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Full-size SUVs, such as Ford’s all-new 2003 Expedition, continue to evolve, becoming as cozy as a leather living room couch and loaded with more electronic gadgets than your average home entertainment center. On top of that, they ride and drive more like cars than ever before, and safety has become paramount.

The Eddie Bauer Expedition I drove is a good example. This not-so-distant cousin to the Navigator was really loaded, and it had a sticker price of $49,275. The base two-wheel-drive XLT Value series starts as low as $31,295. The totally restyled 2003 Expedition bears a strong resemblance to the smaller Explorer. From a distance it is hard to tell the two trucks apart. Up close, the Expedition’s size gives it away. The new design features clean lines, tight panel gaps and an uncluttered look.

Like the Navigator, the Expedition feels very comfortable, more like a large luxury sedan than a big truck. Its size only becomes noticeable when you try to wheel into a narrow parking space at the grocery store. Key to the Expedition’s feeling of luxury and competence is a new frame that is 70 percent stiffer. The stiffer chassis provides a solid foundation for an independent rear axle, bigger brakes and agility that belies the vehicle’s size. The tall driving position gives a good view of the road and a sense of command. The ride has been tuned to be soft enough for comfort, yet it never feels floaty or remote. Bumps and dips are handled easily because the suspension is supple and overall, the truck feels less top-heavy.

Safety is one area where Ford has invested considerable time and attention for the Expedition. A full-length inflatable safety canopy protects against side impacts and inflates in the event of a rollover. The Advance Trac vehicle stability system helps counteract skids, and Brake Assist anticipates panic stops and applies full braking power, which reduces stopping distances by 20 percent. The four-wheel disc brake system uses bigger rotors and has anti-lock standard. Bumper beams are located at the same height as passenger carsÕ bumpers and a tire-pressure monitoring system is offered.

The Expedition’s independent rear axle provides a smoother ride and more responsive handling than the previous vehicleÕs solid axle. In a clever piece of design work, also used on the Explorer and Navigator, the rear axle shafts extend through a hole in the frame rail.

On the inside, our Eddie Bauer Expedition had wide, soft front bucket seats and a huge center console. The optional captainÕs chairs in the second row were great for sitting but don’t provide a wide, flat hauling surface when you fold them down to carry large items. The power folding third seat, a $455 option, is extremely handy.

Other conveniences on the test vehicle included a rear-seat DVD player with LCD screen that folds down from the ceiling, a power moonroof and the premium audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer.

The top-hinged tailga te opens all the way down to the bumper, but its considerable size means closing it is a two-hand operation.

There are two SOHC V-8 engines from which to choose: an aluminum-block, 4.6-liter with 232 horsepower and an iron-block, 5.4-liter with 260 horsepower. Both engines have fewer vibrations due to design changes, plus they use hydraulic engine mounts to isolate the engine from the frame. Low-speed responsiveness has been improved on both engines, Ford said, but the 5.4 would be my engine of choice because it has more guts and feels stronger accelerating from a stop. Maximum towing capacity is 8,900 pounds.

For a few thousand dollars less than the Navigator, you can get an Expedition that is almost as fancy. Careful use of the option list would result in a comfortably equipped truck at an even better cost.

Price
The base price of our four-wheel-drive Eddie Bauer was $41,195. Options included the second-row captain’s chairs, power moonroof, Advanc Trac stability system, navigation system, power third seat, climate-controlled seat and the rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

The sticker price was $49,275.

Warranty
Three years or 36,000 miles.

Point: The redesigned Expedition is better than the original in most every way. It is quieter, smoother, bigger inside and has an improved ride. It is loaded with safety equipment, such as a vehicle stability system, side-curtain airbags, antilock brakes, Brake Assist and a rollover sensor.

Counterpoint: This is a tall vehicle and getting in is not always easy. Fuel mileage is not great, and its size is noticeable when wheeling around in parking lots.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 5.4-liter, 262-horsepower V-8
Transmission: automatic Four-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 119 inches
Curb weight: 5,686 lbs.
Base price: $41,195
As driven: $49,275
Mpg rating: 13 city, 17 hwy.
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