Ford's full-size sport utility vehicle has accelerated into the fast lane.

Expedition sales are up nearly 20 percent from last year's model -- a bright spot in an otherwise flat full-size SUV segment, according to Jason Mase, Expedition marketing manager.

'We've gained about six points of segment share,' he says. 'And it's coming from Chevy Tahoe and Toyota Sequoia.'

Expected to continue its run of success, the 2004 Expedition offers amenities the others only wish they had, including its segment-exclusive Independent Rear Suspension. Fold-flat-to-the-floor second- and third-row seating employs the class-exclusive 40-20-40 split CenterSlide and PowerFold technology for best-in-class cargo volume.

'That this additional space has been colonized in a truck whose exterior dimensions barely wiggle is impressive,' wrote Frank Markus in Car and Driver magazine. 'That it occurs in one that weighs a couple hundred more pounds and yet gets similar or better gas mileage borders on science fiction.'

A 4.6-liter Triton V-8 engine rallies 232 horses and 291 foot-pounds of torque in the Expedition. The optional 5.4-liter V-8 uses a cast iron engine block that has been computer designed to reduce vibration for quieter operation; it delivers 260 horsepower and 350 foot-pounds of torque. When properly equipped, the 5.4-liter, two-wheel-drive Expedition is rated to tow up to 8,950 pounds. The 4.6-liter, four-wheel-drive model can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Ford's available Safety Canopy system provides increased passenger safety in the Expedition. When triggered by a rollover sensor, side air curtains cover approximately two-thirds of the vehicle's first- and second-row glass.

Having undergone a major redesign for the 2003 model year, the Expedition comes with five distinct trim levels for 2004. In addition to the basic XLS, there are: the XLT, which now includes options from last year's XLT Popular and Premium series; the new XLT Sport appearance package; the NBX, which replaces the FX4 Off-road in name; and the top-of-the-line Eddie Bauer edition.

Four-wheel-disc, anti-lock brakes with brake assist are standard on all models, and a tire-pressure monitoring system is standard on XLT, XLT Sport and Eddie Bauer editions.

'On a head-to-head comparison, the Expedition can beat the others in capability, in what it offers, and in value,' says Mase.

by Ford Communications Network

by Ford

New for 2004

• Five distinct trims are offered for 2004 - XLS, XLT, XLT Sport, NBX and Eddie Bauer

• XLT Sport trim level is new

• The NBX trim level replaces the XLT FX4 and adds heavy-duty rubber floor mats and a cargo area soft liner

• PowerFold third-row seat now available in cloth on all XLT models

• Reverse Sensing System, DVD rear seat entertainment system and power moonroof now available across all XLT and XLT Sport models

• Tire pressure monitoring system now standard on XLT, XLT Sport and Eddie Bauer trims

• New exterior colors: Pueblo Gold, Red Fire

Overview

The 2004 Ford Expedition continues to raise the bar in the full-size SUV segment, building on the completely redesigned 2003 model.

In order to be consistent across Ford's SUV lineup, Expedition trim level names have been changed for 2004. Five distinct series now will be offered.

• XLS replaces XLT as the value-conscious model.

• XLT includes ordering options for the previous XLT Popular and XLT Premium series.

• XLT Sport exterior appearance package is added to the lineup.

• NBX replaces FX4 Off-Road and builds on the same content.

• Eddie Bauer continues to be offered as the top-of-the-line trim level.

• The 2004 Expedition delivers a variety of class-exclusive features, including: fold-flat-to-the-floor second- and third-row seating, the PowerFold third-row seat, second-row CenterSlide section, AdvanceTrac, Safety Canopy, Reverse Sensing System and standard power-adjustable pedals. Expedition also is the first SUV in its class to offer independent rear suspension for improved ride and handling.

Expedition is built in Wayne, Mich.

Design and Equipment

Expedition exterior design cues are big, bold and confident. It exudes a confidence-inspiring stance, with large headlamps, tail lamps, mirrors and door handles.

The Expedition interior provides versatility with fold-flat-into-the-floor third row 60/40 seat, a 40/20/40 second row seat with manual CenterSlide? section and best-in-class cargo volume.

The spacious interior offers seamless, adjustable flexibility to meet the ever-changing demands of its owners' active lifestyles.

Powertrain

Expedition is powered by two engine choices: the 4.6-liter Triton V-8 and the 5.4-liter Triton? V-8 engine.

The 4.6-liter engine provides 232 horsepower and 291 foot-pounds of torque. The 5.4-liter engine uses a cast iron engine block that has been computer-designed to reduce vibration for quieter operation . It delivers 260 horsepower and 350 foot-pounds of torque.

Towing capability is impressive. The 4.6-liter engine uses an 8.8-inch rear axle gear, and the 5.4-liter delivers power through a 9.75-inch axle. This is especially important in towing and off-road applications. When properly equipped, the 5.4-liter, two-wheel drive Expedition is rated to tow up to 8,950 pounds. The 4.6-liter V-8 with four- wheel drive can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

AdvanceTrac electronic stability enhancement and Control Trac? 4x4 systems are available.

Safety and Security

Expedition offers a variety of safety and security features including: Safety Canopy system consisting of side air curtains with a rollover sensor that covers approximately two-thirds of first- and second-row glass; a driver's door-mounted keyless entry keypad and standard power-adjustable brake/accelerator pedals.

Four-wheel-disc ABS with the Brake Assist system is standard.

A tire-pressure monitoring system is now standard on XLT, XLT Sport and Eddie Bauer trims.

Major Equipment and Options

XLS: four-speed automatic transmission, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, tilt steering wheel, speed control, cloth upholstery, front 60/40 split-bench seat with driver's side power, driver-side manual lumbar support, second-row bench seat split 40/20/40, third-row 60/40 split-bench seat, privacy glass, heated fold-away power mirrors with security approach lamps, power door locks, remote keyless entry, SecuriLock?, driver and passenger air bags, power-adjustable pedals, air conditioning, rear liftgate with flip-up glass access, automatic headlamps, luggage rack, styled steel wheels, door trim map pockets with cupholders, illuminated entry with automatic dimming and AM/FM premium stereo with CD/cassette player.

XLT adds to XLS: fog lamps, running boards, aluminum wheels, auxiliary rear air conditioning and heat controls, overhead console with storage, auto-dimming rear view mirror, illuminated vanity mirrors, color-keyed door handles and tire-pressure monitoring system.

XLT Sport adds to XLT: Dark Shadow Grey exterior cladding, high-gloss Dark Shadow Grey tubular step bars, two-tone bumpers, moldings and lower grille in Dark Shadow Grey and silver upper grille.

Eddie Bauer adds to XLT Sport: Arizona Beige two-tone exterior appearance with Arizona Beige running boards, dual electronic temperature control, steering-wheel-mounted audio and climate controls, two-tone leather-trimmed front captain's chairs with driver's side power, driver- and passenger-side manual lumbar support, vinyl 60/40 third-row bench seat, rear audio controls, garage opener, Reverse Sensing System, message center, memory seating, AM/FM audiophile stereo with in-dash six-disc CD player and power heated signal exterior mirrors.

NBX features: 5.4L V-8, tubular step bars, Durachrome steel wheels, skid plates, premium Sachs shocks, cargo area soft liner with storage bag and heavy duty rubber floor mats.

Expedition optional equipment includes PowerFold third-row seat, AdvanceTrac, four-corner load-leveling air suspension, limited-slip axle, power moonroof, Reverse Sensing System, in-dash navigation, heavy-duty trailer tow package, DVD rear seat entertainment system and AM/FM premium in-dash six-CD audio system.

by Ford