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:
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GOOD CAR - 1997 Ford Expedition
By FRANKITO - February 2 - 2:00 amGREAT CAR, EASY TO HANDLE
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Best Ive owned - 1997 Ford Expedition
By djcash2000 - January 31 - 2:00 amI have owned this vehicle from 37000 miles till 112000 and this has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. The only issues that I have had was the window dropped inside the door right after I bought it, but the dealership fixed it. Recently I had to put on an alternator. Otherwise I have only changed the oil. No plug changes, or anything. It has 2 wheel drive, all wheel drive and of course high and low 4 wheel drive. The truck has held up wonderfully and is just about as tight as when I bought it. I now have a 5000lb camper and the truck is rated to pull it. It just has too hard a time getting up to speed, even with the 5.4 titan.
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Worth the Money - 1999 Ford Expedition
By AllWeather - January 31 - 2:00 amI purchased it new in September 1999 after wrecking my beloved Bronco. I threw the third seat away for it is a waste of space and too heavy. I commute in Buffalo, NY to my hospital job in as much as seven feet of snow, ice. I never missed a day of work. It never failed to start even in -17 degree weather, I still have the original battery it came with. I recently relocated to Las Vegas. I averaged 17 mpg with the truck loaded down. I have had only general maintance performed on the vechile. Except for a set of tires everything is original.
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Ford = high maintenance - 1999 Ford Expedition
By FormerFordFan-2 - January 29 - 2:00 amWhile in warranty I was forced to visit the dealer 4 times for repairs. But it was after the warranty expired that things really started to go wrong. Having spent over $9,000 in repairs since the warranty expired I am convinced that Ford sold me a defective vehicle and are continuing to sell this same vehicle still today. Sure the new one looks different, buts thats just marketing hype. Inside this vehicle hasnt changed, just ask any honest engineer or maintenance tech at Ford and they will tell you that the changes are cosmetic.
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97 expedition - 1997 Ford Expedition
By jeff vandeventer - January 28 - 2:00 amGreat all around vehicle. Good power, excellent handling, good brakes, great comfort. The only down fall is less than great gas mileage, but it is not awful. Great traveling vehicle with excellent four wheel drive capablities.
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Very unhappy - 1999 Ford Expedition
By egshepard - January 28 - 2:00 amFrom the first year we had this vehicle it has been one problem after another. Weve had the transfer case replaced twice (supposedly). We think the dealership never replaced it the first time. Replaced starter. Replaced shifter cable to linkage. Radio display consistantly does not display and scans through stations for no apparent reason. Passenger window works intermittently, so we dont use it. This was enough to keep us from ever purchasing another Ford vehicle. We are considering trading it in and going into to debt for a Honda Pilot even though our Expedition is paid off. Biggest mistake we ever made.
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great expedition - 2002 Ford Expedition
By little bit - January 24 - 2:00 amThis car is wonderful to drive. It is much better than the Honda Passport that I owned before this one. The gas guzzling is the only down-fall. The driver window pops really hard sometimes when rolling it up. Other than that the car is super and fun to drive.
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Safe Efficient SUV - 2000 Ford Expedition
By Urho - January 23 - 2:00 amI average 20 m.p.g. on the highway on flat terrain, but the 4.6 liter does have to work in the hills and the vehicle is loaded. After 4 years the truck is still in excellent shape and has not been in the shop for repair excepting a loose wire on the back up system. 5 star safety rating was a factor in purchase. Ford needs a 8-way seat as seen in the Honda Pilot.
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1999 expedition - 1999 Ford Expedition
By bill the ford guy - January 22 - 2:00 am1999 Ford Expedition, Eddie Bauer. Had the car since new. Bought it off lease after 3 years. Been happy with it except when I pull up to the pump.
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Love my Expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
By Tammy Mauney - January 22 - 2:00 amIlove to drive and ride in my expedition. Its only drawback is the gas expense, however if your willing to pay the price for comfort and quality as well as looks this is the vehicle!
