So Far So good

Let me first preface my thoughts by assuring you that I do not work for any car manufacturer.

After considering the Acura MDX, Chevy Tahoe and Toyota Sequoia, I went with the 2003 Eddie Bauer 4x2 5.4L Expedition.

I must admit that I have been reticent about American cars in recent years and at first was leaning toward the MDX. My primary fear was quality. However, after extensive research and a test drive of all four, I think Ford has the best product for the price.

Ford really did a good job with the new Expedition. It looks like Ford actually listened to the feedback from the previous Expedition drivers (strange concept) and then built the new Expedition.

Examples of what I am talking about:

1. Design. The interior design, while still American at heart, is clearly not the same old Ford. For example, Ford seems to have a habit of slapping together a confusing array of tiny plastic buttons and lights and then calling it a dash. Did Ford actually think that people like to have a readout that looks like one of those blinking light panels that Spock always used to stare at? The new dash really looks somewhat like the new Audi. See the air conditioning vents and two tone black and tan dash. I just wish they had gone all the way with this concept. There are still some of the old Ford here with tiny buttons and green led lights. I'd prefer 100% analog except where absolutely necessary.

2. No More Noisy/Wishy Washy Ride. The frame is stiffer. Outside noise seems to be less. There is also rear independent suspension. The ride is really nice and the steering is apparently much improved.

3. Convenience. The third and second row seats fold down completely flat. Storage is everywhere. The Eddie Bauer edition even has buttons to lower the third row from the back. No need to haul in and out huge unwieldy third row seats. Seat memory. In dash 6 CD. Pop-down mini wide angle rear view mirror to keep an eye on activity in the aft section. DVD for the kids. Second row middle seat slides forward. This is great if you've got a kid in a child's seat back there.

4. Quality. I know that I just bought the thing. But the fact of the matter is that the Expedition just seems to be built to last. No jiggles on the highway and a general sense of solidity.

5. Price. Maybe I just had a better negotiating experience with my dealer, but the price I got it below invoice bringing the 41,000 sticker down to 33,000. When compared to the competition, this was hands-down the best option.

On the downside, while apparently more efficient than previous models, the Expedition still likes to consume gasoline. Also, while most of the upgrades seem quality, a few seem like less than first rate. To give you an idea what I am talking about and I concede this is nit picky, the sunglass holder kind of jumps down at you when you push the button. In my 1997 Pathfinder, when you hit the sunglass holder button, it gracefully slides open. The leather also seems to be a little lower grade than some of the top of the line SUV's (e.g. Acura).