Four-wheel-drive Expeditions are more competent off road than their size and fancy trimmings suggest. While serious rock-climbing is not suggested, occasional forays off the beaten path can be undertaken without fear of being left stranded. By simply turning a rotary knob on the dashboard, the driver can choose between two-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, full-time four-wheel drive and low-range four-wheel drive.
Beyond the choice of two- or four-wheel drive, the buyer also chooses between two V8 engines. The 4.6-liter and 5.4-liter V8s are identical save for displacement. They are smooth and quiet. Both engines are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.
The larger 5.4-liter unit delivers extra pulling power for full passenger loads and heavy trailers. The 5.4-liter V8 produces 345 foot-pounds of torque, enabling it to pull a trailer of up to 8300 pounds when ordered as a 4x2 with 16-inch wheels and the 3.73 axle ratio limited-slip rear differential ($255). An Expedition 4x4 with the smaller 4.6-liter engine and big 17-inch wheels can only muster 5500 pounds. Next Page