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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Lemon Alert! - 2003 Ford Expedition
By Highly Dissatisfied! - May 29 - 10:00 amWe 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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Safest Full Size Sport Utility - 2003 Ford Expedition
By Jsoko1 - May 29 - 10:00 amPreviously had a 2000 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer, until I was hit by an uninsured driver. I was forced off the road and crashed into a concrete overpass at an estimated 67 MPH. The highway patrol officer said that if I had been driving a Camry or Accord, the accident would have been fatal. I truly believe that the truck saved my life. If youre looking for a SAFE vehicle, look no further. With the SafetyCanopy side curtain airbag system and the Personal Safety System, you cant go wrong!
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Bad Breaks - 2004 Ford Expedition
By Robert1231454356 - May 26 - 10:00 amThe front brakes always causes the front tires to dirty. The seat belt chime makes to much noise. It must be able to be shut off. The stickers on the visors can not be removed. These things must be fixed before I buy another one.
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Luv this SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
By incabod - May 17 - 2:00 amWe were going to buy the BMX X5 but, why spend 50k when when you can get so much more vehicle less money? I get more head turns in my Silver Birch Expedition than I would have in a "soccer mom" X5.
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Love my Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
By Bundi - May 12 - 10:00 amI am very happy with my 2003 Expedition. It is so comfortable to drive and rides awesome. Putting kid seats in is very easy and power fold third row is a must.
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Previous Ford Owner - 2003 Ford Expedition
By Gary D. Urie - May 12 - 10:00 amI have not owned mine very long but I have owned a Ford for the last 6 1/2 years. I upgraded from the truck to the Expedition and I am very impressed. I have not been in it long but already the aesthetics are very pleasing and impressive (seats, interior design, creature comforts, exterior design, clearance, and wheels, etc.). It rides great even if it lacks the power of its competitors. I have not driven far enough to comment on mechanical reliability or long term road performance. If it holds up like the F150 truck and I believe whole heartedly that it will, then it is another winner from Ford. Gary
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Quality at an unbeatable price - 2003 Ford Expedition
By Avery McClellan - May 12 - 10:00 amI tested every full sized affordable SUV on the globe. The Expedition was the most appealing. Totally new design. I was leaning toward a Chevy Tahoe or GMC Yukon. Then I test drove this Ford and fell in love. The quality of this ride is much higher than the GM product and even the Toyota. Plus the price of the Expedition was significantly less than a comparable equipped competitor.............NICE
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PIECE OF JUNK - 2003 Ford Expedition
By BOOG-BOOG - April 22 - 10:00 amTHIS VEHICLE HANDLES LIKE A WAGON. IVE HAD IT FOR A VERY SHORT TIME BUT I AM TRADING IT FOR ANOTHER TAHOE
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Wonderful Driving Experience - 2004 Ford Expedition
By William R. Doebler - April 13 - 10:00 amI first purchsed a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT and was so impressed that I decided to upgrade to the Expedition. It is larger overall than the Explorer and sits higher off the road. I cant get over the field of view you get with the Expedition. These 2 Fords are the first American manufactured automobiles I have owned since my 1967 Pontiac Firebird and it is a wonderful experience.
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Great Tow Vehicle - 2003 Ford Expedition
By Milano - March 30 - 10:00 amI really have enjoyed the Expedition so far. It has made a great tow vehicle and is very comfortable. The ride is good compared to others within its class (I evaluated both the Chevorlet and the Toyota). Things that impressed me the most initially were the interior design and the exterior design. As I have driven the vehicle I really have begun to appreciate the overall package. I would recommend the Expedition to anyone looking at this type of vehicle.
