Feedback on Extended Length Expeditions

[ccbc65]

Hello everyone,

I have a 2003 XLT with the 5.4 and 4WD. Bought it new October 2003 and now have just over 300k miles on it. I love the truck and how it drives and the size and utility of it. My only complaint was there was not much room behind the 3rd row seats, I could not fit the double jogging stroller I used with my twins when they were young. So when they came out with the Extended Length model, I figured that resolved my one complaint.

I'm beginning the search for a new Expedition and I'm leaning towards the EL. So I would like to hear from EL owners, particularly those who have had EL and standard length models, about any pros or cons of the EL versus the standard length. Does it drive just as well? Does it turn as tightly? Any other thoughts you have...

Thank you all!

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

I had an 05 EB standard length and bought a 17 Limited EL. I am very happy with it, I've had it since February. I really don't notice the extra length when driving it, it very agile and the EcoBoost engine makes it feel like a rocket.

During the first week that I had it, I had to adjust my turning point when parking in parking lots. It didn't take long to get the feel of it. I love the extra space behind the third row. Before I always drove with the 3rd row down now, they are always up. I keep a big tote in the back behind the third row and I put all of my stuff, jumper cables, bungees, blankets, towels, bug repellent etc. You know the stuff we carry plus some tools and an emergency backpack.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

I have a 2015 Ford Expedtion Limited 4x4, ordered and purchased new. This was my first Ford and first Expedtion. I have owned other SUV's. I have not owned an EL version.

I regret not ordering / purchasing the EL version. I am middle-aged and use the vehicle for passenger use only (no towing or hauling items). Two child car seats are mounted in the second row. I could use the extra space behind the third row seats, as the seats are used more than I thought they would be.

I suspect if you want the EL version, you should probably buy it or you will regret buying the standard length.

 

[ExplorerTom]

From my perspective, the EL is basically the equivalent to a Suburban while the standard length is the Tahoe (even though I'm not a Chevy guy at all).

Everyone that I know that has a Suburban loves it. If I were to buy a newer Expedition, I would probably buy an EL. My 1st gen is worthless for hauling cargo when the 3rd row is installed- it's folds down and forward but it's still massive.

 

[gtnator]

From my perspective, the EL is basically the equivalent to a Suburban while the standard length is the Tahoe (even though I'm not a Chevy guy at all).

Everyone that I know that has a Suburban loves it. If I were to buy a newer Expedition, I would probably buy an EL. My 1st gen is worthless for hauling cargo when the 3rd row is installed- it's folds down and forward but it's still massive.

I totally agree. On the Chevy forums they've discussed this topic at length. Everyone who buys a Suburban never wished they would have purchased the SWB (Tahoe) instead, however many, many people who purchased the SWB wish they had purchased the LWB and/or trade it in for the LWB. My recommendation is if you are even thinking of the EL, get it, you'll be glad you did.

 

[USMCBuckWild]

Get the EL. The additional length is constantly useful, does not hamper parking/manueverability, gives you the larger gas tank and in my opinion is more aesthetically pleasing.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Another benefit of the EL is with the all the seats down, you can get a full 4 X 8 sheet of plywood or drywall completely inside the vehicle with the liftgate closed and that's a good thing too.

 

[NASCAR Mike]

Get the EL. I have 2008 regular Expy and a 17 EL. I also had a 2005 Excursion. I am learning to live with the "reduced" size of the EL compared to my Excursion.

I will say there is not much a difference in driving the regular VS the EL. The 5.4 V8 VS the 3.5 V6 is another story but IMHO get a 15 or newer EL is my recommendation.

The only way I would buy a 5.4 Expy now is if I could install a supercharger on it. The twin turbo V6 has spoiled me!

 

[JExpedition07]

Sometimes I wish I had an EL the space behind the rear seat is so much better, but having a pickup there is no reason for it. The newer ones are quick things, I looked at an ecoboost F-150 but didn’t do it, I’m that guy who needs his loud V8s that suck down gas like a vacuum. I get so much enjoyment when I hammer my trucks and hear them roar. I’d say you can’t for wrong with a newer el, my family member has an el and honestly you can’t beat the extra space. You really in my opinion feel no different or less confident driving an el either, feels very familiar and like it’s the same truck.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

I just thought of another benefit of the EL. The long wheelbase makes it ride smoother and less choppy because extra length when going over bumps. It changes the frequency of the bouncing when on a bumpy road - The road going into our neighborhood is very bumpy and I noticed an immediate difference in driving the EL over the standard Expedition.

 

[Clemson82]

Make sure it fits in your garage!

 

[Flexpedition]

Consider your garage space. An EL would fit in my garage, but the room for error would decrease significantly. Its tight enough walking around it now and some shelving/cabinet shuffling would be needed to accommodate the EL's added 14-15 inch overall length. If you still have small children, go for the EL.

 

[JExpedition07]

One other thing to consider is if you take it off road at all the ELs long wheelbase reduces your ability to overcome some obstacles and also reduces your cornering ability. I like the standard length looks wise, it looks more natural to me. But Besides whether or not you can fit it in your garage and off-road related items I say EL wins all day long that space is huge. I love my standard length and will run it till she dies.

 

[sjwelds]

I'm the guy that bought a standard and wish now that I'd have held out for an EL. I can haul people OR stuff but not people AND stuff.....

 

[Adieu]

I just thought of another benefit of the EL. The long wheelbase makes it ride smoother and less choppy because extra length when going over bumps. It changes the frequency of the bouncing when on a bumpy road - The road going into our neighborhood is very bumpy and I noticed an immediate difference in driving the EL over the standard Expedition.

Brand new shocks and ball joints could perhaps explain that, too...

 

[Adieu]

I'm the guy that bought a standard and wish now that I'd have held out for an EL. I can haul people OR stuff but not people AND stuff.....

Yeah if not for the pulled up middle seat (faux "captain chairs") and the missing console in my SSV, I wouldnt be able to fit in much of anything with people inside

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Brand new shocks and ball joints could perhaps explain that, too...

Maybe on some trucks but there was nothing wrong with my 05.

 

[mjp2]

Another benefit of the EL is with the all the seats down, you can get a full 4 X 8 sheet of plywood or drywall completely inside the vehicle with the liftgate closed and that's a good thing too.

^ this is the single greatest justification for the EL. I've hauled full sheets of drywall and 2 10' sections of countertop in my truck in a single load. The looks I got when I closed the rear hatch were priceless.

The EL has the interior space of a minivan with the towing and cargo capacity of a fullsize pickup.

I got so used to the long boxy refrigerator look of my white truck that the shorter ones started looking odd to me. My wife and I jokingly refer to them as "Expesquishons" these days.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

^ this is the single greatest justification for the EL. I've hauled full sheets of drywall and 2 10' sections of countertop in my truck in a single load. The looks I got when I closed the rear hatch were priceless.

The EL has the interior space of a minivan with the towing and cargo capacity of a fullsize pickup.

I got so used to the long boxy refrigerator look of my white truck that the shorter ones started looking odd to me. My wife and I jokingly refer to them as "Expesquishons" these days.

I know what you mean. My 05 was the short wheelbase and while I liked it I like my EL a whole lot more. I fly radio controlled airplanes and I have one with an 8' wing span. It's a one-piece wing and it fits in the back without having to stick through the front seat. I have another one that when finished will have a fuselage that is 84" long; it will fit in the back without having to move the front passenger seat forward.

 

[Plati]

Too Funny ... bought the same black 03 Expy XLT in May 2003 & still have it (my daily driver)! 180K on it now. Had a new 97 XLT before that, both 5.4's. I listed all the maintenance I've ever done on the 03 on another post. Its still reliable and fun to drive but rusting out (NYS salt) and a few parts are disabled instead of paying for repairs. For example the rear liftgate glass wont actuate with the button on door - so I use the clicker method if need to open window. Have disabled all rear heat / cool to avoid the thumping. Never run windows all the way down and wont use if iced closed in winter (until melted) to prolong the life of the regulators. Use my ebrake every month to keep that from freezing up. Fan only runs on 3 & 4. Disassemble clean & lube rear wiper every 2 years when it drains the battery etc etc

New ride (2 years so far) is the 2014 EL. I think it has about 12 additional inches length, inch taller, 2 inches wider in back. Yes, 4x8 sheet lays down! Love it, so tight & smooth compared to the tank-like 03 which is partly due to being new and also upgraded design (modern). 5.4 engine but wish I had the 3.5L (better engine and gas mileage). Considered trading up to get that engine recently but not really worth the trouble money-wise. Never had any concern parking or Forest Service roads due to length but I may not have noticed or cared. I use the SYNC with Bluetooth and has features like stability control making it safer. Quieter and smooth interstate cruising or getting into places you cant go in a car. 18" tires are nice vs 17 on the 03. I'm concerned about all the electronics in new vehicles ... example can only get back gate open with electrical switch now vs mechanical in the 03. More stuff to break. Personally don't need a motorized lift gate, would be happy to do using my arm! I miss the old days with windows that roll up/down with a handle. Has this new intermittent wiper feature which I could do without (senses rain and toggles off/on) that failed and cost me $300 to get to work again. Overall LOVE the vehicle could not be much happier!!!

After owning my 03 for 14 years and watching it turn to rust ... I'm considering something like POR on the underside in strategic locations - hoping to avoid the wholesale rusting of the body and some other parts. I can just look at where the damage is on my 03 and address those locations on the 2014 while they still exist.

Modified it for camping ... traded off seating for storage spaces & bed area. I can go back into Grizzly country and live inside it comfortably without a tent for Bears to rip open. I wish I knew of a way to heat back there without the engine and I could live in it in winter, down by the river under the bridge. Best I've come up with so far is a 12V heating pad powered by my JNC770R