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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expedition 99 - 1999 Ford Expedition
By adr - April 2 - 2:00 amEasy to drive, drives like a car. Comfortable, lots of cargo space.
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I love my Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
By Steve Hicks - April 1 - 10:00 amThis is the third one. The 2003 is a superior vehicle in handling, ride and towing (even over the 97 & 01). I love my car. I put 167000 miles on the 97, 89000 on the 2001, and plan on driving this one for a long time. I sold the two previous to friends that love them (97 has 215000 now and runs like a new one). No problems with any of these cars.
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KING of the road - 2004 Ford Expedition
By corkyk - April 1 - 10:00 amThe 2004 expedition eddie bauer is a good car. Other than a few interior mistakes there are no problems. Gas milage is what you would expect in a large suv, and shouldnt matter in the buying process. When the dvd screen is down, forget about using the rear view mirror. When the sunroof is open all the way the noise level is a little high.
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id buy one - 1997 Ford Expedition
By bud in a ford - April 1 - 2:00 amthe only problem i have is that i cant change my own spark plugs and do some other typically "simple" services to this vehicle that i can do to some of my other older cars.
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Still luv it... - 2002 Ford Expedition
By Glen&Deb - March 31 - 2:00 amWe had a 97 XLT Expedition and liked it so much that we got an 02 Eddie Bauer. The kids love the rear entertainment center for movies and PS2 games. The leather is attractive and comfortable and just like our prior model, we plan to drive across country. The reverse sensors have helped my wife tremendously in parking lots also. I do however think the 03 model is beautiful and wish we had waited.
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Going Big - 2000 Ford Expedition
By Honda Convert - March 23 - 2:00 amIt was a choice between a minivan or an Expedition (duh!). We liked the comfortable interior. Going from a Honda CR-V to this was a big leap (we still have the CR-V for the work commute). We didnt realize how many more features this truck had (power seats, power adjustable pedals..). And the miles per gallon isnt that worse (Im lucky to get 20 mpg on the Honda). Ours came with a huge front seat console, illuminated running boards and 6-disc CD changer, all of which brought it close to an Eddie Bauer trim. And going from a four cylinder to a V-8, Im able to drive like I want to.
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Love My Expedition - 1997 Ford Expedition
By Jason Myers - March 22 - 7:45 pmI bought mine back in 97 when they 1st came out and from the time I took it home I feel in love, it very reliable NEVER got stuck out in the cold I have drove to Detriot,MI 3 times and with 12 of snow on the ground and this SUV took it like a pro. I like how roomy it is with lost of head room and extra space for friends or cargo I also like how versitile it is when you want to make changes to the exterior all I can say is this is a one of a kind suv.
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Cant wait for the 2003 model! - 1997 Ford Expedition
By cobbed,man - March 19 - 2:00 amThis has been a good family vehicle.
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2001 Ford Expedition XLT Sport - 2001 Ford Expedition
By Big AL - March 18 - 2:00 amTen months of ownership & not a single problem. Smooth engine & transmission. Superb interior space. Would like the 3rd seat to fold below rear area. Removing is a two person job. Traction in northeast snow has been fine. Like the limited slip rear axel. Climate control front & rear is excellent & necessary! Fit & finish is fine. Premium sound system needs manufacturer upgrade.
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Good overall vehicle. - 2002 Ford Expedition
By klkrause - March 14 - 6:49 pmI have been a bit disappointed in the interior fit-and-finsh, but overall am pretty happy with this vehicle. Now that I see the 03s coming out, though, I wonder if we should have waited ...
