“Once Ford and I finished the concept Expedition, we knew we had something serious.” said Funkmaster Flex. “We then started showing it at auto shows, to dealers and to my fans and realized we hit on some themes that we could turn into a limited-edition production ride.” “Funkmaster Flex is finding ways to connect with new customers,” said Barry Engle, general manager, Ford Division Marketing. “He is a perfect fit for the Ford brand because he brings so much energy and enthusiasm to the table. He knows what customers want and he can really deliver.”

Ford research shows that nearly half of all new-vehicle buyers are adding unique touches to their vehicles and Expedition is no exception. Modifications to the Expedition are as diverse as the needs of buyers, from adding additional off-road capability, to custom cargo storage, to adding touches for increased urban street appeal. Funkmaster Flex, a major influence in hip hop culture, has developed a young fan base of urban automotive enthusiasts who take pride in their personal style. Their vehicle often defines their lifestyle. Ford wants to reach these buyers with this new customized Expedition.

Last year, Ford opened its Dearborn design studio doors to Funkmaster Flex to look at how to customize the new Expedition. Flex went to work with Ford designers to create an expressive concept that delivered the Expedition’s SUV authenticity with a unique urban style and presence. The limited-edition run of Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition, based of the existing short wheelbase, Limited model, will arrive at dealerships in the fall of 2007.

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For 2006, a reverse distance-sensing system and Safety Canopy airbags are now offered as stand-alone options (previously available only in packages) and chrome-tipped exhaust pipes are added on the King Ranch trim level. New exterior colors include Pewter Clearcoat Metallic and Dark Copper Clearcoat Metallic, and a Medium Flint Gray interior is newly offered with the Limited version.

A standard 5.4-liter V8 engine channels 300 horsepower to the pavement, with 365 pound-feet of torque to help launch this large and heavy vehicle to highway speeds and enable its considerable towing and hauling abilities, which max out at 8,900 lbs. Even though its upscale Lincoln equivalent, the Navigator, offers a modern six-speed automatic transmission, only a four-speed automatic gearbox is available here.

Ford’s AdvanceTrak stability control with Roll Stability Control, a $595 option, is available on most versions to help maintain poise during extreme handling maneuvers. Another important optional safety feature is the $595 Safety Canopy side-curtain airbag system that deploys when sensors detect an impending roll. The airbags stay inflated for a few seconds in case the vehicle flips multiple times. We hope safety features like these will eventually become standard equipment.

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The Expedition is best exemplified by the popular Eddie Bauer model with its luxurious and inviting interior and feature details that make for a more comfortable and convenient vehicle. A new 2005 Expedition Limited model kicks it up a notch with special trim colors and more standard features.

All 2005 Ford Expedition models come with a new V8 engine that increases horsepower substantially yet improves fuel economy and reduces emissions. Expedition is loaded with safety features, and 2005 brings an optional Roll Stability Control system, which is designed to sense an approaching rollover situation then take action to help prevent it.

What the Expedition does best is move large quantities of people and gear. It can be equipped to tow up to 8900 pounds making it a good choice for families that need to pull a boat or a horse. Its perfectly flat cargo area makes it particularly adept at hauling. The available PowerFold third-row seat folds perfectly flat with the press of a button.

The second row features a small center seat that slides forward to give parents in the front seat access to a small child. A rear-seat DVD system is available for entertainment. And the Reverse Sensing System can alert the driver as the Expedition is backed toward an object such as a parked car, a short pole, or a child on a tricycle.

The 2005 Ford Expedition comes with one engine, a 5.4-liter sohc V8 that uses variable valve timing and three valves per cylinder to develop 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. It comes with a four-speed automatic. The new engine replaces both engines used last year. Four trim levels are available: XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited. Each of these is offered with rear-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD).

XLS ($32,720) and XLS 4WD ($35,290) are the value-conscious models. They come well equipped, but offer little in the way of options. Standard features on XLS include four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS, air conditioning, tilt steering column, and cruise control.

XLT ($34,745) and XLT 4WD ($37,495) add auxiliary rear air conditioning and heat controls, overhead console with storage, auto-dimming rearview mirror, illuminated vanity mirrors, color-keyed door handles, the tire-pressure monitoring system, fog lamps, running boards, and aluminum wheels. Many more options are available on XLT than XLS.

An appearance package called XLT Sport ($850) adds Dark Shadow Grey exterior cladding and wheel-lip moldings, high-gloss Dark Shadow Grey tubular step bars, and a two-tone grille treatment.

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The new Expedition EL is 14.8 inches longer than the standard Expedition and rides on a wheelbase that’s a foot longer. It seats as many as eight passengers and has 24 cubic feet more cargo space behind the third-row seat than the conventional-length Expedition for a total of 130.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Exterior styling is freshened, though it remains familiar.

Evolutionary changes include a new dual-beam headlamp design, a bolder three-bar front grille that takes its cues from Ford’s F-Series pickup and a raised power-dome hood. The EL offers its own bodywork from the windshield rearward, and while it’s not that much different in appearance, it does have unique running boards, rear fascia, roof rack, rear-quarter glass and larger rear doors. Massive 20-inch six-spoke chrome rims are among the five available wheel designs.

The truck’s 5.4-liter V8 engine carries over from the previous generation and continues to channel 300 hp and 365 pound-feet of torque to the rear or all four wheels. Towing capacity is up slightly to a maximum of 9,100 pounds.

An updated six-speed automatic transmission is standard and a welcome improvement over the prior generation’s antiquated four-speed gearbox. We expect the transmission to improve both fuel economy and performance.

An all-new chassis, commandeered from the current F-Series pickup, is 10 percent stiffer than the prior version’s and promises a smoother and quieter ride. A revised suspension includes a new fully independent rear setup for the first time. Heavy-duty trucks traditionally have a solid rear axle, which can better handle serious towing, hauling and off-road duties but make for a rougher ride.

Ford’s AdvanceTrak stability control with a rollover detection system is now standard and a welcome feature on such a large and lumbering beast. Front-side and side-curtain airbags are now included across the line. The latter deploy when sensors detect an impending rollover, and they stay inflated for a few seconds in case the vehicle flips multiple times.

Both the standard and extended EL models are offered in XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited trims. A redesigned interior features revised seats, with heating and cooling functions available on the up front two. The driver’s seat can now move farther back to comfortably accommodate motorists up to 6 feet 4 inches tall.

The second-row seat moves fore and aft and the seatbacks are split 40/20/40 percent. They fold flat with the load floor for added cargo-carrying flexibility. A power-folding third-row seat and power rear liftgate are optional, the latter a new addition for 2007.

The Expedition comes decently equipped, even in base XLT form, and now includes an auxiliary jack to connect iPods and other portable audio devices to the stereo system. Noteworthy available features include power heated/cooled leather seats, power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals as well as a reverse-sensing radar system to help make parking this giant a bit easier.

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