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Given that the Expedition is based on a MUCH heavier, more robust vehicle than the Explorer, I seriously doubt Ford will switch to an independent rear suspension at this time (2002 and the next 5 years). There hasn't been even a hint in the press. Maybe the next generation down the road.
However, it is a change I would really like to see.
I received the September issue of Automobile Magazine yesterday, and found that AM also believes/expects the 2003 Expy will have an independent rear suspension, allowing the 3rd seat to fold flat. They also had a spy photo of the grill/bumper. It looks like a new Explorer on steroids. HUGE headlights, with multiple reflectors (separate high & low beams?). The bumper was painted body color (no chrome).
The independent rear suspension places the Expy (& Nav) far ahead of the competition. Even Toyota's new Sequoia has a solid rear axle.
If only Ford can get the product launch correct. The new Explorer was a major embarassment. I may go look after the Expy has 2-3 years on the market to work out the bugs.
Although I never had a problem with the '97's front or back washer fluid, it was fixed under a recall sometime in late '97 or early '98.
I'm betting the '98s should have had a recall also.
Good luck!
Also, I get sort of a "rubbing sound" from the steering wheel column when I make sharp turns to the right (backing up, for example). The dealer lubricated the wheel and said that it should disappear, but it has not. Anyone else have a similar issue? It happens ONLY when the steering wheel is turned to the right.
Finally, I haven't gotten any answers yet from the dealer on the reverse sensing system problem (i.e., going off when nothing is behind the vehicle) yet, but I'll keep you posted. Anyone got any more info on that problem?
thanks for any input
Also, I’m curious to see if anyone has had any issues with the options. The one I’m most curious about is the Four Corner Load Leveling Suspension. I can’t find any information on it anywhere except that it is pneumatic. I tend to drive my vehicles forever and this has the potential to be something that would go out within five years, probably meaning a nice charge from the local Ford dealership.
I may have the dealer install a moonroof (can’t find one w/ bench seat in the back). Two dealers have told me “we do it all the time and have had no problem”. I’m sure they would not mislead me……Does anyone have any info on aftermarket moonroofs?
Finally, any quality issues w/ the entertainment center?
Thanks in advance
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Living in Los Angeles, I often see various camouflaged vehicles being tested either in the 100+ degrees heat of the San Fernando Valley or on the twisted turns of Mulholland and various canyon roads.
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Today I saw one Expedition and one Navigator heavily camouflaged (mostly the front and rear of each SUV was well hidden); the Expedition was painted black and the Navigator was white. From the exterior, I saw 19" wheels, new rims (at least they looked fresh to me) and the fender wells were of a more 'muscular' nature. The Navigator had its headlights on and they were HID (these were not DRL for they were too bright). In addition, the taillights were LED (like the Cadillac DTS) and for the Nav, there were three small round third brake lights atop the rear window.
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From what I could see in the Navigator's interior (I was in a Suburban 2500), there was a navigation system in addition to all the test equipment being used. At the stop light I asked the driver what size engine was under the hood, and he replied "I can't tell you but think Bo Derek". I assume he meant a 10 cylinder (is a 10 currently offered???).
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Sorry ya'll but that's all I was able to find out. As to whether some of these items are newsworthy or not, I don't know. I thought I'd perform my duities as an Edmund's web site reader and let ya'll know what I've found out of these SUVs. For that matter, I don't even know whether these changes will see their way into the showroom (if they haven't already).
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Enjoy.
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Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Just a thought....
1. Rear axle seals leaked--replaced.
2. Soaked brake pads--replaced.
3. Soaked emergency brake lining--replaced.
4. Valve cover or oil pan gasket leaking.
5. Transfer case wont shift into low range--having checked this week.
On the other hand, my '97 EB Exp. went went nearly 70,000 miles with no major problems.
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
However, I'm worried after reading all of these negative posts! Should we get the Honda Odyssey we originally thought of buying? It's really the extra room we're looking for.
And we also have a question as to whether we need the 5.4 or not. We got the bigger 3.8 on our Windstar and were always glad we did. Even though we're not going to tow anything more then an ocassional rented tent trailer, and then just to the beach and back, is the 5.4 a better engine? Is bigger better as far as the 4.6 taxing the engine and having to work too hard? Please folks, I buy cars for my clients all the time, but this one is for me! Write quick!
We have reached a deal on a 3yr 45K lease of
an 2001 Expedition. (519+/mo)
List was 37000, XLT 4x4, 5.4L, comfort, tow, LSD
Selling price 32461 (X plan)
330 to extend 3yr warranty with rental to full 45K
total 32791.
Residual 43% (15910)
Rate 5.5%
2500 lease cash
500 lease to lease
3000 total cap reduction
out of pocket
180 mich tax on cap reduction
19 transfer fee
519 first payment
total out of pocket 718
less 450 security deposit from prior lease
cash paid 268
35 monthly payments of 519.
previous lease was only 425/mo
but then the residual on a new 1999
was ~65% at that time.
buyout was a ridiculous 23K
We have owner our 2001 EB for eight months and have about 8000 miles on it. Not a single problem so far. We live in Colorado, where the 4x4 system is needed in the winter, and we go 4-wheeling in the summer. Other than those two items, we could have been happy with a minivan. We have owned a minivan before and found it adequate for most of the year, except those freak blizzards. There is something to say for the safety of the Expy due to its size and weight.
There may also be an engine preference depending on where you live. For example, here in Colorado, where EVERYTHING is at a high-altitude, very few people opt for smaller engines in their vehicles. No one wants a car (or truck) that can't get out of its own way, especially when climbing the rockies.
Although the locals will usually meet the DFW prices, you gotta persuade them you're a serious buyer to get there which I've not done yet. Several questions. Anyone getting these great deals on the car they actually want. Are they all on the vehicles with the 4.6? According to Edmunds, that's where the rebates are. I've done a couple of RCO's in the past....low down and low payments. Drove a 98 EXP with 2500 down including TT&L and a $385 payment for 2yrs (I miss those high residual days). Anyone know where the residuals are on these cars?
I'm guessing the residuals are low but if you can buy cheap enough it all comes out in the wash. Any smart guys out there who knows all this stuff or anyone who's recently bought?
Otherwise, theres .9 for 60 months if you want to buy. Like the guy said the other day, at .9 it's a darn good way to go.
I'm approved at .9 and all systems are go now, but I've personally gotten a little cold. The dealership took a week to give me an answer on my loan, and I've done way too much research now! I'm still considering the Honda Odyssey. I'll keep ya'll posted!
BTW- I believe that all 4x4 Eddie Bauer models come with the 5.4 engine. Someone can correct me if I'm mistaken, but all those in Denver have 5.4 engines.
osvaldo....9-13mpg is a loooong way from 16mpg. I keep hearing there's little difference between the 5.4 and the 4.6 milage. Milage aside, do you find in everyday driving the 4.6 feels sluggish? I've driven both (test drive, 30minute stuff). Drove the 4.6 first and it seemed fine. Then I drove a 5.4 and it was certainly stronger, but not night and day. Although I'm convince the 5.4 is the superior engine, the good deals I see all are on the 4.6's. I'm not looking for a rocket but I also hate something that can't get up to speed. Is that how you feel...like you've got a great big SUV that can't get outta the way, or are you just disappointed in the milage?
Good news for 2002, aparently a 2 WD model can be had with the 3.55 ratio, like the Supercrew has had all along. this is a MUST HAVE!!
All 4WD models have used the 3.55, so they are unchanged. At 9K miles ,few issues and a fine ride. Just needed to add upgraded speakers and amp to the CD/Radio. In CA XLK at 28K with comfort and leather with the 2.5K rebate.
http://www.iihs.org/news_releases/2001/pr060401.htm
http://www.cnn.com/2001/US/09/04/ford.expeditions/index.html