Some minor nitpicking

[JohnT]

Just picked up a 2018 Expedition in Canada, Limited edition with some minor add ons.


Generally love the vehicle, that transmission is very good and plays nice with the ecoboost 3.6. As others have noted interior fit and finish is good although in diminishes fast in the 3rd row to hard plastics I don’t mind that too much.

But I do have some quibbles. On a 70k+ CAD machine, halogens? Seriously? We’re talking about heating a wire up until it glows technology, one step up from oil lamps. And not even decent xenon halogens but dim yellow ones. Come on Ford.

Voice controlled Navigation whether you want it or not. So my passenger can’t type an address in? Oh no, let’s use voice activated search for street names, street names whose pronunciation even the locals argue about. Take Edinburgh Street, having lived in UK for a while it’s pronounced in Scotland “Ed – In – Burra”

Locals here call it “Ed In Burg”, Sync 3? No idea still haven’t figured out a pronunciation it will understand. Oh it’ll find a McDonalds for you faster than a fat kid chasing an ice cream truck, but try giving a house number, street name, city, postcode and it will choke every single time.

1000 km later and the driver door is squeaking if I rest the side of my knee against it, hmmm

Try putting in or taking out a large phone like a Note 8 or S9+ on the wireless charger, not something I would recommend while driving. Was flat horizontal too boring? Let’s put it at an angle and have you slide the phone up over a lip and try to seat it inside the raised rectangular lip by touch only. It’s like Jenga in reverse.

Just in case people think I am all negative let me tell you some of the things I absolutely love. Being able to stretch my legs out past the pedals or right foot rest and barely able to touch the firewall carpet. I mean really stretching and just about able to touch it.

A button to drop the rear headrests when not in use from the driver’s seat. Awesome!

That engine transmission combo. It’s a winner. And uses engine breaking sensibly when you minus the cruise control down to a lower speed.

10.5l/100km at 118 to 120kmh speeds on a new engine. And many more.


John

 

[aggiegrad05]

The halogens and their drawbacks have been extensively dealt with (and are still being extensively dealt with) on another thread. So you have a lot of sympathizers there.

As far as the squeaky door, that seems to be a problem limited to the . . . Limiteds. There was a user on here that posted a pretty ingenious fix involving a note card, an exacto knife, and a sharpie. Agree that's not ideal for a vehicle at this price point, but if it works, it works.

 

[JExpedition07]

The problem is not halogens the problem is crappy headlamp and reflector design, my 3rd gen expeditions stock halogens throw better light than fords newer LED headlights that I’ve driven.

 

[Uturn]

Voice controlled Navigation whether you want it or not. So my passenger can’t type an address in? Oh no, let’s use voice activated search for street names, street names whose pronunciation even the locals argue about.

Can be taken care of by using Forscan, a laptop, and the proper adapter. Passenger can now type in addresses on mine. Changing to Nav in motion does disable automatic 911 calling in involved in a accident.

 

[JennyD]

Oh it’ll find a McDonalds for you faster than a fat kid chasing an ice cream truck

This made my day! Hahahahahahaha!

 

[MonkeyBrains]

Nav addresses can be typed in when vehicle is stopped. Even if not in park and just foot on the brake. Minor complaint about that, but it seems that’s how pretty much every car maker is doing it these days. And yes, the voice control / comprehension is terrible. Always has been with Sync. Then again, they won’t do any better unless they fully integrate Google or something along those lines and keep it fully linked to the internet to supply the proper back end to it. The LED headlights on my Limited has been great. Only non-LED light on the whole rig are the side puddle lights. I’ll change those out for LED if/when one of them burns out. Beyond that I don’t really care. I’ve test drove an XLT and tested halogen headlights at night. The LED in this case are far superior. However, I don’t know if the reflector design is all that good or if swapping out for LED will give the results your after. There has been some discussion on that around here somewhere.

Yes the wireless charging tray for the phone is awkward. Any larger phone requires a bit more thought and agility to use there. I have both a plus size iPhone and a large android phone I’m always carrying and I can put them in and out of there with ease now after getting use to it. I would have much preferred a more open/ flat design though. The tray up top on the dash should allow wireless charging, that would be nice.

Still not a fan of the dial for drive/park/etc.. It makes for a less cluttered steering column, but I like the larger space for more/bigger cup holders and other things in my Super Duty much better.

I think they ran out of time finishing up the rear end design and material specs. That middle seat belt for the third row is always an issue. Kids use it and then it doesn’t get tucked back into the ceiling properly. No 3rd row floor mats? Really? Why the shift to the plastics/vinyl? And those rear cargo management compartments are just plain stupid. Why not give us a real compartment we can put something in?

 

[Garrett]

Go get a Denali

 

[JohnT]

The halogens and their drawbacks have been extensively dealt with (and are still being extensively dealt with) on another thread. So you have a lot of sympathizers there.

As far as the squeaky door, that seems to be a problem limited to the . . . Limiteds. There was a user on here that posted a pretty ingenious fix involving a note card, an exacto knife, and a sharpie. Agree that's not ideal for a vehicle at this price point, but if it works, it works.

I will investigate that, I will report back how it goes.

Can be taken care of by using Forscan, a laptop, and the proper adapter. Passenger can now type in addresses on mine. Changing to Nav in motion does disable automatic 911 calling in involved in a accident.

I'm not hugely comfortable using forscan on a brand new vehicle. Maybe when it annoys me enough

This made my day! Hahahahahahaha!

Nav addresses can be typed in when vehicle is stopped. Even if not in park and just foot on the brake. Minor complaint about that, but it seems that’s how pretty much every car maker is doing it these days. And yes, the voice control / comprehension is terrible. Always has been with Sync. Then again, they won’t do any better unless they fully integrate Google or something along those lines and keep it fully linked to the internet to supply the proper back end to it. The LED headlights on my Limited has been great. Only non-LED light on the whole rig are the side puddle lights. I’ll change those out for LED if/when one of them burns out. Beyond that I don’t really care. I’ve test drove an XLT and tested halogen headlights at night. The LED in this case are far superior. However, I don’t know if the reflector design is all that good or if swapping out for LED will give the results your after. There has been some discussion on that around here somewhere.

Yes the wireless charging tray for the phone is awkward. Any larger phone requires a bit more thought and agility to use there. I have both a plus size iPhone and a large android phone I’m always carrying and I can put them in and out of there with ease now after getting use to it. I would have much preferred a more open/ flat design though. The tray up top on the dash should allow wireless charging, that would be nice.

Still not a fan of the dial for drive/park/etc.. It makes for a less cluttered steering column, but I like the larger space for more/bigger cup holders and other things in my Super Duty much better.

I think they ran out of time finishing up the rear end design and material specs. That middle seat belt for the third row is always an issue. Kids use it and then it doesn’t get tucked back into the ceiling properly. No 3rd row floor mats? Really? Why the shift to the plastics/vinyl? And those rear cargo management compartments are just plain stupid. Why not give us a real compartment we can put something in?

are you saying your limited has LEDs?

Go get a Denali

Didn't like it, raised floor in 3rd row, terrible ride, front end looks like it's one step away from being bedazzled.

John

 

[aggiegrad05]

Didn't like it, raised floor in 3rd row, terrible ride, front end looks like it's one step away from being bedazzled.

John

The Denali has eyeliner for crying out loud!!! Haha

 

[Aquineas]

I'm sure I'm not the only one who thoroughly evaluated both the Denali and the Expedition before choosing the Expedition, but (obviously) functionally I found the Expedition superior. If I'm honest however, there are some things I liked better about the Denali appearance-wise (the front and the back lighting treatment), and at least one functional gadget (the availability of a HUD). With the exception of the HUD however, most of that is cosmetic.

It also didn't help that I traded in an Acadia Denali for the Expedition, and during the time of ownership of that vehicle (4 1/2 years, 93K miles), I had the air conditioning condenser replaced 3 times.

 

[JExpedition07]

Everyone drives a Denali get the Tahoe or new Suburban RST, you can also order the 6.2L V8 on SLT trims for 2019.

 

[twernst]

Just picked up a 2018 Expedition in Canada, Limited edition with some minor add ons.


A button to drop the rear headrests when not in use from the driver’s seat. Awesome!


John

One time when I was messing with my 6 yr old son he said his friends name, and he thought it was what caused it to happen. Soooo, now every time he says his buddies name I surreptitiously hit the button and the head rest smacks an he can't stop laughing. Ahhh KIDS!

 

[JohnT]

I'm sure I'm not the only one who thoroughly evaluated both the Denali and the Expedition before choosing the Expedition, but (obviously) functionally I found the Expedition superior. If I'm honest however, there are some things I liked better about the Denali appearance-wise (the front and the back lighting treatment), and at least one functional gadget (the availability of a HUD). With the exception of the HUD however, most of that is cosmetic.

It also didn't help that I traded in an Acadia Denali for the Expedition, and during the time of ownership of that vehicle (4 1/2 years, 93K miles), I had the air conditioning condenser replaced 3 times.

We had an SLT 2 Acadia with the HUD and wife loved it and misses it terribly, replaced the condenser twice, aluminum ac pipe once where it crossed paths with a rubber to metal transitioning pipe and wore a hole in the aluminum and ultimately was traded in with no A/C for reasons I couldn't be bothered to find out. Hence it's gone.

The interior fit and finish squeaked everywhere. And we had the obligatory steering pump whine for its entire life despite the pump being replaced twice under warranty. On -40C mornings going to love the electric power assist and heated steering wheel

I found the Tahoes, Yukons, and Suburbans to be rougher rides, lots of style over substance cosmetics and ultimately less comfortable. Doesn't help that the local chevy dealership still believes in '70s used car sales tactics including the time I told the sales guy my kids didn't fit comfortably in the rear of the new traverse so he called the manager over who proceeded to grill me on how exactly they don't fit and did I know I could move the front and second seats forward so they could fit. No s**t sherlock. All of this while trying to stare me down. eh no thanks, going elsewhere.

The Expedition is much more muted in appearance for something the size of a house and I am not one for driving around trying to bolster my ego by attracting attention with lots of bling in a "look at me!!!!" way. If people mistake it for an Explorer? I'm happy.

 

[Mike Wolfe]

Engine & transmission much more refined with more power than the GM 6.2L
The company I am semi retired from used Escalades & Denali's & I have driven lots of them
Not nearly as refined as the EXPY
I can also recalibrate the ECU on dual turbo engine in the EXPY for an additional 100 lb ft of torque at the wheels, dramatically improved throttle response & a 60 hp increase at the wheels with 93 octane fuel

 

[JExpedition07]

Engine & transmission much more refined with more power than the GM 6.2L
The company I am semi retired from used Escalades & Denali's & I have driven lots of them
Not nearly as refined as the EXPY
I can also recalibrate the ECU on dual turbo engine in the EXPY for an additional 100 lb ft of torque at the wheels, dramatically improved throttle response & a 60 hp increase at the wheels with 93 octane fuel

GMs factory tuning and throttle response is absolutely terrible, and ugh the AFM..... it’s almost a necessity to purchase a tuner to alter the software. Don’t get me wrong ford has issues with the factory settings as well but not as bad. Sometimes you step on the gas in the GM and wonder if anyone’s home before you get a response. Don’t get me wrong they are good trucks but the stock setup needs help.

 

[MonkeyBrains]

are you saying your limited has LEDs?

Yes, the LED lights come as part of a couple of the option packages. My Limited is fully loaded. The only things I don’t have that are only available on Platinum is the nicer leather, seat vibrator “massage” function and real wood veneer trim.

Didn't like it, raised floor in 3rd row, terrible ride, front end looks like it's one step away from being bedazzled.

John

Hmmm... I don’t like the raised floor back there either. What’s wrong with the ride? Do you just mean in the 3rd row or the whole vehicle? I find it rides and handles quite nicely but I have not ridden in the 3rd row of mine. I have the CCD suspension on 22”. I prefer the grille on the Limited over the Platinum, as the Platinum looks like it has been bedazzled.

 

[dlcorbett]

"Didn't like it, raised floor in 3rd row, terrible ride, front end looks like it's one step away from being bedazzled"

I think those responses were in regards to the gm units. I can echo those sentiments. The gms are very fuel efficient though. Whatever problems with throttle response gm has it takes knowing most their engines are class leading in that department. I wont say the gms ride terrible, i do like how the body stays flat mostly and gm always had superior low speed rides and great initial bump absorption. And they handle pretty well, not as well as car and driver likes to claim though.

 

[Aquineas]

We had an SLT 2 Acadia with the HUD and wife loved it and misses it terribly, replaced the condenser twice, aluminum ac pipe once where it crossed paths with a rubber to metal transitioning pipe and wore a hole in the aluminum and ultimately was traded in with no A/C for reasons I couldn't be bothered to find out. Hence it's gone.

The interior fit and finish squeaked everywhere. And we had the obligatory steering pump whine for its entire life despite the pump being replaced twice under warranty. On -40C mornings going to love the electric power assist and heated steering wheel

I found the Tahoes, Yukons, and Suburbans to be rougher rides, lots of style over substance cosmetics and ultimately less comfortable. Doesn't help that the local chevy dealership still believes in '70s used car sales tactics including the time I told the sales guy my kids didn't fit comfortably in the rear of the new traverse so he called the manager over who proceeded to grill me on how exactly they don't fit and did I know I could move the front and second seats forward so they could fit. No s**t sherlock. All of this while trying to stare me down. eh no thanks, going elsewhere.

The Expedition is much more muted in appearance for something the size of a house and I am not one for driving around trying to bolster my ego by attracting attention with lots of bling in a "look at me!!!!" way. If people mistake it for an Explorer? I'm happy.

lol fellow former AC-less Acadia owner. I will say mine was dead-silent. Not a single squeak even at 93K. I was actually amazed at how quiet it was in that regard. With that being said, at purchase time, I had done all the paperwork on another Acadia model and I did a final test-drive before signing and it did squeak, so I requested another vehicle. My feeling is that if a vehicle squeaks with 3 miles on the odometer it's going to be a problem later. The other one they brought me was the one I ended up buying. I also didn't have power-steering pump whine issues. But AC issues? Had those in spades.

 

[Aquineas]

Yes, the LED lights come as part of a couple of the option packages. My Limited is fully loaded. The only things I don’t have that are only available on Platinum is the nicer leather, seat vibrator “massage” function and real wood veneer trim.



Hmmm... I don’t like the raised floor back there either. What’s wrong with the ride? Do you just mean in the 3rd row or the whole vehicle? I find it rides and handles quite nicely but I have not ridden in the 3rd row of mine. I have the CCD suspension on 22”. I prefer the grille on the Limited over the Platinum, as the Platinum looks like it has been bedazzled.

I think the Platinum model gets noise cancellation as well which is mildly intriguing, but I found the Expedition plenty quiet.

 

[aggiegrad05]

I think the Platinum model gets noise cancellation as well which is mildly intriguing, but I found the Expedition plenty quiet.

And more power