Would you do it again?
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 98
Likes: 25
Oh, might as well put the rest of my whining in here while I'm at it:
- nobody seems to make decent extension mirrors for this model year! For the travel trailer we pull, the stock mirrors are just short of what's needed. I tried some "generic" mirrors but the odd shape of the '06 mirrors means they barely stay on...
- the roof rack on these makes me nervous - I won't put my canoe on it because it moves to much (the side rails actually flex the roof of the truck). I'm going to have to look at an aftermarket roof bar to strengthen it up a bit...
- the only repair I've had was the high-mounted stoplight lens - I think the screw was too tight, because when it hit -30C it cracked. Minor issue.
- the stereo system (nav unit + 6-disc changer + DVD player) seems like it was just cobbled together - I have yet to make any sense of the rear stereo controls, and while the DVD player plays mp3 discs, it's awkward to have to stop and load it (why can't the changer handle mp3s?). Ford really dropped the ball on this stereo... I could dissect all the various annoyances but it's just not worth it.
- nobody seems to make decent extension mirrors for this model year! For the travel trailer we pull, the stock mirrors are just short of what's needed. I tried some "generic" mirrors but the odd shape of the '06 mirrors means they barely stay on...
- the roof rack on these makes me nervous - I won't put my canoe on it because it moves to much (the side rails actually flex the roof of the truck). I'm going to have to look at an aftermarket roof bar to strengthen it up a bit...
- the only repair I've had was the high-mounted stoplight lens - I think the screw was too tight, because when it hit -30C it cracked. Minor issue.
- the stereo system (nav unit + 6-disc changer + DVD player) seems like it was just cobbled together - I have yet to make any sense of the rear stereo controls, and while the DVD player plays mp3 discs, it's awkward to have to stop and load it (why can't the changer handle mp3s?). Ford really dropped the ball on this stereo... I could dissect all the various annoyances but it's just not worth it.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,019
Likes: 1,517
From: Maine, Virginia
Oh, might as well put the rest of my whining in here while I'm at it:
- nobody seems to make decent extension mirrors for this model year! For the travel trailer we pull, the stock mirrors are just short of what's needed. I tried some "generic" mirrors but the odd shape of the '06 mirrors means they barely stay on...
- the roof rack on these makes me nervous - I won't put my canoe on it because it moves to much (the side rails actually flex the roof of the truck). I'm going to have to look at an aftermarket roof bar to strengthen it up a bit...
- the only repair I've had was the high-mounted stoplight lens - I think the screw was too tight, because when it hit -30C it cracked. Minor issue.
- the stereo system (nav unit + 6-disc changer + DVD player) seems like it was just cobbled together - I have yet to make any sense of the rear stereo controls, and while the DVD player plays mp3 discs, it's awkward to have to stop and load it (why can't the changer handle mp3s?). Ford really dropped the ball on this stereo... I could dissect all the various annoyances but it's just not worth it.
- nobody seems to make decent extension mirrors for this model year! For the travel trailer we pull, the stock mirrors are just short of what's needed. I tried some "generic" mirrors but the odd shape of the '06 mirrors means they barely stay on...
- the roof rack on these makes me nervous - I won't put my canoe on it because it moves to much (the side rails actually flex the roof of the truck). I'm going to have to look at an aftermarket roof bar to strengthen it up a bit...
- the only repair I've had was the high-mounted stoplight lens - I think the screw was too tight, because when it hit -30C it cracked. Minor issue.
- the stereo system (nav unit + 6-disc changer + DVD player) seems like it was just cobbled together - I have yet to make any sense of the rear stereo controls, and while the DVD player plays mp3 discs, it's awkward to have to stop and load it (why can't the changer handle mp3s?). Ford really dropped the ball on this stereo... I could dissect all the various annoyances but it's just not worth it.
I agree with the tie down issue.
I was too cheap to buy the nav system so I bought a Magellan Maestro for $250 and have never been happier with directions.
Mine has 61K on the clock and is still as tight as day one.
Tim
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,950
Likes: 510
From: Foothills, CA
We bought a 2006 Expedition Limited - I was looking for trailer towing and 8 passengers primarily. Have had it almost 3 years, and almost no problems.
I say "almost" because... well, I didn't want two things when we were looking at them, but I got "for free" the navigation system and DVD player. And you know what? The two "features" I would highly recommend NOT getting are those two! The nav system (CD-based) is absolute junk - the maps are out of date (even the latest version), the system locks up fairly often (you can tell because the clock stops advancing - only turning off the truck and opening the door resets it), the accuracy is abysmal, it "forgets" all the addresses you've entered occasionally, the list goes on...
The stereo is great for CDs, but for the amount of money we paid, shouldn't it be able to play MP3s? And no iPod connector (well, those weren't common in '06 I guess).
Other things to be aware of: the "4x4" isn't really, because it never locks up all 4 wheels (yes, in 4H and 4L). If you're really plowing through deep snow it just isn't as good as true 4x4. It uses the anti-slip system to apply braking to the spinning wheels which puts more power to the other ones. The way I think of it is that one front wheel and one back wheel are locked together, and the anti-slip handles the other 2 wheels. But it's still a great system for city driving. And the RSC/traction control really works great in winter...
Other quibbles - I would really have liked some tie-down points in the cargo area. My brother rolled his Eddie Bauer, and his toolbox nearly went through his head. I'd like to avoid that if possible.
I find it has plenty of power and the gearing is great for towing. It also shifts down in town such that I typically drive around at 1200 - 1500 rpm, and I get relatively good gas mileage (avg 15 L/100km - which is about 15 mpg-US). 50,000 km and it still feels like a new truck!
Would I buy another one? Absolutely! Despite my pickiness above, this is the best of the SUVs I've seen for my needs. Amazingly comfortable yet very usable for pulling/hauling, solid, and versatile...
I say "almost" because... well, I didn't want two things when we were looking at them, but I got "for free" the navigation system and DVD player. And you know what? The two "features" I would highly recommend NOT getting are those two! The nav system (CD-based) is absolute junk - the maps are out of date (even the latest version), the system locks up fairly often (you can tell because the clock stops advancing - only turning off the truck and opening the door resets it), the accuracy is abysmal, it "forgets" all the addresses you've entered occasionally, the list goes on...
The stereo is great for CDs, but for the amount of money we paid, shouldn't it be able to play MP3s? And no iPod connector (well, those weren't common in '06 I guess).
Other things to be aware of: the "4x4" isn't really, because it never locks up all 4 wheels (yes, in 4H and 4L). If you're really plowing through deep snow it just isn't as good as true 4x4. It uses the anti-slip system to apply braking to the spinning wheels which puts more power to the other ones. The way I think of it is that one front wheel and one back wheel are locked together, and the anti-slip handles the other 2 wheels. But it's still a great system for city driving. And the RSC/traction control really works great in winter...
Other quibbles - I would really have liked some tie-down points in the cargo area. My brother rolled his Eddie Bauer, and his toolbox nearly went through his head. I'd like to avoid that if possible.
I find it has plenty of power and the gearing is great for towing. It also shifts down in town such that I typically drive around at 1200 - 1500 rpm, and I get relatively good gas mileage (avg 15 L/100km - which is about 15 mpg-US). 50,000 km and it still feels like a new truck!
Would I buy another one? Absolutely! Despite my pickiness above, this is the best of the SUVs I've seen for my needs. Amazingly comfortable yet very usable for pulling/hauling, solid, and versatile...
Too bad they took away the tie downs as well, maybe it was because of the power fold rear seats? Ours has the lug out of the back and break your back 3rd row seat, but it does have tie downs too...
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,922
Likes: 9
We've had a great experience with our 2003 Expy and I would buy another if needed but this one will last many, many, more miles. Not really any issues so to speak other than replacing tires and brakes as needed. We looked at a F150 SCREW and at the time the Expy was a better fit for the family but since my 2001 is a Super Cab with the smaller back seat I would like to have the SuperCrew now. With a bigger back seat in the SuperCrew I don't know that the Expy would get near as much use as it does. The wife loves it though and it has been a good vehicle.
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