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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  My Expedition, Dream Come True - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By jwt - March 6 - 1:31 pm

  Have really enjoyed owning this car. Adequate storage and luggage space, able to take children and grandchildren with us, looks great and have been able to tweak a few things to enhance hauling capability. Put on a front class III hitch and modified the rack to haul bicycles and a canoe. Have easily hauled building materials and have moved furniture.

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  Best Ever! - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Ex281 - March 5 - 9:35 pm

  This is the most functional, reliable, roomy, comfortable vehicle Ive ever owned in 36 years of new car purchases.

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  Love my 2002 - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Hitman22 - March 4 - 7:06 pm

  I had a 98 expy prior to purchasing the 2002, and Im still in love with the vehicle. Additionally, the 2002 has the rear entertainment system which is great for the kids when were headed to the mountains for camping or any other long trip. beleive fellas, for those with kids, your wife will love this feature!

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  Owner - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Hdebos - February 27 - 10:46 pm

  The above vehicle is a very roomy, comfortable, and reliable vehicle.

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  Great car ride. - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Joexpedition - February 26 - 5:51 pm

  After driving full-size or luxury sedans for 20 years, I was reluctant to go the SUV route. Decided if I were to go, I had to go all the way in terms of size and comfort. Thats why I chose the Eddie Bauer (XLT is nicely done as well) Expedition. We tow a boat in the summer and ski in the winter. This vehicle has handled both the towing and long drives to the mountains with ease. In fact, the highway driving is more comfortable than most luxury sedans. Definitely recommend this vehicle.

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  Best Ford Ive Owned - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By MikeB - February 26 - 12:37 pm

  Excellent "overall" SUV! Firm handling, yet comfortable ride for the family. My wife likes to drive it when its raining so she can see above the traffic! My gas mileage on the highway is better than the listed MPG of 16 for the 4WD--I get about 19. This is the best Ford product I have owned!

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  Large and True - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Grey Ghost - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Our new Ford Expedition XLT belongs to the Mrs. Several positives: plenty of room for the kids; rides high enough above ground to see everything in front of us, nice big exterior sideview mirrors (defrostable type) help to see the sides and rear of vehicle very clearly; the urban legend is true -- the 2004 Expedition rides like a very big car; power everything is nice too; 4WD works very well. Almost Perfect!!! Gray Ghost

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  Rattle, Rattle, Junk Heap Rattle Trap - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By BobAtlGa - February 3 - 2:00 am

  I thought this was the perfect car for our family with two kids. The car as a DVD player and captains chairs. After a few hundred miles an obnoxious intermittent rattle appeared in all windows. Ford did a service bulletin and replaced the molding on all windows. The rattle persists in the drivers window. Dealership will not repair and Ford Corporate says no. BUYER BEWARE!!! The interior workmanship is the worst in the industry. DO NOT buy this car. A $42,000 car should not have this problem!

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  Its a Bus. - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By serve - January 30 - 11:38 pm

  Compared with Tahoe and Sequoia. Expedition won out. My wife drove them all and choose the Expedition. The comfort and ability to "see" the road were the selling points. Very roomy and comfortable. Leather seating and comfort package a must. 4.6 V8 has plenty of power. Big but remarkably easy to handle and park (Tahoe was too.) Coming off owning two minivans, this is a bus!

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  A Lovable Beast of An SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Expo - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Well this is my second Expedition & I truly love it. The ride is 100% better than my 97 Eddie Bauer model. The one thing that surprised me is on my 97 the door ajar light needed to be fixed 3 times & sure enough it has happened on my 03, FORD FIX THIS PROBLEM!!. The interior is comfortable & the new body is sleeker & less fussy than the previous models. I think the Expediton will be my auto choice for many years to come.