Ford Expedition

There are two versions of Ford’s flagship sport-utility vehicle: the regular Expedition and the long-wheelbase Expedition EL. Both come with the big V8 engine, hefty towing capacity and supersized eight-passenger interior that buyers expect in a full-size SUV. Find the 2011 Ford Expedition at our Ford dealer serving Buffalo, West Herr Ford.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The  2011 Ford Expedition near Buffalo is a full-size, body-on-frame SUV that’s offered in four trim levels: base XL, midrange XLT, upscale Limited and top-of-the-line King Ranch edition. Buyers can also opt for the extended-wheelbase Expedition EL, which adds 15 inches of overall length.

Many of the niceties found on upper trim levels can also be had as options on the less expensive models. Other major add-ons, depending on trim level, include 20-inch alloy wheels, a load-leveling rear air suspension, a manually folding third-row seat for the regular-wheelbase XL (which increases seating capacity to eight), second-row captain’s chairs (which reduce the maximum passenger count to seven), a sunroof and a new rear-seat video entertainment system that features two headrest-mounted screens. A touchscreen navigation system, available on all but the XL trim level, includes the Sirius Travel Link service, which provides information on traffic, weather, sports, movie listings and local fuel prices.

Powertrains and Performance

All Expeditions are powered by a 5.4-liter V8 that produces 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. A standard six-speed automatic transmission channels power to the rear wheels by default, but buyers can opt for a four-wheel-drive layout with a dual-range transfer case for optimal low-speed off-roading. Properly equipped, the Expedition has a maximum tow rating of 9,200 pounds.

Safety

The Ford Expedition, available at West Herr Ford, comes standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, a rollover-sensing stability control system, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Ford’s programmable MyKey system, which allows parents to specify speed limits and stereo volumes for their teenage drivers, is also standard. All models are also equipped with Trailer Sway Control, which uses the existing stability control sensors to detect trailer sway, then applies precise braking and throttle adjustments to assist in bringing both the vehicle and the trailer under control.

In government crash testing, the Ford Expedition received a five-star rating (the best possible) for frontal and side-impact protection for driver and passengers.

Ford Models in NY

2012 Ford Focus Price: $20,155	2012 Ford Edge Price: $35,800	2012 Ford Explorer Price: $29,675	2012 Ford F-150 Price: $38,400
2012 Ford Fusion Price: $29,150	2012 Ford Focus Price: $23,755	2012 Ford Edge Price: $34,625	2012 Ford Focus Price: $22,245
2012 Ford Focus Price: $20,980	2012 Ford Expedition Price: $47,235	2012 Ford F-150 Price: $44,555	2012 Ford Edge Price: $35,515

Interior Design and Special Features

A large part of the 2011 Ford Expedition’s appeal has to do with its passenger cabin, which can be fitted with a variety of seating options to comfortably accommodate five, seven or eight passengers. The standard second-row bench seat features reclining seatbacks and is split 40/20/40, which allows the center portion to slide forward to put young children within easy reach. Second-row bucket seats are an option on all but the entry-level XL models.

Also notable is the third-row seat, which can be folded down by a simple release mechanism or by pressing the power-folding button that’s standard on upper trim levels. By contrast, you must physically remove the Tahoe’s heavy third row. Both Expedition body styles offer generous cargo room behind that third row, including an ample 18.6 cubic feet in regular-wheelbase models and a whopping 42.6 cubic feet in the EL version.

Of all the Expedition’s available features, the voice-operated Sync system — which, among other services, allows you to control your cell phone and MP3 player without removing your hands from the steering wheel — is a standout.

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