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Genuine expeditions require gear and equipment - and you can tow up to 9000
pounds of yours with the 2009 Ford Expedition EL. The EL is a full-size family
SUV that can seat up to 8 passengers in addition to pulling your boat, camper,
trailer or whatever else you have in store for it. It's loaded with luxury too,
featuring show-off optional attributes like power-retractable running boards and
rear backing cameras.
The Expedition EL has been designed and manufactured with utility in mind first.
It is not a poser. Make it 4WD and you own one of the world's most capable
vehicles and are ready to tackle any given terrain scenario. High-quality, soft
yet durable materials grace the interior and there is more than enough room to
stretch and rest comfortably in each of the three seating rows. The extended
base EL adds even more cargo carrying capability as well.
Regardless of which of the four available trims you choose (XLT, Eddie Bauer,
Limited and King Ranch), the Expedition EL comes with a 5.4L 300hp V8 and a
6-speed automatic transmission. It provides excellent power and offers
independent rear suspension to make the ride smooth and stable - feels more like
riding in a car than in a truck. It is really large though, and sometimes leans
in corners and is also tough to maneuver in tight places.
Although it is a SUV by classification, the Ford Expedition is a truck - and it
likes being a truck. It serves its owners with practicality, dependability and
superior utility. It doesn't play around with your safety either. It has been
rated as a 5-star performer in frontal crash teats by the NHTSA. Standard safety
equipment on all trims includes front, side and side curtain airbags; occupancy
sensors, ABS braking with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution;
remote keyless entry; 2-stage door locks and panic alarms.
Appearance-wise, the 2009 Expedition EL looks tough and ready, but with a subtle
sense of softness for the ladies. A bold 3-bar grille accentuates the nose along
with large halogen headlights. It keeps it real with solid design standards and
avoids trying to come off as overly-futuristic like, say, the Nissan Armada. Its
wheelbase is 131 inches and it is 14.8 inches longer than the standard
Expedition. That translates into an extra 24 cubit feet of cargo hauling space
behind the third row of seating (130 cubic feet total) .
The average weight of the 2009 Ford Expedition EL is about 5500 pounds -
trim/option dependent. That is no light load and you can definitely appreciate
that weight when you experience the solid strength that is so evident while in
motion. It doesn't do badly with fuel efficiency either. You will get an average
of 14/20 mpg city/highway - not stellar, but you have to remember the size of
these truck-like SUVs. There's absolutely no doubt that the EL will continue to
be a fantastic seller, especially for families that like to get away - and have
a lot of gear and equipment to haul. |
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