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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  Excellance again - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By mrpanda - April 18 - 1:25 am

  This is my 4th Expedition, A 97,01,05 this is my first EL. I needed more room for hauling material for work. Its nice to be able to put 8 sheets of plywood in back and not driving with hatch open.Surprising gas mileage 15 local and 24 hwy. Had to order the 10 due to lack of expeditions in the area with the options or colors that I wanted.

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  2010 EL a joke - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By mbergthold - April 18 - 1:20 am

  This is my wifes dream car. My evaluation after 2 weeks and a 3 hr road trip is that its an expensive vehicle. Ive been a Ford guy for years - no more. The 5.4 V8 has no guts, even with 6 spd downshifts. I loved my 97F150, but this is no truck, even with improvements, the 2010 is a dog. In wind it wallows, handles like a brick. 7500 miles between oil changes? Great way to engineer increased engine wear, which is NOT covered by warranty - engine will be excessively worn before 100k, leaking oil and low compression, thanks to longer oil changes. To top it off, you get a front headrest that is uncomfortable and nonadjustable. Last Ford ever. I hate this vehicle.

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  Backup sensor quit working - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Mary - April 15 - 1:34 pm

  Ford dealer cannot figure out why the backup sensor quit working. Started after we hooked up our travel trailer. No one can fix this. Had a few close calls and want it fixed!

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  Awesome! - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By Jim - April 14 - 9:55 am

  This is a truly awesome vehicle to drive. The ride is superb and handling is wonderful. Its narrow turning radius is greatly appreciated in parking situations. It gets people to look and comment on the vehicle. On a 200 mile trip on a congested interstate, in 85 degree weather and running with fast traffic, I got 18.1 miles per gallon per the on board info system. The trip included some 50 miles of in town travel. However, local driving shows 12 to 14 miles per gallon is what I can expect.

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  Thank God I Bought An Expedition! - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By Tim - April 13 - 3:00 am

  I am a GM Man... I have cheated only once before (97 Expediton)! This 10 SUV is PERFECT. Ride, Value, and 3rd row seats, What was GM thinking with the 3rd row seating! I LOVE this SUV and my wife wont let me drive it! She wouldnt drive the 97 Expedition, "too big" she said. Go figure (same size). In this class, Ford is the clear cut WINNER! Plus no Gov. bail-out $$$. Just go cut a deal on an Expedition & enjoy! FORD IS ON TOP FOR NOW!!!

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  6 years of reliable performance. - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By CLB - April 12 - 8:06 pm

  I can only find one negative thing about this vehicle and we all know what it is. With a 5.4L and 300+ hp engine you cant expect to anything better than 18-19 mpg on the hwy or 13-14 mpg. Things I do not think about when pulling a 8000 lbs trailer or loading up the back with over 1/2 ton of "stuff". All these and a very comfortable ride makes this a a great people mover, stuff hauler, trailer tower, etc. Did get better mileage (2-3 mpg) after changing to a high flow air filter.

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  Great Expedition - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Ceos Expedition - April 10 - 1:35 pm

  Great vehicle purchased it with 5 miles on it. Every single mile is accounted for. Have had some minor issues with it. Stock radio was overheating and shutting off so they had to install some type of fan behind it. A/C system had to be replaced under warranty. Since these issues back in 02-03 havent had any other problems with it. Have driven 3 times to Guadalajara, Mexico about 3500 mile round trip without any worries.

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  Sorry Its Gone - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Justice Gustine - March 28 - 12:33 am

  Just turned in ole Blue to the lease return. It was my 2nd Expi and a big improvement from the 2000 with independent rear suspension that gave it sure footed handling and 4 wheel disc brakes that stopped better. Very powerful and never disappointed me when fast acceleration was needed. Never broke down. All I did was change the oil and pay attention to warning lights. The family is leaving the nest now and there is no longer a need for a spacious SUV. Blue was an XLT Sport 2wd, that gave it some two tone trim, tubular running boards, fog lights, limited slip, stiffer roll bar and a few other highlights. Will always remember the big comfortable ride.

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  Loved it! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By fivestar7777 - March 27 - 1:41 am

  I loved my expedition for 8 years until my daughter recently totaled it at a 4 way stop. Very comfortable, dependable and safe. Good vehicle (tank) to have your teens learn to drive. The only real gripe I have is the gas mileage which was about 11. When the gas price went to $4.50, it hurt! For the past 3 years, the transmission shifted hard from 1st to 2nd. Made me nervous to think the tranny might be going out but it never did. My mileage was almost 100K.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By johnie1 - March 18 - 4:12 pm

  I am getting around 460 miles per tank on the highway. That is doing 70-75 mph w/ ac on. Plus I always keep the maintenance up to date