2008 Ford Expedition

Still fairly fresh from its makeover for 2007, the Expedition is the second-biggest SUV in Ford's line-up. It offers a few new options for 2008, namely 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. That latter option means 18-inch machined aluminum wheels and King Ranch badging, chrome exhaust tips, Pueblo Gold exterior accents and heated power mirrors with signal, memory function and security approach lamps

Standard fare for the year across all Expedition trims are a keyless entry keypad, heated power mirrors, electrochromic rear view mirror, overhead console, illuminated visors and leather-wrapped steering wheel. There is also the special-edition Funkmaster Flex Expedition, with loud Colorado Red paint and a unique body kit as its main calling card.

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.

All Expeditions sport an Independent Rear Suspension, a feature not common in the full-size SUV market. Motivation comes via a 5.4-liter V8 good for 300 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, and 375 lb-ft of torque at 3,750 rpm which the EPA rates at 12 mpg city and 18 mpg highway in a rear-wheel drive application. The motor is coupled to a six-speed automatic, the only available powertrain combination. Towing capacity is an impressive 9,200 lbs, when properly equipped and in the rear-wheel drive configuration.

As in every one 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.

The interior's party trick is an available 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. Without the option, the seat also folds into the floor, though manually.

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