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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  Ford Exp - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By TAJ - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Outside mirrors too big. Style too boxy. Overall quality good. Performance sluggish. Overall ride has improved from last year.

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  GREAT SUV - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By KWY - March 11 - 6:05 pm

  Lots of power, very reliable, Nicely designed

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  First time happy with a Ford - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By woman suv driver - March 10 - 4:18 pm

  I have not had one problem with my Expedition. I have had all the recalls done. After changing the tires it feels alot better on the road. I am selling it to a woman today and it is like leaving an old friend. I never thought I would get attached to a vehicle. Never had in the past. Im glad she is going to another woman... Only complaint is they need to consider the size of some women when they design the vehicle like this.

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  #1 Mom vehicle - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By embeth - March 8 - 8:28 pm

  I have the Black E.B 4x4 5.4L "Expy", and it is awesome!!! There is a alot of room inside, and my 5 children have plenty of room to sit. They love it! Everyday people spin their heads to catch a look at my Expy driving by. It has been an awesome vehicle. I may trade it in for the upgrade of the Lincoln Navigator, but Im not sure because the Navigator looks too much like a suped-up XLT Expedition.

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  its my second one - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By 2 TIME OWNER/LOVER - March 7 - 10:00 am

  MY RED EDDIE BAUER IS AWESOME! MY WIFE AND FAMILY LOVE IT. ALTHOUGH ITS GAS MILEAGE SUCKS, IT HAS MANY SAFETY AND COMFORT DETAILS. THE DVD/TV KEEPS THE KIDS NICE AND QUITE. TAKE IT ON A LONG TRIP & YOU REALY APPRECIATE IT. I LEASED IT WHEN THE LEASING DEALS WERE NOT TOO GOOD. NOW THEY ARE GREAT. ITS A LOOKER , HEADS TURN, ITS SAFE AND COMFORTABLE AND VERSITLE.

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  MY BABY - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By FRAN BEITIA - March 7 - 10:00 am

  BRAKING SYSTEM COULD USE SOME BETTER DESIGN. OVERALL, VEHICLE IS EXCELLENT.

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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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  ford rules - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By lumberman - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Makes a beautiful truck. Great to drive. No problems. Comfortable ride. Fords finally got it together.

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  A must drive - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Trebor - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I priced and drove all other large SUVs. The fell of the Expedition on the road was sure footed, unlike the Sequoia. The Tahoe did not have the interior room or the power of the Expedition. The others did not even come close. The Expedition is overall a superior SUV. Test drive all the others fist, just save the best for last.

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  This thing rocks! - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By kevin6 - March 7 - 1:21 am

  Rock on Ford...keep building these bad boys.