Ford has launched an all-new
Expedition. This second-generation model shares almost nothing with last year's model. It's packed with new features, but the biggest improvement is its ride quality, a benefit of a new independent rear suspension.
When I last drove the Expedition, it was for a long comparison test with one of its prime competitors. Not an hour out of town, the Expedition pulled off the flat, straight highway. My fatigued co-tester was eager to trade vehicles with me. Indeed, keeping the giant sport utility, with its darty steering, sloppy suspension and rough ride, on the straight and narrow was tough duty. We made frequent driver swaps during the remainder of the five-hour journey, and, needless to say, the Expedition didn't win the bake-off.
Were we to travel in the new Expedition on same route, the results would be dramatically different. A driver could comfortably stay behind the wheel for the entire trip without fatigue, and the Expedition would have a great shot at beating competitors in a comparison test. That's how much better the 2003 model is over its predecessor. Ride and handling are greatly improved, the steering is more responsive and more stable on the open road.