch machined aluminum wheels. For the Eddie Bauer EL, the wheels are 18-inch machined aluminum, where as the Limited and Limited EL have 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels. The King Ranch trims also have aluminum wheels featuring a King Ranch center cap. The XLT, EL XLT, Eddie Bauer and King Ranch Expedition have 18-inch wheels and tires, while the Eddie Bauer, Eddie Bauer EL, Limited and Limited EL trims have the option for 20-inch chrome clad aluminum wheels and tires.
