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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  Excellent - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By JMH28 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Expedition. I love everything about it.

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  Not a bad choice.... - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Kipper - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Expedition from its birth into this world. A great vehicle for moving stuff, people and pets. I have not had any major service issues though I find I am taking the vehicle in the shop more often after 50k miles. Taking the vehicle to the shop is really the main drag in owning this Ford. The service is atrocious at my local dealer EVERYTIME!!

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  Good Solid Vehicle - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Shelli917 - October 27 - 2:00 am

  We have had this vehicles for over 6 years and it has been a solid, reliable vehicle. The only thing that has ever gone wrong is that it needed a new alternator about a year ago and the rear differential sensor required replacement.

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  Safety - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By happytobealive - October 27 - 2:00 am

  Yesterday I was involved in a serious accident with my 1999 Expediation. If it wasnt for the fact that the truck was so well built and the handling was so tight, I wouldnt be here today. The drivers door took the full impact and the drivers compartment was not compromised in any way. Both myself and my husband (who was driving) walked away. The truck was totalled and I am going right out and buy another!! Excellent truck!

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  Mine was a LEMON!!! - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Mine was crap! - October 26 - 1:00 am

  My EXPLODITION was in the shop for 28 days in one year. The dealer was of know help in getting it purchased back through the lemon law. They are programmed by FORD to do everything possible not to take these vehicles back. If you want to return it you have to get a lawyer.

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  4 transmissions and only 33K - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Elster - October 24 - 5:33 am

  We are currently having our 4th !!!! Transmission replaced under warranty. This vehicle is awful and unreliable. Save yourself dont buy one!

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  Great SUV - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By n2umr - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I have always been a Ford van fanatic and this is the first SUV I have owned. What a great truck!! I should have bought one sooner!!

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  Expedition 1997 XLT - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By cyeack - October 20 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle delivers what it promises - - loads of space, good handling, reasonable power and suprisingly good fuel economy (17 city, 20+ highway). Issues are easy to resolve, with spare parts readily available and the vehicle design maintence freindly.

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  Unhappy Owner - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Branden Mattson - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Very dissatisfied with the Ford Expedition. Front brake dust will drive any consumer crazy. Fuel mileage is below average for the rating, about 10 MPG. Quality isn,t there from the wind noise in the windows to the rubbing of the wheels when you turn sharp. Agree with the back trunk room and the groceries falling out when you open the back tailgate. Most of all the trade in value after only a short time.

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  98 Expedition - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By continuedfordowner - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in 98, put 3000+ miles first week on vacation from Dallas to Phoenix. Experienced violent cross (60mph-blowing motor homes off road) and head winds. Ran perfect in all conditions. Only one issue with brakes, which were replaced by Ford in 2000. Turns better than many cars, and better than all large SUVs. Hope my future Expedition runs as well as this one. Uses lots of gas, but its moving a large vehicle.