I've got a '99 Expedition with the larger (5.4?) engine. It drinks gas and its acceleration is not that great. It has, however, been extremely dependable and has 130,000 miles. It also has very good trailer pulling power. I can not even feel my 20' Mastercraft which I think is over 3,000lbs with trailer. My previous tow vehicle was an Explorer (4 liter ?) and I could really feel it being dragged down.
Interesting thing on the gas mileage. I get significantly better gas mileage pulling my boat. The reason is that I am driving 60 mph versus 70 mph. In other words slowing down 10 mph more than offsets the boat/trailer. That has not been the case with any of my previous tow vehicles.