differences between XLT vs EB

[ctniners]

If we were to put side by side a 2001 XLT and EB.
Both 4 x4, both with tow package and both 5.4L engines and both with leather seats.

What are the differences between the two? I tried to search the web but i cannot get a true breakdown of the two, so what better place to ask than here.

Thanks for the help.

 

[IMINYOURCHAIR]

I am not an expert on it, although, If I were to guess it's about what comes standard. the EB likely has most of the features standard whereas the xlt is more custom picked by the original owner. similar to how on my buick lesabre. there were two trims, custom and limited. custom had very little options standard but almost all options that were standard on the limited were available for the custom. aside for a select few that were only avail on the limited.

 

[ctniners]

So are we talking about cosmetic differences?...like stereo systems...or body colo trim...etc

 

[rollavvti06]

Heated seats, compass / temp gauge,digital climate control, power pedals, rear pop out windows ... thats all i can think of

 

[ctniners]

Thanks....didnt know about the rear pop up windows...i thought that was standard to all Expeditions...kind of like that option since i will be hauling almost 300 lbs worth of dogs! In the back

 

[98eb5.4]

Thanks....didnt know about the rear pop up windows...i thought that was standard to all Expeditions...kind of like that option since i will be hauling almost 300 lbs worth of dogs! In the back

hmmm pop out windows

 

[tojohnso]

Given the age - the price difference between an XLT and EB is negligible. I would not get an XLT as the EB will always have more features.

 

[Yudaman]

The EB is covered with that horrid gold trim!!!

Besides that, just minor luxury interior differences.

 

[srs7324]

I have a 5.4L loaded XLT with leather and the only options I wish I had from a EB, is the roll out rear windows and amped subwoofer in the cargo bay. I bought my son a 99 EB with a 4.6L and the electronic fuel, mileage gauge never worked correctly and the steering wheel cover was shot.

The XLT came with a sturdy foam padded steering wheel, which I covered with a stitched leather and looks great.
The EB had a slightly padded leather steering wheel and it has falling apart and would almost have to be replaced to look good again.

 

[ctniners]

Thats one thing i have noticed especially with this generation of expeditions.....usually (not always) the XLT seems to be in better cosmetic shape..the EB i have seen tend to have.leather seats with rips, steering wheels really worned out....couple of the EB i have seen had damaged soonroofs....issue is if a seller has a mint EB he/she will be asking at the very least $500 -$700 more than the XLT which again at this age the extra money could be used for other things....it sound silly but i do like the back windows option in the EB...but not for $500 + more...

Also....did i read correctly that the EB comes with Air Suspension and most people feel that it is a pain to fix so they rather the springs in a XLT....im not a mechanic so i could be wrong

 

[RevBBD]

Also....did i read correctly that the EB comes with Air Suspension and most people feel that it is a pain to fix so they rather the springs in a XLT....im not a mechanic so i could be wrong

My 01 EB didn't come with the air ride (thankfully). Mostly the EB model offered the 5.4 and a list of upgraded features. The rear power side panel windows are a nice feature. The extra power outlets front and back are also nice. Don't forget the "Eddie Bauer" stitched on the headrest of the 6 way, heated leather bucket seats (my driver's heated seat died two years out). Despite my OCD like care, the seats and leather steering wheel do show their age. Can't overlook the "Eddie Bauer" on the fender badges either, although my drivers side fender now has the XLT badge after a junk yard swap. I'd just go with the "best value" you can find rather than which model, unless you are stuck on a given feature. I recently violated all the OCD rules I put in place when my EB was purchased and turned it into an off road capable (if impractical) beast.

 

[toms89]

Given the age - the price difference between an XLT and EB is negligible. I would not get an XLT as the EB will always have more features.

Bah Humbug!!

lol..

Call me weird, but I actually prefer the cloth seats. Seem to hold up better over time.

 

[sitruc_btb]

Given the age - the price difference between an XLT and EB is negligible. I would not get an XLT as the EB will always have more features.

Means more shit to break.

 

[RevBBD]

Means more shit to break.

and to fix, disable or ignore...

 

[RevBBD]

Bah Humbug!!

lol..

Call me weird, but I actually prefer the cloth seats. Seem to hold up better over time.

especially when it's -5 out and your heated seat no longer works

 

[sitruc_btb]

Heated seats, compass / temp gauge,digital climate control, power pedals, rear pop out windows ... thats all i can think of

Are you talking about the rear hatch? Or cargo area windows?

 

[toms89]

Are you talking about the rear hatch? Or cargo area windows?

Rear quarter glass side windows open for ventilation up on EB's I believe. Mine are fixed.

 

[sitruc_btb]

Rear quarter glass side windows open for ventilation up on EB's I believe. Mine are fixed.

Oh ok. Thanks.

 

[tojohnso]

I didn't have heated seats in my '99 - they weren't offered then. I'll have to pay attention next time I see an older XLT with cloth seats. My leather drivers seat split the seam on the door side a bit and steering wheel leather was cracked some. But - still better than what I've seen from GM.

More features to break - yes, I get that. However, they are great to have! For instance, I finally have heated AND cooled seats - totally awesome! And I'll keep them running too - they are too nice. The one thing I don't have, and am glad about it - retractable running boards.

 

[srs7324]

You are correct I have seen a number of EBs that are really wore out or not taken care of, it all depends on the owner. We got lucky and our XLT was owned by a old gentlemen that used it basically for towing the boat on the weekends.

Air suspension was optional and on all EBs.
My sons EB had standard springs.