Rob052067

So I took my first long trip last weekend in my new 2008 Expy XLT 2WD. Total round-trip miles about 750 on I-71 and I-64, from Columbus, OH to Southern Indiana near Evansville. Most of the Ohio portion of the trip is fairly flat, and most of the Kentucky & Indiana portions are fairly hilly. Going down, heading southeast/east, with the cruise control at 65 for the most part, there was spotty rain with temps in the 40s & 50's and I averaged 19.5 MPG. Coming back, heading west/northwest, with the cruise control at 70 for the most part, it was warm and dry with temps in the 60's & 70's and I averaged 20.9 MPG. Overall for the trip was 20.2 MPG. I make this trip 4-5 times a year to visit my folks, and that's just about on par with the MPG my '04 Yukon used to get. After getting approximately 2-3 fewer MPG in daily commuting with the Expy vs the Yukon, I'm relieved that the Expy's highway mileage is comparable.

*** Your Mileage May Vary! :shades: The OP got that great MPG driving on the flat highways of Texas, in warm/dry weather, with the cruise at 59 MPH. I've had my new Expy for nearly 3 weeks now, and will be taking my first long freeway trip this weekend. The weather is expected to be cool and wet, and the 700 round-trip is anything but flat. I'll be reporting back with my MPG next week. So far, with my day-to-day commuting, I've been a little disappointed. While my 2004 GMC Yukon normally averaged better than 14 MPG in the winter months and at least 15/16 in the warmer months in city driving, so far the similarly equipped 2008 Expy has been getting only 12/13 MPG. I was hoping for better with the 6-spd trans, but the Expy really seems to guzzle the gas during stop & go driving, especially when the engine is cold. Hopefully, the MPG will improve a bit after the break-in period (I've only driven 260 miles so far).

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...1023/LATESTNEWS As part of Ford Motor Co. CEO Alan Mulally's campaign to reduce complexity, the company is slashing the number of available equipment combinations on 2009-model vehicles. Ford will reduce vehicle order combinations by more than 50 percent, say dealers who have been briefed on the plan. Ford marketing chief Jim Farley told Automotive News that the cuts are in that "order of magnitude," but he didn't offer specifics. All nameplates will have fewer options and more standard features. Ford is using sales data to determine the most popular configurations. Mulally is betting that the reduction will make ordering easier for dealers and customers. Dealerships will be more likely to have models that match customer preferences, thereby reducing inventory expenses. (See link for rest of article)

Overinflating your tires may provide a small MPG bump, BUT you risk pre-mature or uneven tire wear, and more importantly could alter the quality of the vehicle's ride and handling which could affect the safe operation of the vehicle. It's best to follow the pressure recommended by the vehicle's manufacturer. The figure on the sidewall of the tire is the maximum safe inflation pressure for the tire, as recommended by the tire's manufacturer. The tire pressure recommended by the vehicle's manufacturer is specific to your vehicle and takes into consideration how your vehicle was designed and is based on it's size, weight, suspension, etc. Keep in mind that the max pressure (PSI) found on the sidewall of the tire may not be the same as the recommended PSI indicated by the vehicle manufacturer (see sticker found on the driver's door jam or see owner's manual).

WOW! That's amazing MPG! How many miles was the trip, and was it pretty flat or hilly? That is exactly the configuration of the Expy I have on order, except for 17" tires. I don't think I could drive only 59mph on the highway - I stick to right aound 70. Best I've gotten in my similarly configured 2004 Yukon is 21.5mpg, but usually more like 19.5-20.5 (a little worse in winter).

I guess there's always a contractual 'out' if sales drop to a point where the costs of keeping unneeded plants running would push a company to bankruptcy.

The new UAW contract had guarantees that MTP would remain open... I don't think they can 'close the doors' for at least the next 3 years...

If I recall, EL's 07 Expy was on a 2 yr lease...

The '09 will have an E85-capable FFV engine, and it sounds like the 5.4L V8 may also get a little more HP. SYNC will also be available on the '09 model. Those are the only changes I know of. No matter which one you get, EL, it's gonna be perfect and trouble-free! (You are due!) I just ordered my '08 last weekend. :happy feet:

http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=27543

Badfish - What other types of vehicles have you had? A V8 engine in a full size truck may act differently then a 4 or 6 in a sedan, which could affect your perception of a problem versus natural characteristics. If the engine isn't stalling when idling, or if the whole vehicle isn't shaking due the vibrations you are feeling, then there probably is no problem and it's just a quirk. That said, in the Expeditions I've driven, the engine has seemed very smooth and quiet to me. If the vibrations are strong enough to cause violent shaking of the steering wheel and mirrors, than there may be an engine issue that does need attention. If not, you'll learn to ignore it - like I do with the planes flying over my house.

The media kit says new diesel and EcoBoost direct-injection gas engines are due in 2010.

The Detroit Free Press also has a whole section posted now on the new F150: http://media.freep.com/f150/index.html

On Ford's media site, you need a press id and login to get to the photos. But - not sure if this is a mistake or not so grab it quick while you can - there's a press-kit pdf file that's like a brochure with lots of details and pictures that can be downloaded without signing-in. http://media.ford.com/events/2009FordF150Kit.pdf Oh...and I agree with fbmphil - It's a F*ING SWEET TRUCK! :P

There's an updated Detroit News article posted online with links to several pics from an autoshow practice and a couple of videos. (See the links in the 'Related Articles' box on the lower right of the screen.) http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic...UTO01/801120454

There's an updated Detroit News article posted online with links to several pics from an autoshow practice and a couple of videos. (See the links in the 'Related Articles' box on the lower right of the screen.) http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic...UTO01/801120454

That grill shown in the picture is a Platinum model (new top-of-the-line). It's probably more flashy than what the grill will look like on most of the other models. Looks like the NYT caught their mistake or got in trouble from Ford and Dodge. The pics of both the new F150 and Ram have been removed from their website (though the previous captures are still available on the blog linked above). http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/01/1...UTOS_index.html

Thanks again. It's the same here in Ohio too.

Thanks Ice. Tell that zone manager I want to see more Ford ads like this one: Have You Driven a Ford, Lately?

Thanks. Just got an email response a lil bit ago from my dealer confirming the same amount.

It's interesting that Ford's mid-year price increases seem to be the 'down-low'. I can't find any media article or press release about it. GM seems to have initiated the current round since they announced price increases in mid-December. It's a little odd that the FordVehicles.com site was just updated today with the new pricing (I was there yesterday, and it was still the showing the former pricing). In addition, seeing that the price increase was announced 12/26, it's surprising that KBB.com and Edmunds.com still reflect the older pricing. I don't fault the producers for making small increases throughout the year, rather than one larger increase with each new model year. If prices have to go up to cover higher costs, I think it's a more fair policy to phase in smaller increases over time. As for the Expedition specifically, I realize that there was a significant price drop with the 2007 model year which makes the Expedition a great value. Still, I'm a little disappointed in Ford for not marketing it even more aggressively with regard to pricing (ie: keeping the sticker price low and offering stronger purchase or lease incentives). Sales were much softer in the last quarter than in the earlier parts of 2007. It's a very competitive market segment, with strong competition. The Tahoe/Yukon models are selling about double the units of the Expy. There's a brand new Sequoia hitting the streets right now. The Armada is an also-ran, but with a $4000 rebate, it's an attractive alternative for some customers even though its base pricing starts out thousands higher than the Expy. Aside from wanting the best deal possible for myself, I would like to see the Expy increase its market share - especially if it means stealing sales from the new Sequoia. :happy feet:

Ice (or anyone who knows)... I'm estimating the Z-Plan price on an XLT order. I know the holdback is 3% of MSRP. Do you know the current FDAF amount on an Expedition? Thanks! Rob

I haven't seen a press release yet, but based on new prices listed on FordVehicles.com, the Expedition's MSRP on newly invoiced vehicles have just been raised by $500. Base Prices (2WD, Including Destination): Model New Old XLT 32,020 31,520 Eddie Bauer 37,265 36,765 Limited 39,425 38,925 King Ranch 41,365 40,865 New Incentives, Thru 03/31/08, Are: $1,500 Purchase Rebate $2,000 RCL Lease Cash The price increases, coupled with smaller rebates than were available through 01/08/08 are surprising in the current sales environment.

Thank you sir!

I think the old jingle from the mid-80's was very effective and could work well today. "When was the last time... you had... the kind of car... that brings the road alive?" "Have you driven a Ford, lately?" Those were great commercials! Catchy, upbeat, positive, and appealing! :cheerleader: Classic 1985 Ford Ad: "Have You Driven a Ford, Lately?" Here's a homemade video using the old jingle and today's cars (that's what I'm talkin 'bout!): :D 1988 Ford Ad: "Winning the World Over":