test drove a 2002 expedition today and besides a very touchy steering (whats up w/ that) it was a nice ride, at what i thought was a good price. i have some reservations about purchasing it though due to the fire issue and the known plug problem possibly in this particular model. i am a ford man but it seems that there have been an awful lot of (major) recalls in the last eight years. i guess they never recalled any of the blown plug problems but they should have. anyhow just looking for alittle reassurance thats all. has anyone had any issues w/ their 2002 expedition (4.6)? thanks!!

signed,

dazed and confused

 

I wouldn't get too wrapped up in the recall stuff. Was the truck you are considering recalled for a problem? Was that problem fixed?

I have owned Fords for the past 20-years and have never had a problem that wasn't fixed...including recalls.

Without driving the truck I can't comment on the steering. What type of vehicle are you comparing the steering to?

 

If the plug problem you are talking about is the blown plugs issue, thats mainly a 5.4L issue, I have seen very few 4.6L's with it. I would not worry about that.

There's an easy fix on the fire issue for now, as long as you can live without cruise control.

The steering problem may be something as simple as the truck needs an alignment. It's hard to say on that one, since Im not particularly familiar with the steering system.

Good luck though.

 

no there is no recall on the vehicle as far as i know. the steering just seemed to be a bit squirrely (sp?). i don't know. i have a 97 f150 4x4 and the steering doesn't fell anything like the expy. i don't know if it has something to do w/ it being a top heavy suv or what. also is there rough idle issue w/ any of the 02 4.6's? because i sure have it in my 97 4.6. thanx for the responses.

 

The steering on my Expy - and every old-style Expy that I've driven - is terrible IMHO. Way too touchy, constant corrections to go straight compared to a modern car / newer models with 4-wheel independent suspension.

 

would a 02 be consider an older model expy......

 

For my odd way of thinking, yes.

The newer bodystyles (came out in 2003 I believe) are completely different animals, with 4-sheel independent suspension. A 2002 is quite similar to my 97.

 

I hated the steering response and handling of pre '03 Expeditions. Vague and overboosted. The F150s of the same era had a better steering feel to me, Expeditions and Navigators felt too isolated. Throw all that out the window with an '03+ model though.

 

i guess i would be consider older model.......i agree the steering is not as good as my f150.........