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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  Great Vehicle - Front Seats Not so much - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Tattoole - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Great all around vehicle. Gas mileage is the pits. Would expect full power front seats. Manual adjustment for seat back is a joke for a vehicle with this many features. Even given this problem, very happy so far.

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  The Machine of all Machines - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Curtiss - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I was floored to note the quality that Ford has put into the 2003 Expedition. Quite, fast, and built for a large group. I dont think you could ask for more. Gas consumption is a different matter as its getting just under 18MPG on the open highway, but the old saying is, you get what you pay for. As for me, I paid a fair price and got a better than normal product.

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  Great Ride / Gas Hog - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By c25sailor - September 3 - 2:00 am

  The most comfortable of all the SUVs that I have owned to drive. This includes Suburban, Yukon, and Explorer. Roomy, quiet, smooth and comfortable. Only downside -- horrible gas mileage with the 5.4. Averaging 13.9 mpg --- with the Suburban 5.7 I got around 16.3 for similar driving. If Ford could get the economy up a little this would be the best SUV going. Now its great -- but drinks too much fuel.

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  Buyers Beware - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Conradikal - September 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Ford Expedition and had nothing but problems. I had two blown head gasket one @45000 and another @60000 miles. Five times I had to return it to the dealer for A/C repair. I wrote Ford a certified letter stating the problem and they never replied. Such service. It is the most unreliable vehicle Ive owned.

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  2002 Expedition - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By OldCIO - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Very satisfied with quality, comfort, convenience. Criticism of "twitchy steering" is overstated. Reasonable driving habits is all that is required. Fuel consumption is greater than the EPA estimate by 2 mpg on both City and Highway (12 vs 14 and 15 vs 17) Very capable towing. Hugh internal space for people and gear. No factory flaws - No complaints.

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  Nice Truck! - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By brickydfan - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought it used 9 months ago with 69000 miles on it. Now it has 80000. Ony routine maintenance so far. The family loves to travel in it. When I wear this one out I will get another.

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  My Review - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By sdw1363 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable seats a family of 4. Plenty of room for luggage.

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  Hucks Expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Grover Engle - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the vehicle at a low interest sale. I got a good price from the dealer. I had an Exlorer but wanted a bigger vehicle. This fit the bill. It has enough options to make it a pleasure to drive. I get around 18MPG on the road and about 13-15 in town, which surprised me. 6 CD changer sounds great. So far, so good.

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  Chevy man turns Ford - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By CodyG - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Been a rabid Chevy fan for 25 years of driving. The last few years Chevy prices keep going up and quality keeps fallin. Test drove a 2003 Expedition and was IMPRESSED! I think the Expy looks classy an expensive compared to the 2003 Tahoe/Yukon. The Expy it drop dead quite, rides very nice for an SUV and handles WAY better in turns than a Tahoe. It also cost less and has more torque and towing ability than the Tahoe. If this Expy is reliable (unlike my Tahoe) Ill be a Ford man for life. Thats saying a lot for me since Ive been a Chevy fanatic 25 years.

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  Ford nailed it on the new EXPY! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By AvMc - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Ford really got it right. This thing looks great and thrashes the Yukon I traded on ALL fronts. It has more leg room in the third row than the YUK. It handles much better and has no "roll" when taking turns. It handles more like a import sedan than an SUV. They say the YUK has more "punch". Well I cant tell it. This EXPY is just as quick and has much more torque than the Vortec.