I'm finally in the market for a new vehicle and the Expedition has caught my eye. In particular- the 2000/2001 XLT w/Sport package.

I've read through many of the posts here, and scoured the site for information- all very informative (great site you have here).

Here are a few questions I have:

In 2000 and 2001, what rear gear options were available with each engine?

In 2000 and 2001 what gears came with the trailer towing package (with each engine)?

I don't plan on towing anything big (yet), and mileage is a concern, any reason I'd want the 5.4L- what can I expect the 5.4L to get on a trip? I'm planning on the 4.6L averaging 15mpg min. (hopefully 17mpg, fingers crossed) for the year, so if both can attain that I'd be happy.

Were there any "creature comfort" differences between the Sport in 2000, and 2001 that would make me want to hold out for either model (i.e. power seat memory, or power rear quarter windows- I know neither of these are options on the Sport, but you get the picture)?

How rare is the power moonroof on the Sport- I've only seen 1. Any gripes about it- leaking/whistling/noisy at speed?

How rare is the reverse sensing system and side airbags on the 2001- weren't these available on late 2000's also? (thought this might be a nice option for an increased insurance discount).

I've seen some well equipped Sports (leather/moonroof/cd ) w/ high miles (~80K), and some less equipped Sports (cloth/cd/no moon roof) with less miles (~50K) w/ prices appropriate for both- should mileage be a concern:
1. in 5 years it could have 150K on it- would it be worth anything and would the drivetrain/suspension still be "tight" (or at least not "sloppy"?
2. with the higher mileage am I going to have to worry about drivetrain and suspension problems (u-joints, 4x4, swaybar links and bushings), or are these Expy's built FORD TOUGH?

Sorry for the large list of questions, just trying to learn all I can so I can soon become another happy expedition owner.

TIA.

jim

 

Gears offered are:

3.31
3.55
3.73

I think the trailer towing package got the 3.73's......and maybe the 3.55's.

You should get 15 mpg with the 5.4L on the highway, but probably not combined mileage. It also depends on 4x4 or 4x2.

 

I bought a used 2001 4x4 EB about 4 months ago. I got it for my wife and she loves it. We get about 13 to 14 miles per gallon in the city. I have used it to tow a 23 ft travel trailer and a 19 ft boat. I only get about 9 to 10 miles per gallon. It has a moon roof and I have had no trouble with it. We are very happy with this EB. We went from a ford excape to the expedition. Wow!
We are very happy with our expedition.

 

the Sport package is a good choice.

My 99 has the 5.4, 3.55 gears and towing pakage.

I actually got 22+ miles per gal 3 weeks ago on a 175 mile trip.
I must admit that I babied the truck the entire way!!
I did NOT use cruise, and the trip was 90% on level ground.

I made a special effort to make a "gas milage"run.
The same trip, the following week, netted me 17mpg using the cruize control.
This was 100% highway miles.

Since then, combined city, and hiway, I have been getting around 15 mpg.

The same trip, towing a 4000 lb boat netted me between 11 and 12 mpg.

 

dmorgan -

What engine and what gears do you have?

 

I have a 2000 Exp Sport and average between 12 - 14 mpg. I have the 4.6 and love the vehicle.

 

I have a 2000 Exp Sport and average between 12 - 14 mpg. I have the 4.6 and love the vehicle.

 

I have an 01 EB 4x4 with the 5.4, 3.55s and the towing package. I've been averaging right around 14 in mixed driving, closer to 17 on highway driving with the cruise set at 78-81. I love mine, as well...

In my test driving of expys, I really liked the sunroof, but 7 of the 8 I drove with sunroofs had rattles from the sunroof.

I wouldn't get the 4.6. No appreciable difference in mileage, but hugely appreciable difference in power and handling. 5.4 also has greater resale value.

BTW, all of my mileage reports listed above are with the auto climate control on...and I suspect that turning it off would be good for maybe another mpg.

 

I got to say, not a lot of 02's here... Not even for sale! I think I got a good one...

 

I have the 5.4L with 3.55 gears.

 

One option that may be worthwhile would be with rear air. I have both units and it definetely helps with the initial cooldown.....it is awfully big inside for just one ac unit. Also the rear passengers like it too. I have a 4x4 4.6 and I only get about 11 or 12 in town and 15 onthe road. This is with 3.55 gears and 17" tires/rims.

 

Adding to the volume of positive responses - I've had my 2000 5.4L 4 x 4 sport package with moon roof, rear air, tow package, limited slip 3.55 rear for 8 months and I absolutely love it. The jet black with tinted windows and platinum wheel well trim is great looking. I have wheeled it in sand and dirt and towed with it. I get 14-15 mpg typically and have registered 19 on a long trip. I'm agonizing over the cost of a set of BFG A/Ts right now. Prudence may require I get the stockers. My vote is for the 5.4L. Good Luck