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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  Looked at many Large SUVs - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By pushka21 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought the 2001 XLT used. The ride is fantastic and I got the 9 passenger with the front bench seat.

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  1999 EB Expedition - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By kpmallory - February 12 - 2:00 am

  After 3.5 years it is frustration. Stuff just breaks on it! We have replaced: door locks, fuel pump, gear shift column cable, the entire electronic panel and cruise control and other things I cant remember. It all started with a squeak about a week after we bought it. . I took out for the first time ever, an extended warranty, it has paid for itself. As much as I love my truck, it is frustrating to pay all that money for a product that has failed to live up to expectations. I cant really recommend it to anyone. Maybe I got that 1 in a 1000 that just has issues but from what I read, I dont think I am that unlucky.

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  whats not to like? - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By mpc - February 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my wifes around-town car, but we also use it for travelling. In both areas it has proved its worth. She finds it comfortable and easy to drive, practical at hauling around family, friends and shopping, and it can always be trusted to provide towing for my own less reliable motor. But it really shines at vacation time. We drive long distances and the kids just dont complain - theres enough room for one of them to be asleep flat while the others play around. And it handles the off-road portions admirably (even with only 2WD). To sum it up: comfortable, practical, versatile. (There is that fuel economy thing, though!)

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  quality - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By ander - February 11 - 2:00 am

  Based on thr F-150 this is a solid reliable truck with a solid engine and a nice body.

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  I like it a lot - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By sbcloribelle - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I really like this SUV however the gas mileage is the killer. If this car could get at least 18miles to the gallon it would be much easier on my pocket. The rest of the car is great!!!! I love the horsepower.

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  Moved Up - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By bgblue - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 1997 Explorer for the Expedition, it 5.4 liter engine and carrying a bucnh of kids were the big reasons. I have to say the 5.4 is a great choice for towing, but i would have liked a choice of a 3.73 rearend instead of the 3.55 that it came with, but cant always choose when buying used. All in all a great move for me and the fuel milaege hasnt been as bad as one might think, im averaging 16.8 with both in town and highway mixed.

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  BEST ONE YET - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By RON G - February 3 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY 3RD EXPLORER SINCE 1991, AND THE 2002 EDDIE B IS THE BEST. THE RIDE THE QUALITY, EVERYTHING ABOUT THE VEHICLE IS EXCELLANT. LOOKED AT THE TRAILBLAZER, DROVE IT AND DECIDED TO STAY WITH EXPLORER.

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  Enjoying my Expedition - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By kvfd518 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased an 2001 XLT 4WD after conparing the Tahoe, and Navigator. By far this vehicle just is easier to drive. It has the power as well as the space. Will pull 3 motorcycles with no problem. Great space for a growing family like mine. Overall a very nice vehicle. Previous purchase was a BMW, still have it but I truly enjoy driving this truck!!! After removing the 3rd row seat, and folding downt the back, I put a couch in it!! Still had a little room!!!

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  Eddie Bauer heaven - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By jmcruz - January 30 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is smooth, strong, and fun. Best of all, its a Ford!

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  Excellant - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Daveyy - January 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is soo much fun....I am a 16 year old who just loves my Expedition...I have the 5.4 L....that car can really take off...The only bummer is when you have 4x4 like my car the gas mileage isnt very good. Especially if you like to drive you car hard and fast. Well leather is crucial for important and it just adds that much the the comfort of the ride.