I am looking at a new Expedition EL. I am in the market for a full size SUV to haul my wife, dogs and travel trailer. I have only owned GM products and currently have a Dodge Ram. My choices are narrowed to a Suburban and the Expedition. I know this site is biased, but please give me some real world input. Does the 5.4L drop any cylinders when cruising to help MPG? Thanks ahead of time for your thoughts. Tim C
Never Owned a Ford Before
- Thread starter tjcin
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FordandPolaris
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http://www.expeditionforum.com/f39/why-did-you-choose-expedition-over-yukon-tahoe-suburban-20696/
The thread linked above is worth reading through. It was posted a couple of days ago. There is a new generation Expedition coming out soon, so it might be worth waiting for that one.
Here is a thread discussing the new gen:
http://www.expeditionforum.com/f39/new-2014-ford-expedition-19185/#post151150
I am not thrilled by the looks, but the new 5.0L will be in that, and that motor will be much better than the 5.4L
The thread linked above is worth reading through. It was posted a couple of days ago. There is a new generation Expedition coming out soon, so it might be worth waiting for that one.
Here is a thread discussing the new gen:
http://www.expeditionforum.com/f39/new-2014-ford-expedition-19185/#post151150
I am not thrilled by the looks, but the new 5.0L will be in that, and that motor will be much better than the 5.4L
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bricekin
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Go drive the Chevy and then drive the Expy. You'll wonder why you've never driven a Ford before. 2 worst vehicles I have ever driven in my life were a 2012 Impala and a 2010 Tahoe. I drive ALOT of vehicles for work. I'll talk crap on Chevy and Dodge all day long, but if they do something right, I'm not afraid to admit it. The looks (in and out) of the GMs are awesome but when it comes down to fit, function, and performance, look elsewhere if you want the full package.
Tim - I have a friend who has the 8 lug Yukon XL and a father in law with a regular Yukon XL. Neither compare to the '11 Expedition EL I purchased in March. The ride is better and interior is of better quality too.
As for fuel milage - can't compare it to the GM products as I don't have long term real world experience with them. Meaning I haven't filled them up and calculated the MPGs. But - I can tell you that I get between 10 MPG and 15 MPG around town with mixed hwy / city driving (my morning commutes are short and kill all MPG ratings). On our recent trip though, we got between 16 and 18 MPG. All of this calculated, not reported by the truck computer. I have found the truck computer MPG calculation to be about 1+ MPG higher than calculated with few exceptions. I do have a 24' travel trailer but have not towed it camping yet.
As for fuel milage - can't compare it to the GM products as I don't have long term real world experience with them. Meaning I haven't filled them up and calculated the MPGs. But - I can tell you that I get between 10 MPG and 15 MPG around town with mixed hwy / city driving (my morning commutes are short and kill all MPG ratings). On our recent trip though, we got between 16 and 18 MPG. All of this calculated, not reported by the truck computer. I have found the truck computer MPG calculation to be about 1+ MPG higher than calculated with few exceptions. I do have a 24' travel trailer but have not towed it camping yet.
One more thing - FordandPolaris mentioned the 2014........though the 5.0L may be better than the 5.4L, I'm not sure I would buy a new 2014 since it will be a new design. I'd wait at least until 2015 for them to work out the bugs. Unless of course, it really is an oversized Flex (yuk!) which has been around for a while LOL.
capitlj
Full Access Members
I doubt that Ford will go the crossover route with the new Expedition like they did with the Explorer. The 5.0 wouldn't fit and guys like us are living proof that there is still a market for big, truck based SUV's with lots of passenger space and towing capacity. Ford does not as yet use any kind of a displacment on demand system. Opting instead to go with variable valve timing.
andrew_s
Full Access Members
The Ford does not drop cylinders, but the 6 speed does do a wonderful job of keep the RPMs low and good MPGs for a truck this size.
As for Ford or GM honestly it will have to come down to a test drive. While the GM gets 1MPG estimated better the ford has a larger tank and thus a farther range. Very slight differences but again youre not losing out on either truck.
Some other features to sway you ford:
Fold flat seats
more torque
Cheaper pricetag/more for your $$$
Some features to sway you gm:
More HP
option for 2500 level truck
Better aftermarket
I, as well as my whole family, have been 90% ford/jeep but this time around I wanted to put my bias away and buy the best truck. Honestly both GM and Ford are tied in my mind in every category, but Im happier then a pig in mud with my 2008 Expedition. Good luck!
As for Ford or GM honestly it will have to come down to a test drive. While the GM gets 1MPG estimated better the ford has a larger tank and thus a farther range. Very slight differences but again youre not losing out on either truck.
Some other features to sway you ford:
Fold flat seats
more torque
Cheaper pricetag/more for your $$$
Some features to sway you gm:
More HP
option for 2500 level truck
Better aftermarket
I, as well as my whole family, have been 90% ford/jeep but this time around I wanted to put my bias away and buy the best truck. Honestly both GM and Ford are tied in my mind in every category, but Im happier then a pig in mud with my 2008 Expedition. Good luck!
bricekin
Full Access Members
Sure doesn't feel like it. The one I drove was a pig. Either way OP... go drive them both. I'm confident you'll like the Expedition a million times better than the GM.
andrew_s
Full Access Members
I agree. The 5.3 doesnt feel as powerful and I think thats due to the Ford having more torque. besides torque > HP for truck applications.
