2002 Eddie Bauer - A review by an actual owner!!

I've read all of the other reviews posted for the 2002 Expedition and I'm amazed that most of the reviewers don't even own one, yet are compelled to write reviews that are nothing more than retyped spec sheets from Ford.

Take it from an actual owner - this is a great vehicle to drive. I have an Eddie Bauer 4WD version that I bought new in January 2002. It is so much fun to drive, I actually find myself looking for extra trips to make to the store just to drive it!

I've had all the seats full of people (seats 8 comfortably)and I've had it filled with lumber and other cargo. Either way, it's 5.4L Triton V8 pulls it easily. In May, I used the tow hooks on the front to pull my brother's SUV (Olds Bravada) out of a swampy mess. Let me also tell you that at that time, his Bravada also had a 20' pontoon boat and trailer hitched up to it. It was up to it's axles in mud, yet the Expedition gracefully pulled it right out, without even breathing heavy at all. I then towed the boat about 40 miles over hilly country roads and often forgot that the boat was even there because it handled it so effortlessly.

Now, I don't plan on using it like that too often, but it was nice to know that it could handle it.. My main objective with this vehicle to have comfortable seating for several passengers. I need more passenger room than I could get with smaller SUV's, so I only considered the Expedition and the Yukon/Tahoe. I love GM products, but the Expedition costs about $5K less when similarly equipped.. To those who suggest getting a mini-van, I can only suggest that you quit making suggestions. This SUV, even if it never touches the off-road environment, is the classiest and most comfortable way to travel. The added confidence of 4WD for winter driving makes any mini-van just a glorified station wagon that is best suited for picking up groceries..

If you're reading this, you're probably already aware of the spec's for the Expedition so I won't retype them.. What I will point out to you is that the Eddie Bauer is the only way to go. For about $4K more than an XLT, you get the 5.4L engine, leather interior, seat warmers, MACH audio system, digital temperature control, exterior trim package (very nice!), and lot's more. I got mine with 18" chrome wheels and I have to say it's the only way to go..

One extra that was included on mine was the reverse sensing/warning system. A $200 option, but worth lot's more.. It has saved me on a couple of occasions by warning of obstructions behind me, and is a great companion for when I back the truck into the garage (yes, it just barely fits in my garage). I can easily back in and pull within 10 inches of the wall every time, just by listening to the beeping tones of the warning system. Make sure you get this option!

I'm getting 13.1 mpg on a combined hwy/city style of driving. Not so great on the wallet, but that is what you have to pay if you want a big SUV.. It's no worse than any other large SUV. And the other issue about insurance costs - well, it's true that you'll be safe in an accident, but whatever you hit will likely be destroyed! But, isn't that the way you would want it? I know that I want my wife and new baby to be safe in case of an accident, so if it means an extra $100 for insurance, so be it. Your insurance costs are a direct reflection of your driving skills, so all of those reviewers that talk about high insurance costs must have some amazingly poor driving records. Of course it's going to cost them more if they're a bad driver behind the wheel of a bulldozer SUV like the Expedition! After you've driven it for a week or two, you'll find that it's not very intimidating to drive after all, and the turning radius is really quite surprising!

To conclude, I will say that I love this SUV and will not part with it. Take it from someone who actually owns one, and disregard all those Pulitzer wannabees out there that have nothing better to do than write reviews about vehicles that they don't own.. For 2003, Ford has added a new suspension that allows for the third seat to fold down flat, which is the only thing that I would love to change about my 2002. It would be so nice to be able to fold it's third seat out of the way instead of having to remove it and stash it in the garage before running to Home Depot!

I hope this review was helpful to you.