The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV built by the Ford Motor Company. Introduced in 1997 as a replacement to the Ford Bronco, it was previously slotted between the smaller Ford Explorer and the larger Ford Excursion, but as of the 2005 model year, it is Ford's largest and last truck-based, off-road and tow capable SUV. Ford currently offers the standard regular-sized model and the larger EL/Max model, succeeding the Excursion which was discontinued in 2005. It is the second Ford vehicle to use the Expedition name, as it was part of the Explorer Sport's trim models during the 1995 model year. All Expeditions were originally built in Wayne, Michigan. In 2009, Ford shifted its current third generation (2007–present) model production to Louisville, Kentucky as Ford has begun converting the Wayne assembly plant to start building the future production of the Focus.
The Expedition offers up to nine passenger seating (with a front bench seat option on its XLT trim, which was discontinued after the 2009 model year) and a V8 engine. It is similar to the Lincoln Navigator, especially for the 2007–present model in Limited or King Ranch high end trims; both of which were introduced for the 2005 model year. With the 2011 model year Ford made changes in the base level department, with the newly designated XL trim a standard and upgrading the XLT to second level and replacing the Eddie Bauer trim that was phased out from the entire Ford vehicle lineup. Over 1,500,000 Expeditions have been sold since its introduction. A specially modified Special Service Vehicle version is also available from Ford for law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and EMS agencies.
Known internally at Ford as the UN93, the first generation Ford Expedition was developed under the UN93 program. The all-new full-size SUV was introduced in late 1996 as a 1997 model, replacing the aging two-door Ford Bronco in Ford’s vehicle lineup. Expedition featured optional three row seating, first row captains chair luxury seating, available second row captains chair luxury seating, genuine premium leather seating surfaces (imitation leather was not available for Expeditions) illuminated running boards, heated side view mirrors, power moon roof, dual zone climate control and Ford’s premium Mach audio sound system with rear subwoofer. Many of these features were standard on the top-of-the-line Expedition Eddie Bauer. Expedition XLT served as the entry level model.
The Expedition’s mechanicals consisted of a short & long arm (SLA) independent front suspension, multi-link rear live axle and speed sensitive power assisted steering. Optional equipment included off road under body skid plate protection, heavy-duty rear limited-slip differential and a heavy-duty trailer tow package.
Expedition was also available with a adaptive electronically controlled pneumatic suspension system that would raise and lower the vehicle depending on road and load conditions. The system also included a kneel down mode which would lower the Expedition down to allow easier ingress and egress as well as loading cargo.Similar to how a camel kneels down to allow a rider to climb aboard.
Selectable part-time/full-time ControlTrac 4-wheel-drive which had been introduced on the 1995 Ford Explorer was introduced for the Expedition, albeit a much heavier-duty version with Expedition receiving its own heavy-duty transfer case unit (BorgWarner model: 4406) designed for high torque output. The system included four modes: 2 High, Auto, 4 High (lock) and 4 Low (lock). 2 High mode and Auto mode with auto-lock wasn’t available on the Explorer’s system.Engine choices consisted of a standard 4.6 liter Triton V8 or an optional 5.4 liter Triton V8. The first generation Expedition was rated as a Low Emission Vehicle (LEV). The latter engine combined with the heavy-duty trailer tow package and appropriate axle ratio can achieve a towing capacity of 8,100 lbs (3,674 kg)
