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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Ford Expedition

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Ford Expedition

Overview

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2008 Ford Expedition Review

By KBB.com Editors

Although Ford's Expedition (and other large, truck-based SUVs) may be in market decline, there remains a need for vehicles with their capabilities. In the 2008 Expedition, Ford hopes to meet or exceed that need and, not incidentally, hold onto its share of the market.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you have a big family, boat or trailer, you'll revel in the space and versatility provided by the 2008 Ford Expedition. Virtually every dynamic aspect, except straight-line performance, has been enhanced, as have both active and passive safety features and characteristics.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If a vehicle weighing in excess of 5,500 pounds absolutely disgusts you, look at something else. If you're carrying only passengers, the more fuel-efficient Ford Freestyle crossover SUV may better suit your needs.

What's Significant About This Car?

Fresh from a complete makeover last year, the 2008 Ford Expedition continues to add value with an optional rear camera system and new standard features including keyless-entry keypad, auto-dimming mirror, heated power mirrors and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The extended EL version adds an additional 24 cubic feet behind the third-row seat.

Driving the Expedition

Driving Impressions With the enhancements made to structure, suspension, steering and braking, the 2008 Expedition is far removed from its truck-derived predecessors. Despite the tall seating position, the driving impression feels connected...

to the road, helped in no small part by steering with a good degree of precision. Over-the-road comfort is good and the handling feels balanced. While we weren't overwhelmed by the 5.4-liter V8's acceleration while towing, the Expedition seemed fully up to the task.

Favorite Features

Enhanced Utility

The EL's 12-inch longer wheelbase and nearly 15 inches of additional length provide a huge improvement in capacity with little increase in cost or reduction in fuel efficiency. Sure, your garage may not accommodate the extra length, but that's a small price to pay if you're actually intending to use your full-size SUV.

Keyless Entry Keypad

No more worrying about where to hide your keyfob; with the keyless keypad entry system you can simply lock your keys and other items safely inside the vehicle. A preset combination entered via the door-mounted keypad unlocks the doors.

2008 Ford Expedition Details

Interior

Seats have been redesigned with improved contours, bigger bolsters (we'd still hope for a little more lateral support), softer cushions and upgraded materials. Additionally, seat-track travel has been increased for the driver's side, and can now accommodate people from 4'11" to 6'4" tall. In the Eddie Bauer package, driver and passengers will enjoy tone-on-tone leather, attractive and legible instrumentation, a stylish center stack on the instrument panel and cup holders galore. Access to the third row is relatively easy and the seating is reasonably comfortable, even for adults. Opt for the EL variant and you'll enjoy both a third row and lots of storage space behind it. Finally, some of the plastic textures, though not cheap, do not seem to quite match the expectations of a $45,000 price point.

Exterior

While retaining the same basic architecture as the 2006 model, the new Expedition's modifications are immediately recognizable. The most prominent alteration is the nose job, where Ford's now-signature four-bar grille sits front and center. What Ford describes as "crisply-defined surfaces and chiseled good looks" certainly remain, though augmented by the raised "powerdome" hood, new headlamps and large wheel "lips." Finally, 20-inch rims are optionally available from the factory, so there's no need to seek out the aftermarket variety.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Redesigned front and rear suspensions, improved steering feel and bigger brakes enhance improvements to the frame's structure. The AdvanceTrac stability control system with Roll Stability Control modulates braking and engine power to help maintain driver control in marginal conditions, particularly those involving slippery surfaces. Occupant protection is enhanced with seat-mounted front-side air bags and a three-row "safety canopy." Other standard features include keyless keypad entry, six-way power front seats, sliding center-section second-row seat and a 300-horsepower V8 engine.

Optional Equipment

Expedition buyers can choose an optional PowerFold third-row seat that folds flat with the touch of a button. In combination with an also-optional power liftgate, the departure from the mall or hardware store needn't be so arduous. The independent rear suspension makes the flat-folding third row possible, because it takes up less space under the vehicle, and PowerFold and a powered liftgate make it convenient. Stand-alone options include a rear backup camera, DVD navigation, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, auto-leveling rear air suspension and a 340-watt audio system.

Under the Hood

While the 5.4-liter V8 is certainly adequate, Ford's one offering is overwhelmed by the multitude of choices available from Chevrolet, GMC and Dodge. The V8's 300 horsepower and 365 lb.-ft. of torque are well-matched to the chassis, and that power is enhanced by a six-speed automatic, but the package falls short of GM's 5.3-liter V8 (at least in horsepower), GM's 6.0-liter V8 and Dodge's 5.7-liter HEMI V8. The rumored release of a light-duty diesel within a couple of years might help, but not for a while.

5.4 liter V8
300 horsepower at 5000 rpm
365 lb.-ft. of torque at 3750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/18 (2WD) N/A (4WD)

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2008 Ford Expedition Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.0

Out of 10

Based on 244 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.3/10

Perfect for some, but not everyone

By AutoJoe (FL) on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 129,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Luxuious, hauling large families/trailers"

Cons: "Thirsty, too big for some"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The Ford Expedition EL is big. Seriously big. Almost comically so. At 18'8" it is too long for my garage. And too tall. And the gas mileage isn't going to earn you a spot on the Sierra Club's Christmas card list. But if you need a large SUV to tow heavy things (8700 lbs if 2WD, 8500 if 4x4) then it's excellent. It hauls 8 people in comfort with room to spare. It's not fast of course, but it has enough power that you can forget you're towing a trailer on the highway. My Limited is very nicely appointed and has been as reliable as you can reasonably hope. (At 130,000 miles, it's had a few minor issues, but they have all been reasonably inexpensive to repair.) And given it's immense size and weight (not to mention the 20-inch wheels) I'm satisfied with the driving dynamics, road noise, and yes, even the gas mileage. When I keep it around 70 mph I can get upward of 18 mpg on the highway, but don't expect more than 13 in the city. Invest in some good tires, though. The factory Pirellis are good, but I prefer the Michelin LTX. People periodically ask me how I feel about my truck, whether I like it or not. I always answer the same way: "No, I don't like it. I love it.""

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love it

By vic (AL) on Friday, May 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "What can you say it has everything you could want"

Cons: "pricey, parking it can be picky."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my 3rd Ford Exppy & I love it. It has all the room I need to carry the family on vacation in comfort. I plan to keep this one along, long time. Ford quality"

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2012 MY, 4th 4wd Expedition Owned

By Pro (TN) on Wednesday, May 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 750

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: 4/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Runs Great, Good Towing Capacity, Smooth 6-Sp"

Cons: "Poor, full-frame type suv handling"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 3

"The 5.4L 3V runs super. Smooth 6-speed transmission. Very pleased with the optional 3.73 ratio based on early performance on hills and steep freeway ramps. Strong brakes. Standard Goodyear 18" tires apparently have tremendous amount of "radial drift". Had to try numerous rotations to get a combo that was marginally satisfactory--factory wheel alignment was spot on except the steering wheel was slightly off center and had to be adjusted. Vehicle seems to have poor bouncey handling, not fun to drive. Wonder about the basic design that dates back to 2007MY? Not good is the deleted left storage bin at the back of the vehicle. Same for smallish front row console versus the much larger one 2006 and back. Passenger seat lumbar for cloth seat XLT that was standard in earlier years now not provided."

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2nd one I've owned and most comfortable for travel

By Helleyn 3 (AR) on Wednesday, March 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 97,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Like the way you can see all others and negoiateit"

Cons: "gets good gas milage for it's size"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love the quiet ride and handleing of this and the roomy interior-it's great for traveling and plenty of space for people and luaggage-I feel safe in this as I am on the road a lot and the traction control is great for wet roads would consider buying another if anything happens to this one-but plan on keepingit a while longer!!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Good for about 40,000 miles then issues build up

By HeafNav (LA) on Monday, February 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 48,000

10 2.0

overall rating 2 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 2/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Very comfortable ride, good gas mileage."

Cons: "Not built for the long term."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Warranty covers bumper to bumper to 36,000/3 years and 6/60 for drive train only. At 4.5 years an 48,000 had to replace compressor, condenser and flush the a/c system. At stops it idles low and stalls. None of this is covered by warranty. Best bet is to pass it off before this point. I also have a 2004 Explorer with 136,000 miles on it. No major issues. Which makes me very disappointed with this vehicle."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Great ride, but not problem free

By Steve (NV) on Monday, January 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 26,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Very nice solid ride. Would buy another one."

Cons: "Does have its problems"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I bought this 2007 EB Expedition new with six miles on it in 2007 from a Ford dealer. I was impressed with the ride and how quiet it was. Very nice on the highway with a lot of power. Drives like a small car. Really nice. However, there was a problem right away. The transmission did not shift correctly. The dealer could not repair it correctly no matter how many times I took it in. This was a big let down that continued until the warranty finally ran out and I took it in on Ford extended warranty. Four years later they finally repaired the transmission and now it works correctly. The problem or why they never could fix it in four years of going back to the dealer was never explained to me by anyone from Ford. Here is a list of the problems I had and had repaired since 2007 until today. Transmission problems (for four years), rack and pinion steering failed @14000 miles, inside door handles all broke, rotors warped, replaced, master cylinder failed, tie rods worn and loose, replaced, today, two door motors for the rear heat went out @26000 Miles. No other major problems. I know things do break and wear out, but the transmission problems were there from day one. There is now a slight ringing noise outside the car when driving at low speeds, It has been doing this for a year, I don't know what it is, when something falls off, I guess I will find out. BTW the SUV has never been off road and the FWD was only used once just to see if it works. I would buy a new one. I will say it does ride nice and quiet right down the road. Over all it is ok as I have never owned a car or truck yet that did not have some kind of problem, so from that stand point, this 2007 Expedition is a just a normal SUV."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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