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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  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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  Love it, but worried about longevity... - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Margaret B. - March 22 - 2:00 am

  29K miles, 1 mo. in shop. Drivers side door rattle from day one. Replaced panel & window track but rattle is back & pass. side has same problem. Steerings very tricky & theres a clunk/pop from underneath car when turning steering wheel. Replaced 2 steering shafts, pump & gear, still having problems. Car idles rough. #8 injector went bad & was replaced along with coil boots. Has died several times, wouldnt start & had to be towed. Poor mileage, maybe related to rough idling & injector problems? Feel safe in it overall, but seems like Ford could have made mine better!

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  I dont know - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By golf4me - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Leased a 2000 XLT w/ Sport Package, 5.4ltr., auto., 4x4 w/ automatic 4 wheel drive option for 3 years. I liked the power from the 5.4 since this is a BIG vehicle, had front and rear air and heat, third seat a joke, great stereo w/ 6 disc cd changer, and the ride height made me feel king of the road. Had to replace transmission at 54,000 miles not pleased. Dont use the auto 4 wheel drive in snow unless you want in a ditch, gas milage was about 14 on highway, 10 in city. I dont think Ill buy another one.

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  poor performance confortable ride - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By graychildren - January 20 - 2:00 am

  This suv has the comfort made for a king or queen but lack in exeleration and handeling hurts its performance.

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  great car - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By awesome ford - January 1 - 2:00 am

  i bought my expo in february and it is awesome. love the eddie bauer option. have had to get the tailgate adjusted because it was closing too tight and scrpaing the paint. also had to replace rear wiper moter because it got stuck in rear glass window and striped the moter. these were coverd under warranty so there was no problem whatsoever

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  Built Ford rough - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By The Man of La Mancha - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Replaced everything - shocks, brakes, about 5 windshield washer switches, 2 steering columns. And it still clicks in and out of 4 wheel drive and Ford will not help. Do yourself a favour - buy Japanese, forget sucker patriotism.

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  Dont buy this year - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By JMJ - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Due to the multiple electronic issues that this vehicle has caused us we are rushing to drop it before our extended warranty runs out. We know many others w/the SAME issues. The best 2 examples I can tell you from our experience was when it would continuously lock/unlock the doors while also having the radio on & the heater on full blast (no keys in the ignition) blamed on a faulty remote key. A more frightful example is where it was starting itself in our garage (again w/out keys). This time it was blamed on water shorting a computer... which sounds like the closest reason yet all of these electrical nightmares have happened.

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  Big Eddie - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By L. Redden - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I have a 97 Eddie Bauer Edition. Its never failed to start...unless it gets wet. The 5.4 pulls strong. I have had MORE than enough problems out of this SUV. Leaky sunroof, leaky windshield,the rack and pinion squeaks when turing, the "premium" stereo isnt premium,the amp for the rear sub no longer works, the AWD system engauges hard, the steering absolutely SUCKS, I have replaced the shocks, A arms on the front, brake rotors, window regulator, and my keyless entry/alarm doent work anymore, and a new rear wiper motor, my power mirros no longer work either. All these problems and ONLY 75K Ive always owned Honda products and never had any of these problems.

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  Worst Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By LAV - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Definitely a Monday or Friday car. Ford and the UAW should be ashamed of themselves for manufacturing my particular bucket of bolts. Terrible transmission was replaced at 5,000 mi. and is still clunky. Exterior plastic trim has faded. Lots of little things go wrong constantly like rear wiper motor, radio, compass, mirrors. Lotys of things have gone lose with screws, trim, fan motors etc. Very sqeeky ride. Its an overpriced pickup truck with extra seats. Would be perfect vehicle if it add an extra 6 inches behind 3rd rear seat and was built like a Toyota. In summary, American made hunk of junk

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  2003 Expedition / Exploder Looks - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Wifes Expedition - July 5 - 10:00 am

  This SUV looks like the Exploder. I think that little more originality could have been used to make it a little different besides the size. The interiors looks to bland and simple looking. They look CHEAP to me, again this an honest opinion. The same can be said for the new Expedition and the Exploder. By the way, in my side of town this car is not even available for sale yet. However, the pictures, which of course are embelished, and obviously using the EB or leather for presentation are deceiving. Welcome to Volvo (Too BOXY for my taste!)