New 2015 Platinum Blue Jeans

[jjmac1235]

Just brought home out new 2015 Platinum Blue Jeans with Brunelo.

Love the Expo. Had to upgrade my 2012 F150 so as to fit another new kid. So naturally we went with the Expedition.

Pros:
-Drives way smoother than my F150.
-All around great fit/feel
-Happy with vehicle etc.

Cons:

I do not want to make this a b*tch fest, but hoping FORD reads for future upgrades. But here are my gripes:

Ford Expedition is the only large "Affordable" SUV that competes with the Tahoe. The Nissan Armada is non existent and probably discontinued. The Toyota Sequoia is a gas guzzler and the interior is out dated. So why would Ford not design/market the Expediton for its passenger comfort? It appears their biggest sales pitch is that they have fold flat seats. Who cares! The fold flat seats are there at the expense of passenger comfort.

The Tahoe has no usable third row. Its garbage. Third row is small. And sits way to high. It is unusable to even children.

So back to the Ex. We chose it because 1) we loved our F150 and 2) its is the only large "affordable" SUV for families that need a USABLE 3rd row.

So here is my gripe: Why would Ford market, or think that its important to have fold flat seats at the expense of passenger comfort? The 2nd row in the expedition has NO ability to slide forward or back for passenger comfort. The third row as well. The third row doesn't even have a recline option. And the only reason for this is because FORD wants completely fold flats seats.

I just can't imagine that fold flat seats are a huge selling piece. If I wanted to haul around crap or plywood, I would buy a truck or a cheap trailer and tow it behind my expo.

What I would rather have, and I think most families would as well, is a great passenger SUV with versatile seats that recline for ALL Pasengers. Seats that can slide front and back, recline, are heated etc. Comfortable seats. where you could move 2nd row seats forward if there is a small child in them to give the 3rd row more room for you 14 yr old. or vice versa. ETC. The current set up with folding headrests looks terrible and is VERY uncomfortable for 3rd row passengers.

The expedition is a big vehicle. FORD would absolutely MURDER competition if the 2nd and 3rd rows were more versatile and designed for passenger comfort.

I have found that with the current 2nd row seats and folding headrests (dumb if you need to fold seat just remove them) it is difficult to fit a child seat with a high back into the seat. It hits the headrest and doesn't sit right. And since you can't remove or adjust the headrest you have to force the seat in and potentially wear and mark/damage the leather seats.

Lastly. Ford. Please. Could you please just make a base model Expedition that has a decent radio, leather, heated and cooled seats option with and row captain chairs WITHOUT Navigation/Snyc/Blis and all the other nonsense?

Who uses stock navigation anymore? your newest maps don't even have my neighborhood in them and its been here for 3 years! EVERYONE uses apps now. EVERYONE. Why not just partner with Apple and allow Airplay to your display? Let us determine what navigation/music/apps etc we want to use! And save 5-10 grand on useless/confusing/old/slow ford technology! Ufff I am getting annoyed writing this.

Anyway. my rant is over. Let me show some pics of my ride:

 

[jjmac1235]

 

[1955moose]

Why not see if captain chair rear seats are available for rear. They were on earlier models.


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[spotdog14]

Fold flat was a huge selling point for us. After going on a long road trip on a friends Tahoe I wouldn't even consider one because of the 3rd row. Also I love being able to put a 4x8 sheet of plywood in the Expedition with just having to fold all the rows.

We have second row captains chairs which makes access to the 3rd row very easy. Even with child seats in both seats. As for the non sliding 2/3 row. I don't see that as an issue. Its nice that the second row reclines but I am pretty sure Ford didn't allow the 3rd row to because you would be literally be touching the rear lift gate (at least in my non EL version).

As for comfort for the 3rd row. I road all the way from Florida to Michigan in the 3rd row and never had any issue with comfort. Actually I think there is more leg room in the 3rd row as opposed to the 2nd. But then again I'm only 5'8".

Also to touch on the navigation. I was in the same boat as you with not thinking I would use it but we use it all the time now. Its crazy how many spots you run across that either don't have cell service or are wrong even on Google Maps (Michigan's UP is an example). I know I have the old non MyFord Touch version of navigation but the breadcruming feature its a life saver!

 

[GAINMOB]

I have a 2004 EB...the seats don't slide back...for me I like the fold flat seats...perfect for all my luggage for my family without have to take seats out or having unevenness in the rear when stacking that truck...I've hauled 6-8ft tables and the fold flat was perfect...so I love the fold flat and I have a 16yr old and almost 22 yr old that ride in the 2nd row that have no complaints...maybe the 2017 with the complete redesign will have those capabilities

 

[Flexpedition]

The Nissan Armada is non existent and probably discontinued.

Huh? The Armada has outsold the Lincoln Navigator every year since 2009 in both US and Canada. Some years the Armada has outsold it by a margin of two to one. Its not the Nissan Altima hot-seller, but its far from non existent.

The Toyota Sequoia is a gas guzzler and the interior is out dated.

I agree about the interior, thats typical for most things Toyota, reason #841 why I'd never own another one. But their MPG isn't that far off behind ours. Edmunds, for example, shows in 5 years of ownership the Sequoia will cost you $11,840 in fuel. A identically equipped Expedition $9,863 in gas. In the end, the vehicles cost of ownership (including maintenance, depreciation, insurance) is nearly identical.

Lastly. Ford. Please. Could you please just make a base model Expedition that has a decent radio, leather, heated and cooled seats option with and row captain chairs WITHOUT Navigation/Snyc/Blis and all the other nonsense?

They do. Its an XLT (the Expedition consumer base model) with the 202A package coupled with the 2nd row captains option. SYNC is included in this 202A package at no charge. Its MSRP is about $10K less than your Platinum.

As far as the 3rd row, we folded ours flat the week we bought it and there has only been a handfull of times we've put them back up. If Ford allowed add/delete options like they did years ago, I'd deleted the 3rd row just like a SSV unit.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

I ordered and purchased a new blue jeans / dune interior 2015 Expediton Limited 4x4 - with 2 miles at delivery.

This was my first Ford - as I have owned GM vehicles for over four decades. I looked at the Tahoe, but the cramped rear seat and six safety recalls for the 2015 Tahoe model year (in March) convinced me to try the Expedition.

At delivery, the LF wheel lip molding was crooked and not attached properly. The painted molding behind the LF wheel was also not intalled correctly. The driver side all-weather mat had a huge bubble in it. All repaired with several trips back to the dealer. At 6,*** miles the RF shock was replaced becuase it was leaking. Now, at 9,*** miles - the driver seat bottom leather cover is wearing and separating and the power tilt steering wheel up-and-down feature does not work (it does work for the in-and-out adjustment). The dealer has ordered a new seat cover. When I had the first oil + filter change done at the dealer, the technician installed 5-W-20 oil instead of the required 5-W-30 oil.

The fold flat third row seat was important to me. I have the second row bench seat and install two child seats - one a forward facing. I have no problems with the fit or installation.

I did not get navigation. I ordered the BLIS and love the feature. I HATE the touch screen control / adjustment for the rear HVAC controls. I do not like that the tire pressure monitoring system does not display the actual tire pressure like GM vehicles (the salesman told me it did......). I do not like that the power rear hatch switch is inside the vehicle on the left.

The vehicles is very comfortable, quiet and powerful. I live in the Midwest in a very hilly region. Four wheel drive is a must in winter. There are a lot of features I like - and some features that I do not like. The 12-speaker Sony sound system is excellent.

I am concerned about long-term reliability based upon the problems so far. I usually keep and maintain my vehicles for quite some time.

 

[spotdog14]

I ordered and purchased a new blue jeans / dune interior 2015 Expediton Limited 4x4 - with 2 miles at delivery.

This was my first Ford - as I have owned GM vehicles for over four decades. I looked at the Tahoe, but the cramped rear seat and six safety recalls for the 2015 Tahoe model year (in March) convinced me to try the Expedition.

At delivery, the LF wheel lip molding was crooked and not attached properly. The painted molding behind the LF wheel was also not intalled correctly. The driver side all-weather mat had a huge bubble in it. All repaired with several trips back to the dealer. At 6,*** miles the RF shock was replaced becuase it was leaking. Now, at 9,*** miles - the driver seat bottom leather cover is wearing and separating and the power tilt steering wheel up-and-down feature does not work (it does work for the in-and-out adjustment). The dealer has ordered a new seat cover. When I had the first oil + filter change done at the dealer, the technician installed 5-W-20 oil instead of the required 5-W-30 oil.

The fold flat third row seat was important to me. I have the second row bench seat and install two child seats - one a forward facing. I have no problems with the fit or installation.

I did not get navigation. I ordered the BLIS and love the feature. I HATE the touch screen control / adjustment for the rear HVAC controls. I do not like that the tire pressure monitoring system does not display the actual tire pressure like GM vehicles (the salesman told me it did......). I do not like that the power rear hatch switch is inside the vehicle on the left.

The vehicles is very comfortable, quiet and powerful. I live in the Midwest in a very hilly region. Four wheel drive is a must in winter. There are a lot of features I like - and some features that I do not like. The 12-speaker Sony sound system is excellent.

I am concerned about long-term reliability based upon the problems so far. I usually keep and maintain my vehicles for quite some time.

In response to the hatch switch, why do you not like it? (I'm genuinely wondering).

My wife has a Grand Cherokee with the switch in almost the same location, though recessed much more and difficult to hit on the first try. Where would you prefer it to be located, the hatch itself?

As far as reliability I just rolled over 140,000 miles on my 2008 and its still running strong, though I have a few of the issues you mentioned but on a much older vehicle (most notably the seat wear). I will say I love the option of either Auto 4 wheel drive or full time 4 high for the winter.

 

[1955moose]

As far as the oil they put in, your worrying for nothing. Were in winter now, and these are tight clearance engines. If worried next oil change use 5w30. You'll be just fine. As far as the other items, their just some of the quirks in an Expedition. Theirs probably no new car short of Mercedes or Land rover that isn't perfect. You can bet they've got their issues too. It's always something that pops up on any vehicle. God knows I've owned over 30 in my life. Every one had something!


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[99WhiteC5Coupe]

In response to the hatch switch, why do you not like it? (I'm genuinely wondering).

My wife has a Grand Cherokee with the switch in almost the same location, though recessed much more and difficult to hit on the first try. Where would you prefer it to be located, the hatch itself?

As far as reliability I just rolled over 140,000 miles on my 2008 and its still running strong, though I have a few of the issues you mentioned but on a much older vehicle (most notably the seat wear). I will say I love the option of either Auto 4 wheel drive or full time 4 high for the winter.

The hatch switch should be at the bottom (exposed) of the hatch - where it is easily seen (especially by someone not familiar with the switch). The inside left switch requires the user to move the left side of the vehicle to use it - instead of at the middle rear - where you can move back quickly (or not be under the hatch when the closing switch would be pushed). You must get under the hatch to push the interior switch - and the hatch begins to close very quickly. The switch can also be hidden by cargo, requiring you to move the cargo or use the remote (which usually remains in my pocket since it is the intelligent key design that allows me to enter the driver door and start the push button ignition without removing the fob from my pocket).

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

As far as the oil they put in, your worrying for nothing. Were in winter now, and these are tight clearance engines. If worried next oil change use 5w30. You'll be just fine. As far as the other items, their just some of the quirks in an Expedition. Theirs probably no new car short of Mercedes or Land rover that isn't perfect. You can bet they've got their issues too. It's always something that pops up on any vehicle. God knows I've owned over 30 in my life. Every one had something!


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Ford requires 5-W-30 oil in the 2015 Expediton / 3.5 Ecoboost for a reason - including printing 5-W-30 on the oil fill cap. A Ford technician should use the correct oil. Just a frustrating issue when returning to the Ford dealership where I bought it. If technician can't put the correct oil in the engine - what else can't they do right? Just my two cents......

 

[1955moose]

There will always be something dealing with technicians and vehicles. It's not a perfect world. I used to run Motorcycle as well as car dealership repair. My mechanics would get troubleshooting and repair right97 percent of the time. Try that stat with a regular repair shop. Sometimes you just got to pick your battles.


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[k9education]

Ford requires 5-W-30 oil in the 2015 Expediton / 3.5 Ecoboost for a reason - including printing 5-W-30 on the oil fill cap. A Ford technician should use the correct oil. Just a frustrating issue when returning to the Ford dealership where I bought it. If technician can't put the correct oil in the engine - what else can't they do right? Just my two cents......

As the old adage goes: Dealerships employ technicians, not mechanics. Most of these guys can only follow step by step instructions on how to diagnose an issue and replace a part. If the issue cannot be resolved by following those exact steps, they usually throw their hands up. I would never, ever take my vehicle to a dealership for any out-of-warranty maintenance or repair. You're going to come out with a bill that is anywhere from 2-4x what an independent shop would charge and in many cases, you will receive subpar work.

 

[1955moose]

I guess things must be different in part of U.S. When my techs at the Honda/Kaw/Suz dealership couldn't diagnose problem with bike using factory diagnostics. They would confir with each other and me for solution. We never charged and released bikes without a fix. Maybe we were unique, but I sure was proud of my techs!


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[dave91gt]

I completely agree with 2nd row comfort. We had a 2008 and traded it in early 2014 for an Explorer Sport. We drove it about a year and really missed the Expedition. In that time, my 14 year old shot up to nearly 6ft tall. When we went back to drive an Expedition, he found the rear seat pretty uncomfortable. The seat needs to move backwards to be ideal. Against my better judgement, we drove a Sequoia. It was very accommodating in the 2nd and 3rd rows. We almost bought one. But, the wife liked everything else about the Expy better. I found I had actually converted her to a Ford girl. The Sequoia was very expensive and the dealer wouldn't budge. Our Ford dealer gave us a great deal on a 2015 Limited and we love it. I am anxiously awaiting the redesigned Expy to see if they address the rear seating.

 

[dave91gt]

Nice Expedition BTW. I like the Blue Jeans color.

 

[drokmofo]

Yes, congrats on the nice new ride. As far as the seating goes, we have 2nd row captains and it would be nice if those had the ability to slide forward and backward. For the 3rd row, I have had a 6'4" buddy ride back there and said he was comfortable. I love and utilize the fold flat often. Sheets of plywood, relocating aquariums, helping people move. I like where the liftgate button is, you don't have to stand directly underneath it to push it. I have seen plenty of short women struggle to reach up on the liftgate for the button. I do my best to handle repairs myself and go to dealer only when absolutely necessary. They are as said earlier 2-4x more $$. Tasca, amazon, a manual, youtube, and a solid set of tools and some time saves tons of $ and you can say I fixed that.

 

[drokmofo]

Oh and of course this forum has some very knowledgeable people who can be very helpful.

 

[jjmac1235]

Yes, congrats on the nice new ride. As far as the seating goes, we have 2nd row captains and it would be nice if those had the ability to slide forward and backward. For the 3rd row, I have had a 6'4" buddy ride back there and said he was comfortable. I love and utilize the fold flat often. Sheets of plywood, relocating aquariums, helping people move. I like where the liftgate button is, you don't have to stand directly underneath it to push it. I have seen plenty of short women struggle to reach up on the liftgate for the button. I do my best to handle repairs myself and go to dealer only when absolutely necessary. They are as said earlier 2-4x more $$. Tasca, amazon, a manual, youtube, and a solid set of tools and some time saves tons of $ and you can say I fixed that.

I agree. The reviews made a bid deal of the placement of the power lift gate button. I like exactly where it is. Can slide hand in and hit the button on your way to the drivers seat. Easy.

 

[jjmac1235]

Fold flat was a huge selling point for us. After going on a long road trip on a friends Tahoe I wouldn't even consider one because of the 3rd row. Also I love being able to put a 4x8 sheet of plywood in the Expedition with just having to fold all the rows.

We have second row captains chairs which makes access to the 3rd row very easy. Even with child seats in both seats. As for the non sliding 2/3 row. I don't see that as an issue. Its nice that the second row reclines but I am pretty sure Ford didn't allow the 3rd row to because you would be literally be touching the rear lift gate (at least in my non EL version).

As for comfort for the 3rd row. I road all the way from Florida to Michigan in the 3rd row and never had any issue with comfort. Actually I think there is more leg room in the 3rd row as opposed to the 2nd. But then again I'm only 5'8".

Also to touch on the navigation. I was in the same boat as you with not thinking I would use it but we use it all the time now. Its crazy how many spots you run across that either don't have cell service or are wrong even on Google Maps (Michigan's UP is an example). I know I have the old non MyFord Touch version of navigation but the breadcruming feature its a life saver!

I still can't imagine how fold flat is a bonus. Especially with car seats and especially at the expense of passenger comfort. You would have to remove the car seats to fold flat the seat. That in itself is a PITA. I would think a $200 trailer at harbor freight would be less of a hassle to use the one or two times a year you may use the fold flat option.

Personally I would either buy a cheap trailer or go through the hassle of removing the seats the one or two times I would ever load up the Expo with plywood etc.

The third row seats could easily recline a 8 inches before coming close to the window. Almost every 3rd row vehicle has the ability to recline in the back. Except the Expo.

I think you are right on the Nav. Tried to use WAZE today and it was a disaster for some reason. Especially in the city. Much easier to use the stock navigation.

So far I really love the truck. Super smooth and so much nicer than my '11 F150.

Averaging only 13.5 MPG which is 4MPG's less than my bigger F150. That is strange.

what else?

The lock pin on the door is right in the perfect spot to dig into my arm when driving. Not unbearable but right in the perfect spot to be an annoyance.