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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  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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  Grey - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By woof - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Continued problems with electrical ystem caused three visits to dealership.

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  Not bad - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By heaven4 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I am somewhat impressed with my new EB expedition, but I am guessing I should have went with the Denali. No big problems so far just the overall ride is way off, truck is big and feels so in the ride area.

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  ouch - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By john murray - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Brake pad dust terrible. Too much plastic. Throttle whistle irritating. MPG poor. Wind noise bad. Side rear visibility not good. Insufficient horse power 5.4 engine. Noisy interior. Insufficient ground clearance compared to previous models. Memory system defective and cant be fixed.

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  More rattle than nerves of steal - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By timothy - September 11 - 10:00 am

  The more I drive it the more it rattles. First is was the suspension that needed to be tightened and now the interior doors and dash. The rear wings do not open consistently. Has Ford forgotten about Quality???? !!!! This is the 3rd XP and my second was clearly the best.

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  very thirsty, very very - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By mcbrad - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I loved this SUV but I could not get any better than 12 MPG. I was not heavy on the foot. Highway / in-town, did not matter - extremly poor gas milage. I owned a 2001 Expedition XLT with the 4.6L and it did a whole lot better. I thought the 03 would come close, not even. The estimated MPG that Ford puts on the sticker is a LIE. I fortunately sold the SUV and did not lose much money. I will make it up with the difference in my Toyota Sienna - that I am waiting for. You do not have to wait for a Ford Expedition - I wonder why!!!

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  Lemon Alert! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Highly Dissatisfied! - May 29 - 10:00 am

  We conducted extensive research and fell in love with this vehicle -- then we brought it home. The dealer installed DVD system fell out of the ceiling after two repair attempts. The next week the interior flooded due to a defective AC drain hose, and this weekend it wouldnt start - totally dead. We went to pick it up tonight, and now the power seats are not working. The cigarette lighter stopped powering our cell phone, and the preset buttons are not functioning. And,the windshield antenna wont pick up any radio stations unless youre in the middle of a metro area. Weve had this SUV six weeks, but the dealer has had it more often than we have.

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  leaking seals - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Robert W Gray - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Very disappointed! Had the oil pan gasket replaced at 3000 miles and now at 6000 miles just had the main rear seal replaced.Front tires constantly dirty from brake dust(really poor design). Climate control doesnt seem to run as smoothly as my wifes 2002 Mercury Sable. I had a !998 Ford F150 Lariat and never had a problem with it, wish I had it back.

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  Rattles - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Pork Pie - December 23 - 10:00 am

  This is the most disapointing vehicle we have ever owned. Its not that it is a bad vehicle, but for the money we paid we had certain expectations, and it just does not live up to them. The rattles started at 250 miles and have got worse since then, rattles in the doors, roof, dash and seats. Trim pieces that dont fit. After six visits to the dealer some are resolved and some never will be. The good news is that there is a partial fix for the doors, there is a TSB from Ford, which consists of replacing the door locks and door seals, unfortunately it took 4 trips to the dealer before they found the TSB.

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  Wish I never purchased it. - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By jnice - November 30 - 10:00 am

  It may be because I purchased it used w/ 30,000 miles, but I have too many problems. At 50,000 miles (1 year later) A/C not working, rear locks not working, something wrong with the transmission, the expensive warranty I purchased does not cover. Trade-in value is low and I have to pay thousands to get rid of it. My previous car, a Toyota Camry of 5 years/66,000 miles had no problems. Make sure you plan on keeping it if you buy it. I would consider another SUV like the Escalade or Navigator.