The 2003 Ford Expedition was launched with great fanfare. A complete redesign (long overdue, according to some reviewers) gave the exterior a more streamlined, aerodynamic look. Reengineering of the suspension made this big full-size SUV a lot easier to handle. And flashy new features drew buyers in an ever-more-competitive sport-utility vehicle marketplace.

One of the most popular new features was power-down third-row seating: with the press of a button, the split third-row seat folded into the undercarriage, increasing cargo space with ease. New flexibility in the second-row seats, with a center seat that could be brought forward, was another innovation in the 2003 Expedition.

Two trim lines were offered for the '03 Ford Expedition, XLT and Eddie Bauer. As always, the baseline XLT was comfortable, while the higher-end Eddie Bauer offered touches of rugged, outdoorsy luxury, like leather upholstery and standard captain's-chair seating. An off-road options package called FX4 was available for the XLT; with features like 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and shocks tuned for off-road performance, this package was designed for the four-wheel drive adventurer.

When it came to engines, buyers could choose from a Triton V-8 4.6 liter overhead cam with 240 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, or a Triton V8 5.4 liter overhead cam that delivered 260 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. That kind of power enabled the Expedition to tow up to 8,000 pounds.

Not surprisingly, the '03 Expedition wasn't quite so impressive when it came to fuel economy. Getting from 13 to 14 mpg city, and from 17 to 19 mpg highway, depending on model, it was pretty thirsty. But plenty of drivers overlooked its gas-guzzling ways in favor of the roomy comfort and safety the Expedition provides.