The 1997 Ford Expedition was Ford's first entry into the full-size sport-utility vehicle market. Ford had a head start in creating the Expedition; its chassis design was based on the hugely popular F-150 pickup, which had dominated the US and world truck market for years.

Styling was big-shouldered, with rounded edges as a bow to aerodynamics. Inside, the Expedition offered roomy comfort. The '97 Ford Expedition was available in two trim choices, XLT and Eddie Bauer, and in two-door and four-door body styles. Four-wheel drive was an option for people longing to take their SUV off-road.

The 1997 Expedition's target market, though, was the buyer looking for a big, solid wagon for family transportation or work. With an almost 10-foot wheelbase, an overall length of more than 17 feet, and 118 cubic feet of cargo space, the Expedition certainly delivered size.

There was plenty of power under the hood as well: the '97 Expedition offered a choice of either a 4.6 liter overhead cam Triton V8 that delivered 215 horsepower and 293 lb.-ft. of torque, or a 5.4 liter Triton V-8 with 230 horsepower, 345 lb-ft. of torque.

Not surprisingly, this behemoth didn't exactly excel in gas mileage, with 13/14 mpg city, 17/18 mpg highway, depending on model.