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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SPARK PLUG BLOWS OUT #3 - 1999 Ford Expedition
By RON BLONIGEN - July 17 - 2:00 amDRIVEING IN TRAFFIC STARTED TO MOVE AGAIN THIS TRUCK MADE A NOISE LIKE THE WHOLE BOTTOM END WAS COMING APART,CALLED FORD PARTS HOUSE THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT FORD NOISE ABOUT AND HAS A UPDATED PART FOR THE PROBLEM I CALL THE 800 HELP LINE THE PERSON WHO I TALKED TO TOLD ME THAT AT THIS TIME FORD HAS A TSB ON THE PART AND THAT FORD IS JUST TRYING TO MAKE A BETTER PART FOR THE CUSTUMER. THIS REPAIR COST ME 1800.00 TO HAVE FIXED IM FAR FROM THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS THIS PROBLEM JUST LOOK ON LINE
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do it again - 1999 Ford Expedition
By offrdal - July 17 - 2:00 amthis has been a joy to own. does everything thats been asked. towing, haulin, & good off road capability.
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towing great - 2001 Ford Expedition
By jjones6211 - July 15 - 2:00 amWe upgraded from the Explorer to the Expedition for its towing abilities. We discovered that it has much more to offer in the cabin also. It surpasses all other large SUVs that we have driven. We plan to take this one to the grave.
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01 EXPEDITION - 2001 Ford Expedition
By lee rimbach - July 14 - 2:00 amThe Expedition is a good looking, well made vehicle. I carries the whole family in comfort. The 2 a/cs really keep the vehcile cool in the AZ summers.
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Drews Expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
By Andrew Thompson - July 9 - 2:00 amThis has been a great truck. Its comfortable and reliable, and has been a great value for the money. Im currently in the process of trading it for a new one - same truck!
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Can ford do anything right??? - 2001 Ford Expedition
By fordhater - June 26 - 2:00 amsince new had to go back in the shop in 3 months for various repairs..since then all down hill...rpm needle jumps up to 2 at idle and they fixed it but it still does it when i stop the brake pedal will vibrate and the car will too oh but the reverse sensing sys. fails to work everytime its dirty..but now i would like to sell it and it only has 16000 miles on it and it cost me 42000 and its only worth 24000, thanks alot i really got my bang for my buck...ford look at toyota and honda, and nissan about car values for crying out loud
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EXPY=EXCELLENT, XPERIENCE, PERFECT, YES! - 2004 Ford Expedition
By embeth - June 19 - 2:00 amI TRADED IN MY 1998 EDDIE BAUER EXPY, FOR A 2004 EDDIE BAUER EXPY, AND IT IS LIKE NIGHT & DAY! THE 2004 IS AWESOME! DRIVES AND HANDLES SUPERB! I LOVE IT, AND DOESNT EVERYONE ELSE WHO SEES IT!
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Outstanding Value - 2004 Ford Expedition
By Bruce Templeton - June 19 - 2:00 amI researched all the full-size SUVs and in the end nothing delivered Expeditions combination of features, flexibility, and good handling. The fold-flat seat is critical for our family...we can take long trips with the seat folded down and the cargo area filled with luggage, then when we arrive we can fold the seat back up and cart around up to 8. Cant do that with any other full-size SUV, other than the Armada, but for some reason Nissan didnt offer a rear seat that is split in half.
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Awesome SUV - 1999 Ford Expedition
By MarbleLife - June 15 - 2:00 amWe bought our Exp EB used with 50K miles and we currenlty have 70K with no problems what so ever. Runs tight, no rattles or anything. My wife and I love the handling and the room it has. Really was the best vaule for the $$$. We looked at the Toyota but it is way over priced, we figure even if the Ford did give us some problems we would still be ahead from all we saved in price. Good truck!!!!
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This is a big step up... By Bobby C - 2003 Ford Expedition
By cripler10 - June 11 - 10:00 amThis truck is a lot better than its predecessor. The improved styling is really nice. The interior comfort has really been increased and it is a lot more functional.
