1997 Ford Expedition Best of the bigs. By Ray Thursby, New Car Test Drive .com

For many years, General Motors has had the full-size four-door sport-utility

market to itself. The Chevrolet/GMC Suburban, augmented in 1994 by the

slightly smaller Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon, were really the only choices

for those who wanted a lots of interior space, heavy-duty towing capacity

and, properly equipped, the capability of taking to the backwoods. The

only other entry with similar size and capabilities was the warlike AM

General Hummer.

The picture has changed now. With its new Expedition--soon to be joined

by a luxury Lincoln version called Navigator--Ford has launched a serious

bid for a share in a small (but growing, and lucrative) market.

The price of size and V8 muscle, of course, is indifferent fuel economy,

even in a class of vehicles known collectively for thirst. And with the

Suburban, at least, garageability can be an issue. But with the world's

lowest fuel prices, the mpg issue is offset for U.S. buyers by the appeal

of generous interior volume, comfort and the security of being surrounded

by lots of structure.

These are, obviously, big vehicles for big jobs. And unless you're planning

to tow a bulldozer, the Expedition stacks up as the best of the bigs.