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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  Fun to Drive - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Joe Coplan - January 29 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 Expedition is fun to drive. It has all the power that anyone would need. Nice looking SUV.

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  love it - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By gina and cathie - January 24 - 10:00 am

  been wanting one, finally got one and love to be in it !!paid cash and was best money i ever spent!!

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  Among the finest weve ever owned - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By rodbwright - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Weve found the quality and comfort of our Expedition to be truly superior, even when compared to luxury class vehicles like BMW and Mercedes. We were drawn by its new styling and added features, like the power fold- down rear seats and reverse warning. But after we purchased the vehicle, we really fell in love with it after taking some long trips and its superior ride and handling characteristics really became evident. We now have about 35,000 miles on it, yet it still seems like new. The leather and carpets are holding up very well, while wear to components like tires and brakes is excellent. We expect to keep the vehicle for several years.

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  Rattle Trap - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By TimN - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Expedition and by far this is the worst in quality. This is a complete rattle trap. We have had mirrors replaced, motors replaced, ash trays replaced, front ent taken off - reassembled and re-installed, insulation added to doors. Molding in rear replaced due to coming apart. Re-tweeked and re-tweeked and still cannot fix the passenger side doors from rattling. When speaking with sales and management at Ford, all I get is "Yours must have been made on either a Monday or Friday". Now Ford says that it could be a hot/cold flexing problem which may not be repaired. After the 5th time in the shop, Ford Corp wont even call me back.

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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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  Magnificent - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By chacho - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Is by far the best SUV I ever drive! Suspension is the best!!

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  Ford Suck - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By pieceofcrap - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Could not be more Dissapointed with This truck. It rattles like crazy Ride sucks Overall quality is horriable Have 6 year old Pick-up that rides smoother. Paid 38k for a truck that I cant stand driving

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  Thanks Ford - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Bosco99 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  First rating was low due to rear end noise, Ford fixed the problem, out of balanced drive shaft, surprise, surprise. This is a well built SUV just get underneath and take a look at it,looks like a tank and can pull a mega load. Looking for better gas mileage, but what do you expect with a vehicle that weighs over 5000 lbs. Best SUV on the market.

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Adele - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Ford SUVs since 1990. This vehicle is the best so far! The only issue that I have is the mirrors do not adjust properly when I use my auto settings. Just need to take it to the dealer. I would also like to see them add Day Running Lights to the Eddie Bauer version as part of the default package. You pay a ton of money for this truck you should get DRL for free!!!

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  Ford Expedition Review - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By R Weilert - October 1 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 3 Expeditions and have nothing bad to say about any of them. I think the styling is outstanding on the outside and the interior is one of the nicest I have experienced. The ride and handling is the best of any vehicle I have experienced. For a large vehicle it handles better and has a tighter turning radius than my wifes Lexus RS 300. For short or long trips is rides as smooth as a luxury car and yet can handle 8 people very comfortably. I am 6 6" and can stretch my legs out full length in the front seat and do not impact other passengers.