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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  Out Utes Every Other SUV - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By SkiMan - July 7 - 2:00 am

  My 97 Eddie Bauer has been on many an expedition. With 60k miles, it has had dealer tune-ups and oil changes - and never needed a part. With Michelin LTX M/S on the rig the chains have stayed in the bag. We ski no matter what the weather, and the Expedition has gotten us there safely every time. The big 5.4 liter V-8 will "haul" up the hill, or easily haul a boat in the summer. If you want to do it all with a SUV, winter or summer, this is the rig for you.

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  ford expedition - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By gmf - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever owned. 2nd Expedition. Plenty of room for 5 and can carry 4 sets of golf clubs and still have room.

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  mincher - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By olfat1 - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Veh is great to drive, good pickup and handles real well. Good site over front over front of vehicle.

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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!)

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  very happy customer - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By bill roof - July 2 - 2:00 am

  a wonderful suv to own. My wifes favorite vehicle.

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  99 Expedition - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Kristopher - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought used, previously registered as a diplomatic vehicle for the United Nations in NYC (per Carfax). Now has 97000 miles on it. Lousy gas mileage, but comfy enough for a 64" driver. Clutch convertor problems on 99 models, as attested by another 99 owner. AC & heat strong, especially with rear HVAC controls. Leather holds up well, and 4wd works exceptional.

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  Finally, a thought-out SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Neptune - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Priced my XLT Premium 4X2 4.6L using Edmunds, and ended up with perhaps the best, easiest, and fastest buying experience Ill have for a long time. After 4 months of waiting on our special-ordered 02 Honda Odyssey, the 03 Expy rolled out and it was the next best buy (better?) after researching it. 2nd & 3rd row seats fold flat, standard towing, BIG engine, lots of room, highly competitive, price-wise and feature-wise, against any minivan on the market. Even side running boards are standard. Fuel Consumption? Check rates on 03 Expy XLT Prem 4X2 4.6L versus 02 Honda Osyssey EXL-RES, and what you pay in gas you save on insurance. EVEN TRADE OFFS.

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  Love my 09 Expedition - 2009 Ford Expedition
  By MS - June 26 - 10:26 pm

  Bought this car with 82000 on it in 2015. Its an EL and you cant beat the roominess, the comfort, the leather, etc. The mileage is not bad for such a big truck - solid real 11-12 in stop and go. Up to 18-20 if all highway. Mix gives solid 14-15 depending. My 2014 Durango (too small and weird shifting) only did a little better 14-15 in traffic and low 20s on the road. We liked the 09 Expedition so much we traded the Durango for a used 2015 Expedition. Which is also great, albeit mileage with the turbo is say 3 or 4 mpg better. Have 93000 on my 2009 now and I expected well get to 150,000 for sure. You can get a good price on a used one so let someone else eat the first and second (or more) years depreciation.

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  3rd Expedition -- 02 doesnt live up... - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By tx-gal - June 22 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned 97 2wd XLT and 99 4wd EB. My 02 doesnt live up to the Ford standard I am used to. The ride in my "Premier Package" EB is horribly rough... although I have been told, each time I take it to the shop, it is due to the "load leveling air suspension" -- and is to be expected. Not at all like my 99 4wd, which was a great, smooth ride. Also, sunroof sliding cover never stays tightly closed... I assume it is due to the rough ride. Another gripe -- why in a $40,000+ truck do you not have a power passenger seat??? I would caution anyone about the suspension, unless you like feeling every bump in the road as if it were a large rock in your way!

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  My 4th Ford - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Built Texas Tough - June 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a very functional SUV, with lots of creature comforts. Built sturdy, handles well on the open road, and lots of neat and innovative features. Only gripe is (WAS) the garbage General tires they put on as standard equipement lasted 10K miles before first blowout. Do yourself a favor and put Michelins on and it drives like a dream.