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:
Showing 1051 through 1060 of 1,452.00-
Good Choice - 2003 Ford Expedition
By jhlong - December 25 - 10:00 amBefore deciding on the Expedition I did a lot of research both on the Internet and in person. I narrowed my choices to the Tahoe and the Expedition. I chose the Eddie Bauer Expediton and it was a great choice. It drives like a dream and the handling is very tight. On the road it has all of the power I need. The fuel economy is higher than what my research lead me to believe. I am very satisfied with my purchase.
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Expedi - 1998 Ford Expedition
By TC Mouse - December 25 - 2:00 amThis 98 Expedition has met all expectations for reliability, comfort, towing, performance. Original owner, hauls cargo, three dogs, family trips, great road viz, no travel fatigue.
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The Limo of SUVs, Big, Bad & Safe - 2000 Ford Expedition
By Troy Kelly - December 23 - 2:00 amWe bought our fully loaded Expedition in mint condition. We purchased a new car warranty because we were worried about so many options breaking. After 8,000 miles, nothing has broken, and it still drives like new. Feel very safe with our kids in the vehicle. This car is sure to turn head on size alone. Overall these are beautiful SUVs, with all the bells and whistles inside there more like a RV. Room inside is unmatched, and this SUV can pull anything without strain. Perfect traveler vehicle with children or animals! Drives like a compact in parking lots, brakes arent as powerful as we would like on a SUV that size. Overall, plan to keep for many years.
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Not worth the money - 1999 Ford Expedition
By Leon Pollack - December 20 - 2:00 amThis vehicle has been nothing but problems. My electrical system started failing before I reached 40,000 miles. I have a vehicle that has less than 65,000 miles and Im replacing the electrical system in the column for $1200. I ahve put more than $6000 into this vehicle over the past two years. next week im going out to buy me a Japanese (Toyota sequoia or Nissan Armarda) SUV. I ahve had it with American vehicles. I have owned all brands and now i understand why people buy foreign vehicles. I also understand why American companies give you a three year warranty, their vehicles are onbly designed to last three years.
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Third Times a Charm - 2003 Ford Expedition
By Flyfsh - December 19 - 10:00 amClearly the best Expy the moment you take the now shorter climb aboad. From the smaller steering wheel, rack and pinion steering, car sounding starter and lush interior, my 03 EB Expy is a dream to drive. It feels lighter to drive than my 2000 EB Expy with less body roll and porposing front to back. Very smooth, very quiet. Luxury ride. Feels less like a truck ride, but better than a GMC which rolls too much.
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Best money I ever spent - 2004 Ford Expedition
By Rick A - December 19 - 10:00 amWe just recently purchased our 2nd Expedition and I have to say, GOOD JOB FORD!! They finally listend to the customers and have delivered an SUV worth the money. The interior space and power fold third row seat make it easy for me and the family to go on the long trips and still have room for our kids.
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A++ Great truck - 1998 Ford Expedition
By 100yrs-of-FORDS - December 12 - 2:00 amI have had NO Problems w/this truck. I would buy another. 5.4L is great!
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love my expedition - 1997 Ford Expedition
By brandtgarrison3784 - December 12 - 2:00 ami love my expedition. it is a fun vehicle to drive with a lot of power.
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no problems - 2000 Ford Expedition
By texasexped - December 8 - 2:00 amI bought my 4x4 XLT with 5.4 back in 2000. It was a dealer demo with 1500 miles on it. I have never had s single mechanical problem with it yet. It now has 37000 miles on it. I would buy another. Its a great truck for freeway driving. Its a dog as a grocery-getter though. I still have no regrets though.
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A Best Buy for the money! - 2000 Ford Expedition
By AKC - December 5 - 10:00 amI had a 97XL Expedition and yes I had some trouble in the first few thousand miles. However, Ford worked diligently to fixe every problem. After a year of issues, they upgraded me to a 99 XLT w/ leather and the payment stayed the same. Now I have a 00 XTL (loaded) and Im about to get a 03. Overall, I am very pleased and you will too if you have some patience and expect that all vehicles wont be perfect. My wife has a Lexus IS300 and weve had just as many problems (and thats a luxury vehicle).
