Sky Pilot

Hope you are right........we've waited at least two years too long in replacing '08 Expedition hoping for substantive changes. Expy is the "go to" vehicle in our garages, and virtually the only ride of four Lady of the house utilizes. With great anticipation and research awaiting '15 reveal, I was less than overwhelmed by 2015 Expy Chicago showing. No 5.0, no new state of the art tranny, mild exterior/interior refresh, same Microsoft MySync rumored to become Blackberry based. After convincing wife there is an in kind alternative, we perused recently delivered 2015 Tahoe and Yukon at local dealerships. I had the itch and was not going to wait any longer in updating '08. Condensed version of weeks events and wife's observations and choices.......Yukon too square front and masculine appearing. Fold flat seats not quite flat due to live rear axle, a feeling of tall and ponderous when entering and exiting. Over to the Chevy dealership and look see at 2015 Tahoe.......better looking front end, same stepped up platform in fold flat seats, power running boards that don't quit blend when retracted, and shock when all boxes were checked for LTZ the bottom line exceeded $70k! For a Chevrolet SUV!!! Continuing......in wife's garage now sits brand new 2013 Expedition Limited that had every possible option box checked. A hold over by dealership from 2013 model year and virtually identical to 2014's on lot. And, as/more importantly, deeply discounted MSRP ($11k)! For nearly $22k less money out if pocket, wife is tickled to death with a different color on her favorite vehicle, and I can continue hoping for that aluminum bodied, NA 5.0, 8-10 speed, full size SUV I had hope to see for 2017 model year!

Re; "throldwizard"....... increased inflection regarding your comment of limited number of engineers for Big 3. Maybe that is why in recent years my personal fleet of vehicles no longer singular brand loyal......read Blue Oval.......but what moves me emotionally and physically. I had really hoped for at least moderately refreshed Expedition exterior in 2015 while awaiting coming aluminum? Expy. Ford already has underpinnings of sophisticated suspension, true fold flat seats, ongoing interiors which GM still playing catchup. Modular 5.4 long in tooth, but many disappointed wonderful NA 5.0 not offered along with puffed V6. GM is rivaling MPG & performance in NA V8's vrs enhanced Ford V6's, without increased maintenance and compromised lifespan of hotter running stressed smaller displacement engines. Costs would not have been significantly more to throw something sexier at exterior. This would have kept me from looking elsewhere for full size SUV. We've had too many that just.....hate that word......look too much alike! When one spends $60k -$70k on utilitarian vehicle one would like to have something inspiring cosmetically even though still the most comfortable full size SUV on market. Wondering if it's in the cards to hope for an aluminum full size offering that is not body on frame? I'm not whining.....just.....there's that word again.......not looking forward to convincing my wife why we need to look elsewhere in replacing her favorite vehicle in our garages!

Having sat on 2008 EXPY at least two years too long anticipating significant changes, now disappoint. Ford an industry leader with cutting edge design of F-150, resources must have been sapped in presenting an mildly updated Expedition. Rumors of more extensive redesign in couple more years too late for many intent on remaining loyal to the Blue Oval. I have thoroughly pawed recent delivery to local dealers a 2015 Tahoe and Yukon Denali. Though lacking IRS, true fold flat 2nd & 3rd row seats, the provenance of overall package has me leaning. My garages have housed 8 (eight) Ford SUV's since last GM SUV........waiting has worn me down.

I've shared these thoughts before JDPower report.......CAFE pushing technology before it's time. In quest of MPG with minimal performance sacrifice........fewer cylinders, forced induction, lighter weights for body and soul. Increased stress, heat, wear, exposing rushed technology. I've witnessed this in the air and off road. For now, naturally aspirated, state of the art power plants and transmissions are my products of choice......

Random thoughts.........until Lincoln gives up on full width tail lighting, the Navigator will only appeal to the loyalists. Too much is not classy...... If Ford would seriously put their full size SUV's on an aluminum diet, that segment would awaken. Worn out awaiting new Expedition to replace '08 Expy in garage. Praying it will offer normally aspirated 5.0. Re: EB, turbos make inexpensive power, fewer cubic inches need less fuel, turbos create heat, heat hastens wear. Until forced by CAFE, research technology for direct injected, VCT, normally aspirated V8 and V6. Don't forget modern multi gear auto and dual clutch trans. Add this to weight reduction and market will come. I have an SUV with most if not all the preceding. Though not inexpensive, impressive! I've had a peek at GM's new full size SUV powerfold third row seat.........almost looks like apprentice engineering having to make it clear solid rear axle. Still worth a look....... C'mon Ford, blow me away with new Expy. It's our household's go to vehicle...........

Thanks Waloud ! We are getting antsy to replacing '08 Expedition. Been looking at currently avaiable full and mid sized SUV's. None seem to have all the things required by the primary Expy user, my wife! I shared with her the recently released pics of 2015 Navigator. Although an acceptable interior, we just can't warm to the front and rear of Navigators.........especially the rear! On my part, I hope Expedition offers 5.0 in lieu of 3.5EB as top choice. Until forced by coming CARB and mandated FED requirements, my personal fleet will consist of normally aspirated power plants until nothing optional performance wise. I'm yet to be convinced, shortened life and increased maintenance will result from fewer cubic inches of an puffed power plant. If an aluminum clad 5.0 Expedition arrives in the next few months we will be the first in line........with or without the new tranny! Sky Pilot

It started in '92. Wife fell for versatility of Explorer, abandoning sports coup and luxury sedan. Six EB Explorers later, 2005 and independent rear suspension, power running boards, fold flat power third row seat got her into Expedition Limited. Again an nearly identical 2008 Expy Limited came along. Now into the 2014 model year and aging '08 Expedition still in garage. Ford has wore us down waiting for significant changed Expedition. I hate to admit, unless assurance of more than freshened Expy happens in next few months, a visit to GM showroom planned to peruse their new full size SUV offering......

Aluminum components for pickups and SUV's from Ford beginning to leak out to public.........now I wonder when 8sp? auto Ford in joint venture with GM will be available? I believe those two components would liven full size SUV market!

Thanks Bryan .......I'll peruse NYT.

Why has it been so difficult learning from Ford or press what to expect, and/or availability of next gen Expedition? My wife's '08 Expedition still around waiting for significant changes from Ford. Of all the vehicles in household Expedition seems to be the "go to" car. Confessing, I am planning on visiting a GM showroom as soon as their new full size SUV is available.