By Tom Crosby
AAA Carolinas

The largest sports utility vehicle Ford produces is the Expedition Limited El, which is more than 18 feet long and has enough interior space to seem like a mini-moving van – more than 130 cubic feet. What is most impressive, however, about the Expedition EL two-wheel drive (our tester; four-wheel drive is also a choice) is that with a slew of options it develops a luxurious interior, lots of ride, safety and entertainment features, and still costs less than a Lincoln Navigator L. Both the Navigator and Expedition share the same engine and platform, plus handle and ride similarly. Introduced last year, the Expedition El, along with the other Expeditions – XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited and this year’s King Ranch – add a host of standard features for 2008. They include keyless entry pad (a Ford trademark), electro chromic mirror, heated power side mirrors, illuminated visors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and overhead console, which easily adds a rear seat entertainment DVD option. The Expedition was inspired, Ford says, by the Ford F-series trucks to appear rugged outside but with nearly $10,000 in options, the Limited El becomes a luxury SUV, with add-ons like rear view camera, powered running boards, navigation system, rear seat entertainment DVD, load leveling suspension, second row captain’s chairs, moon roof, power liftgate and heavy duty trailer tow (maximum towing weight is 9,000 pounds). With independent suspensions, front and rear, the ride is smooth over uneven road surfaces with minimal lean in turns, thanks to load leveling. All occupants can hold normal conversations, thanks to numerous noise, vibration and harshness counter-measures. Even the all-season tires on 20-inch chrome-clad wheels are tuned to reduce road noise. Handling is responsive and surprisingly firm for such a big vehicle; turning radius isn’t a problem at higher speeds.

Inside, space, storage areas, cup holders – it’s all about room. The third row folds flat with a touch of a button, the second row has a Center-slide to move a child seat 11-inches closer to the front seat and the third-row has ample legroom for adults. Adjustable pedals add to easy driver comfort, along with heated or cooled front seats.  Safety includes expected five-star government crash test ratings, a sophisticated traction and roll-over system and numerous air bags. One minor annoying factor was the difficulty turning off the navigation voice directions. Gas mileage is poor but everywhere you go, you’ll have a ride like a millionaire.