2002 Ford Expedition

No significant changes marked the launch of the 2002 Ford Expedition, but that was just fine with buyers, who grabbed up these full-size SUVs as soon as Ford could turn them out.  The key selling points for the Expedition were size, comfort, and safety, and Ford continued to deliver all three.

Trim lines available for the 2002 Expedition were XLT and Eddie Bauer.  The higher-end Eddie Bauer trim came standard with luxury features like leather upholstery and captain's chair seating.  Still, even the most "basic" XLT model shipped off the line with plenty of frills, including 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, power windows,locks, and mirrors, a tilt steering column, power driver's seat, keyless-remote entry, power adjustable pedal set, intermittent front/rear wipers, and cruise control.

One of the optional features Ford offered for the Expedition was its proprietary Rear Sensing System, which used a radar setup to alert drivers when they were in danger of backing up into something (not an unusual occurrence when you're trying to maneuver a 17-foot sport-utility vehicle).  Another very popular option was the rear entertainment system, which let harried parents relax while their kids enjoyed a video.

In addition to all the bells and whistles, the '02 Ford Expedition offered solid power under the hood.  Buyers could stick with the standard 4.6 liter overhead cam V8 with 240 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, or upgrade to a 5.4 liter version with 260 horsepower and an impressive 350 lb.-ft. of torque.  A "Trailer Towing Group" options package, which included rear-leveling load suspension, was a good investment for drivers who wanted to haul a hitch.

So what's the down side?  Fuel economy, of course.  The 2002 Ford Expedition got just 14 mpg city, 17 mpg highway.  Ouch!