Well, I figured it was time to say something positive.

I bought a 2004 E.B. Expy built in Sep 03 on 3 Nov 03.

The only thing I noticed was the squeak/rattle in the drivers door which I fixed with an application of silicone grease to the door gasket. Been quiet since before Thanksgiving and has been through countless car washes where they wipe the door jams.

I put Kleen Wheels on so I don't have a problem with brake dust at all. For $70 I wasn't going to get wrapped around the axle fighting the dealer for freebie new shoes.

I have ran it up over 100 MPH with no vibration whatsoever. Even with the Continental tires on it.

With dual power seats my better half is more comfy than she was in our greatly loved 2000 Expy. Even that Expy had not one problem in the 75000 miles I owned it. Just routine maint.

The power fold down rear is just super compared to buggy luggin' the old 2000 rear seat in and out.

The airconditioned seats are really neat and will be used frequently.

I have had the factory Sirius Satellite tuner installed and haven't listened to FM since. It's a whole different and better driving experience. (and no dumb commercials)

The dual zoned front auto temp control works perfect. No strange noises or whistling sounds.

I currently have 7000+ miles and I am happy with it to date.

I was hesitant to buy a 2003 Expy's since the first year of a design change usually spells trouble. Especially when they rushed it out for a half year early intro. At least 3 revisions (A, B, C) have been issued and they are still having problems as can be read here.

My truck has 4WD with an open rear. I asked the dealer why they didn't order it with LS and they said people were having problems with them. That's obvious after you check out a couple of Ford message boards. I guess they'll hold off stocking them until a sure fix is found.

We had a significant amount of snow and ice here in N.W. PA and I never got stuck in it (and I'm pretty daring) even though I live on top of a steep curvy road and still have the contitrac tires on it.

I don't mean to upset anyone but just got tired of reading all the negative posts.

Anyone out there have something good to say about the truck or an individual feature that you like best?

Bob

 

Well, put it this way, with the 4 rear axles that make noise, and the long wait for the new brake pads (which are great), I have almost traded out of my EB 3 or 4 times. And im a guy who has traded over 25 times the last 4 or 5 years. Ive had the 03 expy for almost 8 months now, the longest ive kept a truck in the last 5 years. So ive been itching to trade, and despite driving a sequoia, yukon, suburban, and 01 navigator in hopes of finding something i liked better, i have gotten homesick for the expy after keeping each of those other vehicles overnight.

So i guess i really do like it.

 

Anyone? Something you like?

 

i cant say anything anymore, i traded the expy for a 01 navigator.

i bought the expy 9 months ago , 03 Eddie Bauer, 2wd, 5.4 for 30,500 using d plan and rebates.
In the 11K miles i put on it, i had 4 rear axles, and they all got noisy after 1000 miles.
I finally got a trade offer of 27,000 on the expy from the dealership that i used to work at, so it is gone now.

I liked the expy ok, but i also like the navigator just as well.

 

let the love continue! i bought my '03 as a leftover just b4 thanksgiving & i couldn't be more happier (knock on wood). It's a dark shadow grey xlt premium, pretty loaded. it listed for $42395 & i got it for $32,199 +tax & tags. the irs has given the expy a nice ride. if i remember correctly it was built in june of 2003 so after a year of building the '03's they began to get the bugs out. having it come with the sunroof helped get me out of minivan hell. my only problem now is my wife wants to get a boat to pull around!

ron

 

So far I am happy with our 03. I really like the fold flat 3rd row seats. My daughter can't get enough of the DVD player. The dual climate control is a great invention. I also really like the ride and handling. Much improved over our 2000 was. The only real complaints so far is the brake dust, and some minor rattles. However I have noticed that we might be having the clutch pack issues I've been hearing about. Not sure.....will have to listen closer. I haven't had a chance to take it in to the dealer for any of the issues. 'm hoping those get resolved....then things would be great!!!

 

The new expedition are a lot better than the older ones. The older ones are top heavy and riding in the back seat make you sick. The newer ones are nice.

 

I purchased a 2003 Expy XLT and absolutly love it. It has 12,800 miles so far and is 9 months old. No problems except for the annoying brake dust.

I have always purchased only Chevrolet in the past, but after comparing the Expy and the Tahoe, i decided the Expy was the best bang for the buck. GM's unwillingness to resolve their piston slap issue had a lot to do with it also.

BTW, this board is great !! So glad i found it, being i'm still a 'lil wet behind the ears when it comes to Fords.

Chris

 

Just to add to this thread.....

I just returned from a trip down to the Jersey shore from the Pocono area of PA.

I can't get over how smooth this truck is even @90mph (don't tell anyone).

It truly rides nicer than the 2000 did. The IRS makes a difference but all the other components must be well balanced to. Oh, and it has the Contrital tires (I'm a Michelin guy myself).

Between the ride and the Sirius Satellite radio I actually enjoyed the drive.
Bob

 

I for one like the looks of the new Expy but hate the fact that ford went to a independent rear suspension. I like to lift all my trucks and make them look good, no can do on the new Expys IMO they are oversized wagons for mostly women. I have a 00 expy with 4 inch lift and big tires it looks great, but if Ford keeps that rearend I think the chevys will out sell the expy just for aftermarket stuff.

 

I have a 2003 Expedition. I love it too, but I believe the 2000 was more comfortable from the driver's seat, as well as in the second row. But, when it comes to the third row, the 2003 is the winner, hands down. I believe Ford took room from the second row to give room to the third row.

Steering: Adv. 2003.
Looks: Adv. 2000
Cargo: Adv. 2003 (Power fold/fold flat- much better than hoisting out the 3rd row.)

When it comes to ride: Is this a trick question? The 2003 rides waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better. I just put 20's on mine and noticed an expected reduction in ride quality. That was a given, but when I added 20's to my 2000, I actually thought the ride improved; not the case on the 03. Sill, it rides better than my 2000 ever did. Mine came with the Continental tires too.

I usually cruise at 72-75 on the interstate. The fastest I've gone is 94 MPH. It was the smoothest 90+ I've ever had, and I've driven Cadillc Deville's, 745Li's & Lincoln Towncars. I had no choice; We had 11-12 miles to go to reach Tallulah, LA exit 171 on I-20. When your pregnant wife threatens to wet the seat of your Eddie Bauer if you don't stop, you'll understand the need to speed.

The seat was saved!!! Thanks to Bel Vector 95, so was a ticket.

Arizona exit 302 (I-10) to Louisiana exit 171 (I-20) 1,200 miles of fun.

 

Ya the lift thing may be a drawback, but the ride quality is Great, handling is surprising for a SUV and the third row seating is better than a suburban thanks to that IRS!
Plus, the tow rating is still there

 

Bought Nov '03, $26.5K on xplan w/rebates for XLT w/towing, 5.4L. Door rattles with the external skin now getting annoying with the wind hitting it a certain way.
Had one door lock go.
In for TSB on rear axle nuts - one side has crackling sound when you accelerate. Believe it's the nut holding the axle half shaft to the wheel hub. There is a new design out now for the nuts to keep it tighter. Hope there is not any more issues lurking out there with the new independant rear.
But the ride is real good, went from New England to FLA and back over holidays and it was a dream. It's the closest thing to my recliner at home.. haha CUL Jer