The largest Sport Utility Vehicle in Ford's line-up since the extinction of the monster Ford Excursion back in 2005, the Expedition EL is aptly named, EL standing for Extended Length. It is mechanically identical to the Expedition, with the main difference being a 14.8-inch stretch coupled with 12 added inches in the wheelbase. The rear passenger doors are consequently elongated, allowing for easier ingress and egress. Cargo space behind the third row of seats also grows by 24 cubic inches, for a total of 131.

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Both the EL and the 'short' Expedition were overhauled for 2007, so there aren't many new changes to report for the 2008 model year. Basically, they include a rearview camera to help with general reversing or hooking up a trailer, power folding running boards, and the range-topping (at least in price) King Ranch trim. Apart from the two, there is the base XLT trim, and the Eddie Bauer trim just above it, while the Limited sits at the top. Now standard fare across all Expedition trims are a keyless entry keypad and heated power mirrors.

The EL was created to compete with GM's giants, the Chevy Suburban / GMC Yukon XL twins.

All Expeditions sport an Independent Rear Suspension, a feature not common in the full-size SUV market. Power comes from a 5.4-liter V8 that delivers 300 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 365lb-ft of torque at 3,750 rpm on regular 87-Octane gas. The motor is coupled to a six-speed automatic; the sole powertrain combo. Towing capacity is an impressive 9,000lbs, when properly equipped and in the rear-wheel drive configuration, down 200lbs from its shorter namesake.

As in all of Ford's truck offerings, safety is a high priority, and side air bags, three-row Safety Canopy side air curtains and AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control) are standard items on all Expeditions. Without the option, the seat also folds into the floor, though manually.

The interior's party trick is a first-in-class PowerFold third-row seat and class-exclusive second-row CenterSlide that combine to allow interior space to be configured as needed quickly and painlessly.

All Expeditions are built at Ford's Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, MI.