I got a real shock when I picked up my 2003 XLT Expedition. I had a 2001 and traded it off for a smaller car for my wife as she refused to drive the 2001. She is only 5'1" and had a hard time looking over the hood and getting her feet on the floor. So I had to bow to city hall and got her a Suzuki XL7 to drive.

Well I just couldn't stand the XL7 (but as long as mommie is happy I'm happy)so she drives the XL7 and I drive the Expedition. We found out the Ford deals right now are just too good to pass by.

The comparison of the ride of the 2003 vs the 2001 is incomparable
the 2003 rides so much stouter and smoother its mind bogling, the top no longer sways when you go around a sharp corner. Both cars were and are 5.4L, the gas mileage on the 2001 was 12mpg at the best, the mileage on the 2003 is 15mpg from the first tank on. Thats a combination of city and country mileage. I just can't wait to get it on the road in February.

I think Ford hit a home run with the 2003, it makes me want to go out and travel again. Where else can a guy pull 8900lbs with a SUV.

Just had to bragg a little,
Frankk

 

Frankk, do you work for Ford?

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 15-Nov-02 AT 08:22 AM (EST)]I'm sorry to say that I detest the 2003. I bought my '99 EB used this summer, but I test-drove a few 2003s recently (got some free goodies for doing so).

The interior styling is awful. The round "chrome" air vents look like eyes, and disrupt the smooth flow of the dashboard. Further, I was incredibly annoyed by the driver's side assist handle sticking into my line of vision -- it easily obscured 20% of my forward vision! I also smell disaster in a collision, should the airbag not deploy -- cracked skulls on that awful handle!

And no matter what the math says, I swear to god the interior is smaller. I felt like I was in a slightly larger Explorer, rather than an Expedition. Also, the front windshield appears significantly smaller, too. I like the automatic folding third seat, but that's about all I like.

The exterior styling is to my mind not as satisfying as the older style. The older style screamed "big honking mean truck", but the new styling is softer, and seems to cater more to the soccer mom ("I don't like driving a truck, but I want something BIG"). And what's with the enormous "Expedition" emblem? -- were people having trouble seeing the old one, and causing rear-end collisions trying to read it? Whatever happened to subtlety!

Ah, that's the word -- the subtlety is missing from the 2003 Expy. Those in-your-face air vents, the larger emblems, the more-cramped interior, the louder window and lock controls, the code entry buttons on the window trim -- everything stands out, or is larger, or is tackier, or is brasher. The truck itself used to be the only thing that stood out -- now everything stands out on it, obscuring the truck.

It used to be like a big, lovely, beautifully crafted Victorian house. Now it's a Victorian house with flashing neon signs on every window and door.

 

I think this is an endless debate (which has occurred here before) so no one is right or wrong. Some will like the pre-'03 and others the '03.

I happen to love my '03 and yes it's not perfect but neither was the predecessor. I think the IRS is a great improvement to the ride & handling, and creates the space for the nifty folding 3rd row. I have unfortunately tested the EBC in a real life situation and it did make a difference in emergency braking. I use the heat / cool seats constantly (yeah its a luxury but it works great).

I do however must disagree with the assist handle. I have owned my '03 for several months now and I have NEVER noticed that it was obstructing my vision (however now that you mention it, I'll probably always notice it ). 20% of your forward vision! That's a "slight" exaggeration as the handle is like 6" x 2.5" and mounted on the A-pillar. You must sit far back and lean against the window to really look at this handle while you are driving.

The exterior and interior look is all subjective so there's no point.

Don't want to start a flame war but just wanted to let you know that there really are '03 owners who love their Expy but don't work for Ford (really )

 

>Frankk, do you work for Ford?
Buzzard-
I was gonna say....that review is a little too glossy for me....

however, Frank, if you don't work for Ford, then I'm happy you enjoy your new wheels.

XXL

 

Mathias-

I'll admit, I'm jealous of the electric folding 3rd row. That's hella cool. However, electronics like that scare me. What do you do if it breaks?

Granted, not having the 3rd row isn't that bad, but my girlfriend's stepmom got one of those tiny Mercedes (I can't remember the name) and it's got the electric folding top. You should see that mechanism that moves the roof around! There's about a million tiny moving parts. Scary stuff.

XXL

 

Oh yeah...the MASSIVE rear badge! I had to de-badge mine. I think the large rear badge makes up for the absence of the side ones.

Other improvements I appreciate in the '03, the side air curtains and AdvanceTrac (not sure if this was available for '01 or '02?).

 

BigMattXXL,

I completely agree with you about excess amount of electronics. I too am worried about it but I figure I'll enjoy it while it works and deal with it later.

Technological content will increase with every new car so why fight it when you can enjoy it.

Drive-by-wire steering, braking, throttle, etc...scary

 

>BigMattXXL,
>
>I completely agree with you about excess amount of
>electronics. I too am worried about it but I figure I'll
>enjoy it while it works and deal with it later.
>
>Technological content will increase with every new car so
>why fight it when you can enjoy it.
>
>Drive-by-wire steering, braking, throttle, etc...scary
>

Some of this stuff freaks me out - I learned how to work on cars by fixing MG's and Honda's - pretty straightforward. Now in my 2nd year of college, I'm ***-deep in supreme court decisions and various other Criminal Justice related matter - I don't have time to work on my rolling space station if it burps. I have my 77 MGB as a backup - now THAT'S scary!

XXL

 

On a related note, I get a kick out of the new Navigator commercials showing some twit working the electric running boards, seats, tailgate, etc. in time to a jazz riff. Let's find that same Navigator 5 years from now and see if it plays a different tune.

Power folding seats are a nice concept, but I would have a little more faith in their execution if Ford could find a supplier that can build a rear wiper motor that lasts for more than six months.

 

Buzzard and Acamar,

No I do not work for Ford and never have, just enjoy some of their products.
I guess thats why they make more than one brand as everyone tastes are different. I thought my 2001 had to much plastic and the workmanship on the interior was a little to loose. The 2003 workmanship is really tight and I guess it strikes me as a better constructed vehicle.

I think we can all agree on the engine I think the 5.4L is one of the best, quietest and powerfull engines for its size. Where else can you get 8900lbs rated tow in this size of a vehicle.

Cheers,
Frankk

 

Frank,

Since you were bragging up your deal-how good did you do? I find myself lusting after the 03 Expy, and am starting to have dreams of trading the Y2k F 150 on one of these...don't tell the wife!

 

When I looked for a replacement for my 00 Expy, I looked at the new Explorer and the 03 Expy. Couldn't get excited about the Explorer. The 03 Expy is a great improvement over my 00 Expy.

Then I drove a GMC Yukon. Well, I had to jump the Ford ship. IMHO, and it is just that, an opinion... the Yukon is far superior to the Expy in just about every way. Better handling, drives better, more power, super engine, better seats, to name a few.

I went for the Yukon and can honestly say I am glad. So far, a great experience.

Just my humble opinion.

Regards,
Wallace

 

BP0451,

We paid $100 over invoice, then got a $1500 rebate for a buying price of $29707. We got the following:

5.4l V8
XLT package
3.73 Axle with Limited Slip.
Prem Stereo 6-cd
Captain Chairs
Auto
Towing Package Class IV
Aux Heat\Air Conditioner
Third Row of Seats
Fog Lamps
4 Wheel Disc Brakes
Secilock Anti-Theft System
17" Wheels\Tires
2WD (already had two other 4WD vehicles)
Plus several other options.
I think I got a great deal,
Have a good evening,
Frankk

 

>When I looked for a replacement for my 00 Expy, I looked at
>the new Explorer and the 03 Expy. Couldn't get excited
>about the Explorer. The 03 Expy is a great improvement over
>my 00 Expy.
>
>Then I drove a GMC Yukon. Well, I had to jump the Ford
>ship. IMHO, and it is just that, an opinion... the Yukon is
>far superior to the Expy in just about every way. Better
>handling, drives better, more power, super engine, better
>seats, to name a few.
>
>I went for the Yukon and can honestly say I am glad. So
>far, a great experience.
>
>Just my humble opinion.
>
>Regards,
>Wallace

Before I bought my Expy, I test drove the "new" Tahoes and save for a little cleaner look, I think the Expy beats the Tahoe/Yukon in every other category. One of the biggest reasons I didn't buy the Tahoe was the stereo, its lights and all dash ***** look like something out of a 1980 Olds Cutlass.

Anyway, back to the topic (debate). I'm really disappointed at Ford's effort for the '03. Hopefully they will clean it up in the near future...at least witin the next two years when I'm ready for something new. Like Frankk, I do like the 5.4L engine. While it has a few little quirks, overall it is an exceptional motor.