For 2001, Ford Expedition continues its SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) leadership by combining exceptional towing and payload capabilities, features like standard power adjustable pedals and seating for up to nine - all in a vehicle that fits in a standard garage.

"With all its versatility, power, rugged good looks and go-anywhere capability, Expedition truly places no limits on its owner's lifestyle," says Tim Quesnel, Ford of Canada's SUV brand manager. "Expedition is the ultimate adventure SUV- true to the 'built-Ford-tough' heritage - providing a portal to enjoying the true outdoors in safety, style and comfort."

New for 2001
Expedition's standard 4.6L SOHC V8 engine pumps out extra power, thanks to a revised intake manifold, and a new aluminum block has reduced the weight of the engine. A Class IV Trailer Tow Package is now standard on the Eddie Bauer 4x4 model and XLT.

The Eddie Bauer series now offers:

• Standard HomeLink® universal transmitter
• Available Rear-seat Entertainment System
• Heated front seats
• Skid plates

Changes to the XLT series include:

• Standard skid plates
• Comfort and Convenience Group now has power heated exterior signal mirrors and 16-inch cast aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires
• The optional XLT Premium Sport Appearance Group now includes 17-inch 10-spoke cast aluminum wheels
• New this year is the XLT No Boundaries Group, which includes: monochromatic all-black exterior, standard Dark Graphite sport woven cloth captain's chairs (optional medium graphite leather), illuminated running boards, 17-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels, fog lamps, chrome exterior mirrors and grille surround and bodyside mouldings with bright insert

Ready for Anything
Expedition has the power and capability to take on the great outdoors with ease. Outstanding towing and payload capacity, proven Triton ^™ V8 engines, standard 4x4 drive train and a comprehensive list of performance and handling features make Expedition perfect for adventurous, ready-for-anything customers.

Expedition's 4.6L SOHC Triton ^™ V8 engine, producing 235 horsepower at 4750 rpm and 290 lb.-ft. of torque at 3450 rpm, is standard on XLT. The 5.4L SOHC Triton ^™ V8, standard on the Eddie Bauer and optional on XLT, delivers 260 horsepower at 4500 rpm and 350 lb.-ft. of torque at 2500 rpm. The high torque at low revs delivers excellent power when accelerating from a stop or when towing.

It's not just power that makes Expedition such an excellent towing vehicle. The 5.4L V8 engine and standard Class IV Trailer Towing Group enables Expedition to tow trailer loads up to 3,538 kg (7,800 lb.).

The available Four-corner Load-levelling Suspension System automatically adjusts vehicle height at all four wheels to match the load. The system also offers a kneel-down position that lowers the step-in height about 2.5 cm (1 in.), making it easier to enter and exit. In four-wheel drive low (4L) mode, the system automatically raises the vehicle about 2.5 cm (1 in.) for better ground clearance.

Plenty of Room for "Roughing It" Comfortably
Expedition gives customers plenty of space and flexibility. With the third-row seat removed and second-row seat folded down, it provides 3,135 litres (110.7 cubic feet) of cargo space. Four cargo area tie-down hooks are recessed below carpet level to secure cargo but remain out of the way when not needed.

Standard power adjustable pedals - with their 7.6 cm (3 inches) fore and aft adjustment - are a convenience feature for people who may be smaller or taller in stature. Eddie Bauer models include a memory feature for the driver's seat, mirrors, and accelerator and brake pedals that allows up to three drivers to pre-program their preferred settings for these items.

Ford's available Reverse Sensing System detects certain obstacles up to 1.8 metres (six feet) from the rear of the vehicle, making parking in tight places much easier. When the sensors detect an obstacle, a beep sounds. As the obstacle gets closer, the beeps increase in frequency, finally moving to a solid tone to warn the driver the obstacle is very close.

A second-row 60/40 reclining split bench cloth seat folds flat for added versatility and convenience. A third-row removable fold/tip/stow bench seat provides added flexibility. Second-row reclining captain's chairs - with centre console - are available on Eddie Bauer models.

Peace of Mind
Expedition offers optional front-seat side-impact air bags for enhanced head and torso protection in a side-impact collision. A Second-Generation Driver and Front Passenger Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System provides added protection in a frontal collision.

Expedition's standard Remote Keyless Entry System has two handheld transmitters and a programmable driver's door keypad that lock and unlock the vehicle without a key. The standard SecuriLock™ passive anti-theft system means that only a key with the correct code can start the vehicle. The system arms automatically when the key is removed from the ignition and then disarms when the correctly coded key is reinserted.

The Illuminated Entry System (standard on Eddie Bauer series) turns on interior lights when the remote key fob button is activated, maintaining the lights for 25 seconds, or until the ignition is turned on.

Environmentally Responsible
Expedition is certified as a Low Emission Vehicle (LEV), emitting approximately 50 per cent fewer smog-forming hydrocarbon emissions than allowed by the U.S. government.

It's also 82.6 per cent recyclable by weight, thus reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills at the end of its automotive life. A variety of recycled materials are used to create components throughout the vehicle, including plastic soft drink bottles and caps, scrap tires, nylon carpet and cotton bale wrappers.

Ford Expedition Customers
Expedition customers are typically active families looking for confidence and capability when they venture off the beaten path. Expedition is a member of Ford's No Boundaries family, a comprehensive line-up of SUVs that also includes Escape, Explorer, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac and Excursion.

"A no-compromise, full-size SUV, Expedition is definitely for those who don't want to sacrifice comfort and style for utility and rugged, off-road capabilities," says Quesnel. "While it seats up to nine and is powerful enough to haul heavy trailers, Expedition still surprises - offering exceptional comfort features and dimensions that enable it to fit into a standard garage."