Expedition EL vs Suburban No chevy or ford bashing please.

[yelbike]

So I owned a 2003 Tahoe for some time, but with a growing familly I need the extended length of a Suburban. The Tahoe has almost no room behind the third row of seats. Its the wife truck(sorry SUV) and she's pretty stuck on the full size.

After looking around for a good used one, I've come across a couple of nice expedition el. Although I have a small Ranger for work, I've never really considered full size fords. I think there is way more suburban/yukon xl/tahoe/caddies around than expedition el/ navigator. Maybe its perception.

Anyways I'msearching for insight from those who've driven both and what their perception was the best vehicle.

Thanks ahead of time for your sight!

 

[zlock24]

I own an expedition el and it is much more than a wife truck. It tows and hauls just as good as a full size pickup. Plus the third row of seats power fold flat and you can fit 4x8 sheets of plywood in it!! To be able to do that in a suburban you must completely remove the rear seats. I strongly recommend the Eddie Bauer edition EL model with the factory tow package

 

[timswi]

Both brands have fine extended SUV's....I'm partial to the GM's due to exceptional luck with them...I've had Tahoes and Suburbans and loved them both. I also have friends with Expeditions and Excursions and they love them too.

Not Ford bashing, but some of the modular motors had some issues with spark plugs and manifold bolt rot out....Stuff happens...They all have their own issues.

I also see a 4 to 1 variance of Suburban and Tahoes around here too, just the local markets I guess....

Either way, you'll be good...Just drive both, you'll know when you drive it..Good luck and we want pictures when you make your decision...

 

[tcartwri]

The Fords have a real third row seat that adults can sit in. That's the biggest selling point.

One big negative, because of the independant rear suspension they have wheel bearings that need routine replacement. At $4~600 per wheel, it gets old real fast. Expect no more than 80 to 100 thousand kilometers between bearing service.

They also come in an extended version, but those are fairly rare.

I haven't driven a sub in a long time, but the 1500 series are one of my favourite road vehicles.

 

[zzvyb6]

Wifeys like the G-Vans, too (Chevy Express 15 pass). Lots of windows, seats are removable, not just foldable. We've camped in one (full size mattress is very cool). I prefer the forward control (No hood and fenders out front). Its the ideal flea and antique market hauler. Not a snow puppy, though.

The recent GM's have the Active Fuel Management (runs on 4 cyl under light load).

Neighbor has the Expedition and loves it. Only problem has been rusted out brake lines. She pulls her horses all around the state with it.

 

[Hollow]

My current ride is an 07 Avalanche (same as a Sub just a different roof line). I bought it new in may of 06, it was literally one of the first two the dealership got in the current body style. The only thing I have ever done to it is oil filters and had to buy better brakes because the discs warped as soon as I started pulling my tractor with it. And its had a hard life pulling a lot of heavy loads. It's been a great truck, but I'll just never own another GM product as long as the government is involved. My mother owned an expadition not long ago, I like Ford and think they are dependable but the thing had a rough ride and the interior seemed cheap, and it had hard seats. I just wasn't very impresses. We will be looking at trading the avalanche in the fall. I'm about 99% positive we're going to go with a Nissan Armada.

 

[Topkicker]

I would go with the Suburban. I prefer a solid axle for towing. You can also get the Surburban in 3/4 ton. I worked at Arlington Assembly where they're built. Very good quality products. I'm close to buying the wife a new Tahoe. I will give Ford credit for the power folding rear seat. That's one option I wish the Tahoe had. Not that big of a deal w the extra storage on the Surburban though.

 

[Monster5601]

I'll vote for the Suburban. I bought my first Suburban in 1986 and my last one in 2004. I've now switched over to Tahoes (2008 and 2003, the later mine with 181K miles) since the kids are all gone now.

I've pulled everything from travel trailers , boats, and car trailers and never has an issue with any of them.

I truly believe that these days, you will find equal ability and reliability with the Ford's too. If it wasn't for me getting the GM employee discount I would consider Ford.

 

[VTFireftr]

I bought a used 2008 Expedition Eddie Bauer last March. I'm a ford fan so never gave a thought to the bow tie.

Great truck! I also own a 2005 F250 diesel pickup. Mainly use the Expedition to haul the dogs and as a "grocery getter" when the snow or mud gets too deep for the wife's Subaru.

We did haul our 7 x 14 trailer box trailer out and backfrom South Dakota last summer without any problems. This is a very comfortable truck, and drives more like a car than a 1/2 ton truck.

If you are looking at used vehicles, find one that best fits your befget. If buying at a Ford dealership, make sure you have them run and Oasis report before buying (Ford warranty and service history). I'm sure GM also has a similar report, but I don't know what it is called. A Car Fax is not as accurate.

Good luck.

 

[Lt CHEG]

I'd vote for the Suburban if for no other reason than Ford killed the Excursion. Truthfully they're both good trucks, and either would serve you well. I had a first generation (1999) Excursion as a government vehicle for a while and it was nice inside, but I felt it to be very underpowered. They've come a long way since then though and I'm sure the new ones are very good.