Overview & Reviews

The Ford Expedition is a full-size sport-utility vehicle based on Ford's popular full-size pickup truck platform. With rear- or four-wheel drive and seating for as many as nine adults, the Expedition has long been on the short list of vehicle choices for full-size families as well as anyone who needs the combination of versatility and grunt provided by a large SUV.

Big, tall and heavy, the Ford Expedition is every inch a truck, its large body wrapped around a comfortable and spacious cabin. The latest generation of the Expedition doesn't feel as cumbersome to drive as its extravagant dimensions and hefty weight suggest, but you'll still be reminded of just how full-size the Expedition is at the gas pump. In many cases, a large crossover SUV would be a better new or used vehicle choice given the advantages in fuel economy, handling and comfort. And if you really need something big and tow-worthy, other traditional SUVs like the Chevy Suburban are also worth a look.

Current Ford Expedition
The current Ford Expedition is offered in two lengths -- standard and EL -- and three trim levels: XLT, Limited and King Ranch. The EL has a 12-inch longer wheelbase and nearly 15 inches of additional overall length. The biggest reasons to consider the EL are the massive cargo space behind the third-row seat (more than twice that of the standard Expedition) and the longer rear doors that ease entry into the third row.

All Expeditions are powered by a 5.4-liter V8 that produces 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. As with most full-size SUVs, the Expedition is offered with a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

The well-equipped XLT comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, air-conditioning, a power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, a sliding and reclining 40/20/40-split second-row seat, Ford's voice-operated Sync system, Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, an iPod/USB interface and rear audio controls. Limited highlights include 20-inch polished wheels, a rearview camera, a power liftgate and a leather-lined, truly luxurious interior. The King Ranch adds special two-tone paint, unique wheels, upgraded leather upholstery and wood accents. Options include a load-leveling rear suspension, navigation, heated and cooled seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The Ford Expedition features fold-flat second-row seats as well as available power-folding third-row seatbacks that together create a wide, flat cargo floor. Families with infants will appreciate the sliding center position of the second-row seat, which can bring a child in a safety seat up to 11 inches closer to the front-seat passengers.

In reviews we've found Ford's full-size SUV pleasant to drive for a big SUV thanks to precise steering and a comfortable ride quality. In most situations, the 5.4-liter V8 provides decent performance. Take on a full load of passengers and cargo or hitch up a large trailer, however, and the engine's weakness becomes all too apparent. Shoppers who expect to regularly fill the cabin with passengers and/or tow heavy loads might want to consider the Ford's few rivals, which offer more available power.

Used Ford Expedition Models
The current, third-generation Ford Expedition is the product of a major refresh conducted for 2007. However, whereas previous-generation Expeditions could hold up to nine passengers, the current generation holds only eight, due to standard front bucket seats. Changes have been minimal; the most notable occurred for 2009 when the Expedition got Ford's Sync multimedia voice control system, and the following year, when trailer sway control was added.

The second-generation Ford Expedition was introduced for the 2003 model year. Compared to the current generation, the styling was different and a less stiff chassis resided underneath. Ride and handling were not as good, and the standard automatic transmission had only four gears. There were also fewer available features, including three-row side curtain airbags. However, compared to its predecessor, this Expedition was a vast improvement -- specifically in regards to driving dynamics, thanks to its independent rear suspension. It was also the first SUV to offer power fold-into-the-floor rear seats, a feature that its General Motors rivals wouldn't receive for more than a decade.

Engines for this second-generation model consisted of a 232-hp 4.6-liter V8 and a 260-hp 5.4-liter V8. For 2005, Ford dropped the smaller engine and increased the 5.4-liter V8's output to 300 hp. The model line eventually proliferated from four trim levels at its debut (including an off-road version called FX4) to six for 2006, including the opulent, western-themed King Ranch edition. Safety-minded shoppers should know that all years of this generation came with stability control, with tire-pressure monitors becoming available with the 2004 models.

In reviews, we thought this Expedition competed favorably with its contemporary competitors from General Motors, Nissan and Toyota. If there was one area of contention -- especially in pre-'05 models -- it was a lack of muscle. On the whole, though, this edition of Ford's big SUV provided solid handling for a vehicle of its size. It still felt like a big SUV, but the steering was decently weighted and body roll was well controlled around turns. The ride could be a tad harsh on rough roads, but overall, it was a comfortable cruiser.

Launched for the 1997 model year, the original Ford Expedition was met with heaps of praise. Its dimensions fell between those of the short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase versions of the GM sport-utilities at the time, enabling it to both accommodate a third-row seat and fit inside a normal garage, albeit tightly. With a front bench seat, it could carry up to nine passengers.

The first-generation Ford Expedition came in just two trim levels: XLT and the more luxurious, two-tone Eddie Bauer. Both featured interior architecture that was nearly identical to the F-Series pickup, which offered good ergonomics but was rendered in lamentable materials. Its 215-hp 4.6-liter and 230-hp 5.4-liter V8 engines also could not keep up with the stronger motors from its primary competitors, a deficiency that was addressed in 1999 with a horsepower bump for both engines, of 25 and 30, respectively.

User Reviews:

• 

  Expedition EL Review - 2009 Ford Expedition
  By JenTaylor - January 28 - 2:19 pm

  Had a 2007 expedition EL that was totaled in an accident. Looked around and the 2009 was still the best for us. The fold down seats are so wonderful when I have that "emergency" with more kids to haul around. I currently have 2 car seats in the car and was able to have 5 adults and 3 children with Car Seats and 2 full size strollers in the cargo area. Then dropped the one family off, folded down the seats and went grocery shopping. Also this hugh car turns on a dime, U- turns in tight corners are no problem. The transmission seems to give more power to this vehicle over the 2007.

• 

  happy overall - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By osufan - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I have broke down once and had several warranty items to deal with.

• 

  Good truck - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Rideflytx - December 26 - 1:16 pm

  We bought this over the GM alternatives because of the interior design. Overall a good truck and reliable transportation. Transmission lost third gear around 120,000 miles and had it rebuilt. Other than that, no other mechanical issues. Interior cup holder in dash got stuck, some sort of grease leaked out from under the center console and stained the carpet. Otherwise solid truck. Would buy again - selling now to move to smaller car since we are out of infant seats.

• 

  Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Stinky - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Hard to get in and out. I am tall. Running boards do not help and acutally get in the way. Would buy again

• 

  What a difference 10 years makes! - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By J Tant - December 15 - 9:37 am

  I used to own a 1997 Expy EB which I drove until it died. After driving a 4 door sedan my family started growing which meant I needed a larger vehicle. I found a nice 06 Expy Ltd which I recently purchased. Its a good SUV! I appreciate the independent rear suspension which allows the third row seat to fold flat, something my 97 was missing. The overall driving experience is much enhanced as well. Theres plenty of room inside for everything and everyone I haul around, towing capacity is perfect for what I need, and the Expy actually does pretty well with off-road beach driving. Overall, this is much improved over the 97 Expy I used to have. Im very impressed.

• 

  2008 Expediton EL Was Better - 2016 Ford Expedition
  By David Neal - November 6 - 3:50 pm

  Ive owned Fords from my first car. V-8 was Ford in my opinion. We moved up from a 2008 Expedition EL 5.4 V-8 with 130K miles, that was averaging 17.4 MPG. Despite the hype the EcoBoost is given regarding fuel economy, Ive got just short of 8K logged on this vehicle. Driving down hill with a tail wind in neutral Im averaging 16.2 MPG. Not what I expected. We are over 70 and have long past the "Roger Racer" phase of lead footing. Ford should have kept the 5.4 V-8 in this vehicle, put twin turbos on it, then they would have had something to brag about. Or at least offered the 5.4 as an option. Secondly having to scroll through computer displays to find various gauges is annoying especially while driving. We looked at the GMC counter part and regret not purchasing that unit. V-8, better MPG, and gauges to look at. Radio reception on Serius keeps loosing connection as does Blue Tooth from my MPS iPhone. We have reset Serius once and hasnt improved the issues. Most Noticeably the problems occur when we are near cell towers it seems. This didnt happen with the 2008 and Serius.

• 

  Nice Big Camping Machine! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Brad G. - November 3 - 10:00 am

  We love the commanding view of the road and the smooth ride. VERY comparable to the "Luxury SUVs". The interior is very luxurious with incredibly comfortable leather. The engine could be a little more powerful but its a truck...how quick does it really need to be? It has plenty of power for towing but not as quick as others on the road.

• 

  Excellent redesign - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By paulb - October 14 - 10:00 am

  As close you are going to get to a luxury sedan ride in an SUV. The independant rear suspension really helps the handling and ride along with allowing them to come up with best designed third row seat in any SUV. I owned a Durango previously and once my son grew over 4.5 feet he outgrew "his" 3rd row, which was an innovation at that time. After the first year Ford should put some more thought into the interior features. Have not tested the off road performance...yet.

• 

  Awesome truck - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By grimja - October 13 - 11:41 pm

  Weve had our Expidition for four or five years now and it has 158,000 miles on it due to the long trips we take it on. Even though the family doesnt go many places together anymore I still like to drive it, even though the gas mileage is impractical. I just love how comfortable it is. It doesnt get up to speed very fast, but thats not what it was built for. The thing has only let me down once and it was due to a vacuum leak and that was two years ago. Now all I am worrying about is the rear end, which leaks fluid. Other than that it is great for its age, doesnt eat oil and even though the kids gave it a beating, you cant tell it at all.

• 

  King of the pullers and hawlers - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Ken - October 2 - 5:00 pm

  We bought this vehicle (new) to replace a 91 Chevy Suburban (which started falling apart after 65K miles). Its primary mission was to pull a 4000# boat and haul kids and hockey gear. It has been a great vehicle. It has been an everyday driver for my wife and she likes the automatic all wheel and four wheel drive features in the winter. I love it when I have 2 adults, 5 big teenage boys on board, full fuel, bags and pulling a boat easily at 70mph. Of course I dont look at the fuel computer because it is really depressing. But it gets the job done easly.