The Morning Call and Mcall.com's view

If you are an SUV-hating, tree-hugger, read no further.

You won’t want information about the 2003 Ford Expedition with its new sophistication and refinements.

The vehicle’s clean style is increasingly common in this crowded field, um, make that crowded parking lot.

Actually, it’s on the blacktop where you’ll feel the Expedition’s biggest improvement — its all-independent suspension. While an independent suspension can limit wheel travel in extreme off-road situations, few Expeditions ever make the expedition off-road. So, the improved ride and handling from the independent suspension is welcome.

The Expedition’s all-new chassis helps as well, being 70 percent stiffer than the old model. Ford also has replaced the recirculating ball steering with a new power rack-and-pinion steering unit, giving a quick, precise feel. It makes this 7,000-pound sport utility feel a lot lighter on its feet. While it’s not sports car nimble, it certainly is more responsive than the Expedition’s size would suggest. Best of all, there’s none of the soft, ocean-like motion that’s usually associated with SUV handling.

Powertrains are unchanged from last year. Two single-overhead-cam V-8 engines are offered: a 232-horsepower 4.6-liter and a 260-horsepower 5.4-liter. There are two trim levels, XLT and Eddie Bauer, available in two-wheel- or four-wheel-drive. The Eddie Bauer 4WD gets the larger V-8 as standard equipment.

It was the Eddie Bauer model that Ford Motor Co. provided for testing.

Power is effortless with the larger V-8, and with little penalty in fuel economy over the smaller V-8. Fuel use hovered around 13 mpg during a week of testing. The EPA rates the vehicle at 13 city, 17 highway, an improvement of 1 mpg over last year’s vehicle.

While not being fuel champs, Ford has engineered a series of electronic doodads to help ensure a safe driving experience.

These devices include ControlTrac, which allows you to use a dashboard dial to switch between two and four-wheel-drive modes, including a low range. There’s also a set-it-and-forget-it automatic all-wheel-drive mode.

Another helpful item is AdvanceTrac, Ford’s name for traction control.

ControlTrac transfers power front-to-rear, while AdvanceTrac transfers it side-to-side.

The anti-lock braking system includes Brake Assist, which interprets driver intent in emergency situations and ensures you’re applying full braking force. Ford claims that the Expedition has the largest brakes in its class. That’s easy to believe.

A full range of safety devices includes side-curtain airbags, rollover sensors and tire pressure monitors. In addition, the bumper height of the new Expedition is car-height.

Inside, there are multiple options, many of which were found in the test vehicle.

The front bucket seats are heated and air-cond itioned. The center row seats are split 40/20/40, so the center section can be folded for longer items while still retaining space for two passengers. The third row seats were power folding, which expanded the cargo space enormously. All seats proved comfortable and were covered in leather. Rear seat passengers not only got separate climate controls, but also a DVD entertainment system.

Not to be outdone, front seat passengers had a lush-sounding audio system, with a 6-CD changer in the large center console. A DVD-navigation system will help guide your way. There’s even a pop-up mirror to help check the antics in the back seats.

But all is not just comfort. This vehicle is set up to please the driver, with a comfortably supportive throne, a full set of gauges and power adjustable foot pedals.

The Expeditions style is vastly improved. The squared-off, handsome exterior looks purposeful, yet refined. The interior masterfully mixes simplicity with a Europ an elegance. This can be seen in the air-conditioning vent design, with brush chrome bezels that rotate to shut off the air-flow. It’s an elegantly simple solution that limits dashboard clutter by negating the need for an added switch.

Such design makes the Expedition very appealing.

Prices for the Expedition start at $31,295 for a 4×2 base model, to $41,195 for the top-of-the-line Eddie Bauer model.

Ford has done an admirable job in updating and refining the Expedition, endowing it with a surprising amount of finesse that will make any SUV-lover want one.