5 Star Reviews for 1997 Ford Expedition

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.32/5 Average
69 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Ford's replacement for the aging Bronco is the all-new Expedition. Based on the 1997 F-150 platform, this full-size sport-utility vehicle is poised to do battle with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.

Pros:
  • Great big truck that can seat up to nine passengers and still fit inside a regular garage. Interior ergonomics are outstanding, and a nice standard equipment list make it competitive with other full-size utes.
Cons:
  • Engine could use a bit more oomph
  • Upshifts are rather abrupt and downshifts should happen a bit quicker.
  • Even the optional 5.4-liter has difficulty accelerating beyond speeds of 70 mph. The transmission could also use some refinement

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 69.00
  • 19 yr & still trucking strong - 1997 Ford Expedition
    By -

    This has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned plus the most economical overall when you consider purchase price over 19 yr with no repairs other than maintenance. The only expense has been fuel, regular oil changes, tires, air filters, brake pads, battery, and replacement of one broken suspension arm. This SUV has gone in deep snow when my other truck ( GMC) wouldnt. I no longer need to transport heavy or bulky loads but I hate to sell this reliable friend so I plan to continue to see how many more years shell go. Ill trade only if I can get a 20 yr. guarantee on a new SUV.

  • 333,000+ and still goin hard! - 1997 Ford Expedition
    By -

    Bought this truck at 300,000 miles with a cracked radiator. Only real maintenance done to this truck is a new radiator, new alternator, one new coil pack, and some gaskets and seals. Before we started playing around with it it got about 17 city 20-25 highway. After putting a 2.5 inch suspension and 2.5 inch body lift its down to about 10 city and 15-17 highway. Mine is actually the 5.4L Triton V8. Soon the driver side A-frame will need replacing and the passenger side rotor needs to be replaced.

  • 14 years of driving - 1997 Ford Expedition
    By -

    I bought her when my second son was born, traded in the 4 Runner. Towed the boat many miles and slept in the back camping many days. Snow, mud, rain did not slow her down. No major maintenance issues beyond a stuck shifter, compressor and alternator. Approaching 200,000, hot in winter, cold in summer. in a foot of snow and pulling a hill, nothing can stop her. I wanted to jump on the Obama $4,500 clunker deal but I couldnt bring myself to dumping her, they were going to seize her engine. It would be like putting my dog down, could not do it. I will drive her until she dies which will probably be around 280,000 to 300,000 miles.

  • My Expedition - 1997 Ford Expedition
    By -

    My Expedition gets me 20 mpg on the freeway and still around 15 - 16 mpg in town. This has been the best vehicle I have ever owned

  • The Big Blue Beast - 1997 Ford Expedition
    By -

    I have owned this truck for as long as I can remember, and it has only needed regular repair. The 5.4L could pull Chuck Norris in half if it had to. I tow snowmobiles every weekend for four months of every year in harsh MN winters, and I have done all of it in my 97. Nothing compares in power and comfort, and I would look to buy another one if this one dies

  • Best "car" we ever owned! - 1997 Ford Expedition
    By -

    First vehicle we ever purchased new. EXCELLENT performance never had any problems except factory recalls for cruise control and torque on wheels - all taken care of at no cost. Comfortable, safe, and reliable. Even though gas mileage is approx. 14 mpg around town, get about 22 on the highway. Our old Toyota Camry got about 18 mpg around town - this truck beats it in storage, comfort, and safety! For a couple hundred dollars extra in fuel costs, its cheap life insurance!! Will definitely purchase another Ford when this one wears out! But its built so well - no squeaks or rattles - doubt it ever will. Oh, its a 2WD with posi-traction and we pass 4WDs in the snow!

  • Best Ford SUV - 1997 Ford Expedition
    By -

    I have had my car for a about a week and love it. It is a little better than the base xlt because it has new shocks, suspension, new(upgraded) transmition, and towing package. Makes me feel important and safe while driving. The car has 166,000 miles but fells like it will run forever. The only issue i have had is getting the emitions checked, for some reason the car wont start if they have the OBD cord plugged in.

  • Great overall - 1997 Ford Expedition
    By -

    Im in the army so I drive long distances a lot along with living in a heavy snow state and pull several trailers. OK so it doesnt get the best gas mileage but how many of the people giving theirs a bad rating bought it for the mileage over the power and comfort you get out of it. I agree that the 3rd seat is bulky but its great to have and its easy enough to take out. I have the 5.4 triton and Ive owned 2 GMC Jimmys, a Chevy 1500 350s, and a Dodge Ram and it outdoes them all by far. It has far more torque, towing power and I drive through fields a lot where I work pulling over twice its own weight and never been stuck yet. I would say its the best vehicle in its class with out a doubt. Great!

  • 97 Ex EB 4x4 - 1997 Ford Expedition
    By -

    Well, Ive had this truck for just over 3 years now and have tickled pink since day one. Dont get me wrong, there have been a few issues such as having to replace 4 spark-pugs and their respective ignition coils (250 a pop really stinks for the coils!), 2 tires back in 06, and most recently had to replace the right head on the motor because the #5 plug blew out of the head damaging the head to the point that it could not be repaired - only replaced! Boy that was fun! Other than that, I couldnt ask for a better truck. Yes, fuel economy stinks. 11.6 m/g avg since I bought it, but I still love it. Just turned 150,000 and hope to get anothre 150,000 out of it, if not more!

  • Old Faithful - 1997 Ford Expedition
    By -

    We have loved this vehicle. We bought it with 108k, have 165k now. With three kids it has worn well, but showing signs of age. Ultimately it has met its death with me due to "electrolysis", which is not uncommon in this line of Fords I understand - there is a grounding fault that develops and the current causes the antifreeze to corrode the heater core, which we have replaced 4 times now. The frequency keeps increasing so we are parting ways for another expedition. It tows our camper wonderfully.

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