The 2008 Ford Expedition EL SUV is continuing the Expedition tradition of 5-star safety ratings from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). That's the highest rating available for crash-testing. For the second year since its release, the extra-length (EL) Expedition rates as highly as any vehicle, including the Lexus RX 350 in terms of safety for its occupants. The standard Expedition has achieved the same rating for eight years running now. Let's take a look at a few of the reasons why:

The Expedition EL offers what's known as AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control). This is a complex, high-tech computerized system that monitors several variables including: the particular driver's style, the conditions of the road being driven and weather conditions to determine the optimal torque delivery to each of the four wheels. Ford wants all of your wheels to stick, not slip. The system works in conjunction with the standard anti-lock braking system (ABS). When the conditions are sensed to be approaching danger, the system automatically reduces the torque delivered to individual wheels and increases it to others.

In addition to state-of-the-art driver, passenger and side-impact airbags, the 2008 Expedition EL presents you with the Safety Canopy. This canopy is another revolutionary Ford safety feature designed for the protection of all three passenger rows of seating. The entire cabin will become encapsulated in airbag safety in the event of a collision. These bags of love will self-inflate instantly above and to the sides of all outboard passengers.

This 2008 Ford delivers more than safety, folks; it delivers a serious heap of power via its 5.8L Triton V8 engine! The standard 6-speed automatic transmission is class exclusive and produces the low-end torque needed for excellently-smooth operation, especially while towing heavy loads. The Expedition EL has a towing capacity of 9200 lbs and delivers impressive 300 horsepower performance. You can easily haul your boat or camper to any destination desired in elegant style and comfortable luxury.

Ford has also thought about items like the power-driven tailgate, increased passenger legroom, power running boards and a powerized 3rd row seat for your comfort and convenience. Tailgating is simple and fun in your new Expedition EL SUV! The EL grants you 24 extra cubic feet of cargo/passenger space as compared to the standard Expedition - this truck is large! You can pack in people, equipment, the grill and more and still have room for the dog. Other cool features include a rear camera for backing, a fully-integrated DVD entertainment system and high-tech navigational system availability. There isn't much more that one could even hope to find on a full-sized SUV.

Back all of that up with excellent customer service and the fabulous Ford reputation, and you have a recipe for one impressive piece of machinery. With a MSRP hovering at an option-dependent $31,000, you don't have to get a second mortgage to afford it either. The 2008 Ford Expedition EL: one of the finest full-size SUVs on the planet!