In the full-sized sports utility vehicle segment, there is only one name that has captured major portion of the market. Buyers always opt for the Ford Expedition nameplate, as far large SUV's are concerned. Based on Ford's popular full-size pickup truck platform, the latest 2008 Ford Expedition is available in no fewer than 16 different trim packages to meet the requirements of different categories of buyers.
For the XLT models, be it the four-wheel or rear-wheel drive, the seating arrangement is one of the best in its category. The standard seat for these models are front low-back cloth captain’s chairs with 2-way adjustable restraints and manual recline, 6-way power driver with manual lumbar and center floor console with floor shifter. While that for the Eddie Bauer model is front low-back two-tone leather-trimmed captain’s chairs with 2-way adjustable restraints, 10-way power or memory driver, including power lumbar and recline and center floor console with floor shifter. The upgraded version Limited has more comfortable and upscale seating arrangement. For both the four and rear wheel Limited models, the standard seating arrangement includes front low-back perforated leather-trimmed captain’s chairs with 2-way adjustable restraints, 10-way power driver and passenger adjustment including power lumbar and recline, 3-setting heated and cooled seats, driver side memory and center floor console with floor shifter.
This year, Ford Motors has introduced a new model in the form of King Ranch. This is the best amongst all the latest Expedition models. There are three rows in this model and it can comfortably accomodate nine passengers. The standard seats include front low-back Chaparral leather-trimmed captain's chairs with 2-way adjustable restraints, 10-way power/memory driver-seat adjustment including power lumbar and recline, 3-setting heated and cooled seats and King Ranch center floor console with floor shifter.
With so much importance given by the manufacturer on the comfortable seating arrangement for the users, there is no doubt in the fact that you will love to travel around in your new Ford Expedition SUV model.
All across the four trims, the manufacturer has included 60/40-split fold-flat rear seats, removable rear seat cushions, second-row height-adjustable head restraints in outboard positions and cloth seat trim. The up-level SE models look more luxurious with the Titanium-tinted gauge accents that highlights the seating. For the SE and Off Road trims, the manufacturer has included leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-way manual driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support and fold-flat front-passenger's seat. With the fold-flat 60/40-split rear seats and the optional fold-flat-front-passenger, one can easily accomodate any long equipments needed to be stored inside.
The 2008 Xterra gets high marks for ample front and rear leg room, but the praise pretty kuch ends there. The Xterra's slightly larger wheelbase provides for what Edmunds calls "welcome shoulder room in both rows" and prompts AutoMall USA to call the vehicle "roomier than other SUVs in this price class." But CNET strongly disagrees, calling the Xterra an "example of the Tardis Effect in reverse: The car looks huge but isn't all that roomy inside."
Even the manually-adjustable lumbar supports can't compensate for poorly padded seats. "These were very uncomfortable seats, and any amount of adjustment didn't seem to be able to ease the discomfort," says The Auto Channel. Cars.com praises the padded arm rests on the doors but says the one between the seats is "placed too far back to be appreciated by shorter drivers." The same review warns that the center of the back seat is the worst place to sit: "Claim car sickness, barter using your MP3 player, promise to pay for gas, whatever it takes to avoid long distances with your butt in the middle." Others disagree. Edmunds says the Xterra has "enough room for five extreme athletes and their parachutes."
Drivers are treated to a great view thanks to the Xterra's height (the better to handle off-road obstacles). "On the road, however, sitting so high in the saddle makes you feel that St. Pete will appear in the rearview mirror at any moment," says the Chicago Tribune.
Raised rear seats also give passengers better visibility -- if they can get into the car. MSN complains that "narrow rear door openings hamper entry and exit." Cars.com says the front and rear doors open nice and wide, "but even so, rear seat passengers will surely get touchy feely with the wheel well, which takes a big bite out of the rear door frame."
he 2008 Nissan Xterra, continues the traditional set down by the original Xterra, offering drivers “everything you need, and nothing you don’t.” It provides unique styling and an abundance of useable space, storage and available convenience features, including 10 cargo hooks, an Easy Clean cargo area, a tie-down channel system similar to the Utili-track system on the Titan and Frontier and a built-in first-aid kit.
The cabin is definitely designed to accentuate the Xterra's image of an all-purpose, go-anywhere SUV — there aren't many frills to be found. Like the Dodge Nitro, the dash is made of hard plastic, but fit and finish is nicer despite a few large gaps between panels. The front of the cabin is roomy, too, and large numerals on the tachometer and speedometer help make the gauges easy to read.
The Xterra's fabric front bucket seats have firm cushioning, especially the backrests. That said, I wasn't sore after completing the drive from Chicago to Detroit, which is impressive considering my route took me over some deteriorated Midwest highways. The small storage area in front of the gear selector is nice for holding things like a cell phone, but it's finished in hard plastic that doesn't do a good job holding your belongings in place when cornering.
Backseat passengers have to contend with a small door opening when entering and exiting the SUV thanks to the intruding rear wheel well. Once situated, the rear bench seat is OK, thanks to a nicely reclined backrest, and headroom is plentiful. If only there were a little more legroom for adults.
Xterra’s flexible interior is spacious enough for four adults and their gear, with ample leg room, head room and cargo room. A standard 60/40 split folding stadium-style rear seat with removable seat bottom cushions and an available fold-down front passenger seat SE and Off-Road models) create added utility for hauling long recreational gear. Additional storage is provided by a double-deck glove compartment with a lock, lamp and damper. The Xterra Off-Road model includes unique blue or charcoal seat fabric and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
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