Aspen03
Full Access Members
I had a 1st gen. Liked it a lot. Like you, I thought I’d keep it forever. But I sold it for a 3rd gen. In terms of comfort and ease of driving, the 3rd gen isn’t even in the same league as the 1st gen.
The 1st gen is a crude machine. Gets the job done, sure. But it’s loud and drives like a truck. Which, it is more like a truck than other generations.
My 3rd gen is quiet and comfortable. I’ve driven 9+ hours on the interstate with it a couple times and it’s great. I also drove my 1st gen on many cross country trips and got to wondering about hearing loss (seriously). My phone decibel meter was flirting with the “red” zone on whichever scale it was on. My 3rd gen is MUCH lower. If you’re going to spend a lot of time on the highway, get something
This. The in laws had 1st gen Eddie Bauer and I was astounded at how poor the ride quality and handling were, how loud it was inside and how uncomfortable the interior design was. Still wonder to this day why it was purchased because they complained about it as soon as it was parked in their driveway. The 1st gen is completely off my list as I drove it for a couple days when I used to do some merch work many years ago and had quite a bit of stuff to haul around the state and it was a truly miserable experience. The only other full sized suv I'd driven at that point in my life were and Escalade and a Yukon XL and were considerably better all around.
Comfort wise, 2nd gen on up are about as comfortable as it gets imo (for ford). I drove several buick regals for years, the expy has a better ride on the highway for sure, noise levels are similar which is a lot to say for something as aerodynamic as a block of wood. Ford sedans are terrible w road noise from what I've experienced. The newer Taurus isn't so bad but the fusion and the like are embarrassing. The new stuff with ANC are the exception .
Experiencing a long quiet ride is quite relaxing when you get to where you need to be. I spend an hour a day commuting and it makes all the difference having some solitude on the road. Co workers that have ridden with me that drive your typical econo gas saver sedans are stunned at how quiet it is. Everyone expects my 200k+ truck to be an unrefined brute and are pleasantly surprised.