2006 FORD EXPEDITION NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2006 Ford Expedition?
Ford carries the full-size Expedition over for 2006, making only minor trim and equipment modifications. The Safety and Security package is ditched, its two components (side curtain airbags and a reverse sensing system) now offered as stand-alone options. Base XLS models have a new silver wheel ornament, the tubular step bars on the XLT Sport are black rather than dark gray, and the King Ranch model has a new chrome-tipped exhaust outlet. Ritzy Limited models lose the standard wood-rimmed steering wheel, which is now an option, in favor of a leather-wrapped tiller. Inexplicably, given that Expedition sales are falling and that safety is a consumer hot-button, Ford drops Brake Assist from this hulking SUV's antilock braking system.

Advantages of the 2006 Ford Expedition:

• Responsive steering and tight turning circle make it feel smaller than it is
• Mommy-'n-Me middle rear seat
• Options such as a heated and cooled front seats, power folding third-row seat
• Available side curtain airbags with rollover protection, reverse sensing system, AdvanceTrac stability control

Objections to the 2006 Ford Expedition:

• Archaic CD-ROM-based navigation system option
• Load floor is not flat with rear seats folded
• Lots of interior noise when underway
• Rear seat comfort could use improvement
• No diesel engine offering
• Ford dropped Brake Assist from the ABS system

Editor's Advice:
When Ford introduced the Expedition in 1997, General Motors ruled the large SUV marketplace with the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Suburbans sold under both nameplates. Ford captured significant market share with that first Expedition, which was sized in between the Tahoe and Suburban and could still easily fit into most garages. Today, competitors from DaimlerChrysler, Nissan and Toyota are playing in the same space, and the 2006 Ford Expedition no longer carries the same novelty or impact it once did. A redesign for 2003 brought with it higher levels of interior refinement, sharper responsiveness and an improved ride, but the 5.4-liter V8 engine offered in the 2006 Ford Expedition underwhelms in terms of power. Benefits of Ford Expedition ownership include the available side curtain airbag system with rollover protection and a myriad of optional creature comforts. Downsides include the noisy interior, rear seat comfort and the fact that the cargo floor isn't flat when the seats are folded. Overall, the 2006 Ford Expedition is worth a look, but isn't necessarily a class-leader. Unless we absolutely needed the extra space, we'd rather drive the Dodge Durango, Nissan Armada or Toyota Sequoia.