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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  Horrible SUV.. - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Mike - January 18 - 11:16 am

  Constantly having to repair. Ford put this thing together idiotically as to where they put everything making most of it impossible to fix without mechanical skills mostly due to inaccessibility..

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  good vehicle - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By chckinitout - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I am pleased with the ride of the vehicle. very smooth for an SUV. The feel while driving makes you feel safe. storage and cargo room not a problem, plenty of room. The leg space for the third row seating is great. I have never owned a large vehicle like this but now it is something that will be hard to give up if I had to.

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  Good truck - but post warranty problems - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Sarka - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Great people mover - family, kids and friends. Good performance from the 5.4. My main complaint is that right after Manuf warranty expired- Im talking 3 months and 2500 miles - I had problems with 2 power windows, door locks (child locks) air suspension tubing and compressor. This is my first Ford and because of these issues I doubt I go back.

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  Ill buy another! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By nicegurl - January 10 - 2:00 am

  The Expedition has everything I could want, it has the luxury, the size, the towing capacity, the safety features, the storage room, and much more!

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  Pretty good SUV - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By FlyingLow - January 10 - 2:00 am

  After year 3 (warranty expiration), we braced for any breakdown. Apart from the differential gear seal leak and one set of new tires, weve had no problems (major nor minor). The leather option is starting to show its wear (once I added lotion to my elbow, it stop wearing down). Great kid car.

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  to many repairs - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By bigpaul - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Just like all expeditions, the brakes last no more than 23,000. Ford denies it, but they used the explorer brakes on the expedition, and they are to small for this larger vehicle. We had to replace the starter, after being stranded several times, when it would not start when warm. Face it, Toyota you will never be!

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  EB4wd_SweetSUV - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By jekcartalk - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought New 1998, Drive a mixture of Highway and City. Avg 13mpg. Kids like the car. Good handling in all types of weather. Replaced Goodyear with Michelin ltx at 65k miles. Burns a little oil. No Electrical problems ( knock on wood). Smooth transmission, brakes could be better. Above average in most respects. Pleasantly suprised for a Ford Product.

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  Luvn my truck - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By SondraMorrison - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle for the sole purpose of being able to haul around my 4 children. It is wonderfull for that purpose everyone has plenty of room and it cuts out most of the bickering. My husband and I live in the country and we have also tried to get it stuck and so far it has not happened. It has real pulling power.

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  A - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Midwest Expedition - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Almost to 60k miles now and it drives like a new suv. Very good build quality. Consistent power, smooth shifting, easy towing. Quad captains chairs provide easy access to third row seat). Steering was a little "weird" recently I checked my tire pressures and found that all four tires were low and different. Filled to recommended PSI (30/front and 35/rear for mine) and steering was perfect again. Fuel economy is typical (not good... 15-16 tops on the highway). Bottom line: Im keeping mine for a while.

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  My Favorite Vehicle Yet - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Headwaters - December 28 - 2:00 am

  Being 64" tall, I was not able to find a midsize SUV that didnt lack headroom, legroom, width, or have the gear shift digging into the side of my right thigh. My 98 Expedition is the most comfortable, most rugged vehicle I have ever owned. Though huge, it is not overly "truck-like" in handling, it is powerful, roomy, unstoppable on the minimum maintenance roads I drive in Northern Minnesota. It rules.