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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  Good but unreliable - Really bad service - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By BradMoore - May 28 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is a nice driving vehicle but my particular vehicles transmission had problems at 35,000 miles. I took the car in to see if I could get it repaired but Ford said there were no problems. The transmission completely went out at 40,000 miles. Ford would only cover 80% of the costs even though the problem was first reported at 35,000 miles. If you are considering a Ford as a vehicle (which I made clear to Ford that I would never buy another vehicle from them), make sure you get the extended warranty because of the unreliability and service.

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  Very Satisfied - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By andrewtx - May 25 - 2:00 am

  We bought this vehicle new and have been very satisfied. We travel quite a bit (with 2 kids) and it is very comfortable on long trips. Weve used it to tow trailers and several occasions and had no problems. Only complaint is that the power door locks would quit working periodically. After trying to get Ford to fix them several times, I gave up and just started buying boxfuls of fuses and replace the fuse when the locks go out. No big deal. Only work done was brakes, tires and regular maintenace for > 100,000 miles

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  Poor Road Handling - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Robin Hood - May 21 - 2:00 am

  I have driven to mountain ski resorts and on major highways transporting college students and I am completely disappointed in the expeditions road performance. It sways badly when heavily loaded whether it is on the mountain road or the highway. The gas mileage is not as good as they predicted, it is much worse, even when I am not loaded down. I found my old caravan fit much more college furniture and dorm room items than the expedition. The only positive thing I can say about it is that the seats are incredibly comfortable, especially the front heated seats.

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  best car ive owned - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By babymj - May 18 - 2:00 am

  get the 5.4L get 2WD if you dont need 4WD, 2WD ride smoother

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  Very Good so far - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By RockiesExp - May 13 - 2:00 am

  We have had our Expedition for 2 months now and we love it. It rides great over most roads and the only time you can tell its truck origins is when you go over tall bumps. I drove it cross country and it was a dream on the road. The seats are very comfortable for long trips and the cruise control works perfectly. The adjustable pedals really make it easy to find the perfect driving position. Overall this is a great vehicle that we are very happy to own.

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  1998 Expedition - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Dguynes - May 10 - 2:00 am

  My vehicle has been very reliable...Great comfort with no mechanical problems. The ride is very smooth

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  2000 Sport - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By trueblue - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Overall have been satisfied with vehicle. The 4.6L engine is quite small for a heavy vehicle with 17"$ tires and a towing package. ABS went south at 40,000 miles ($1,000 to fix Ford/Dealer helped reduce to $200 out of pocket). Read wiper motor broke which lead to a fatigue failure of the wiper blade.

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  2000 Sport - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By TrueBlue - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Overall have been satisfied with vehicle. The 4.6L engine is quite small for a heavy vehicle with 17"$ tires and a towing package. ABS went south at 40,000 miles ($1,000 to fix Ford/Dealer helped reduce to $200 out of pocket). Read wiper motor broke which lead to a fatigue failure of the wiper blade.

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  love it - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By james nelson - April 27 - 10:00 am

  very durable yet comfortable vehicle,would definitely buy another one in the future

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  Expedition---Couldnt want more - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Grandmaof2 - April 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Eddie Bauer 4x4 Expedition. My 1997 was such a pleasant change from driving Suburbans for 19 years. So much more comfortable. The 2003 was a disappointment due to the Advance Trac not being what wed hoped for. This 2004 is not quite 3 weeks old but I love it. We had a good idea about the gas mileage so that isnt a problem.