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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  Style, Safety and Quality Great - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Jeff - January 6 - 4:03 pm

  Our Limited looks great, gets a lot of compliments and is a very nice vehicle to drive. Big vehicle and you feel very safe but pay in gas mileage, but nothing unexpected, avg for us is about 14.7. Major disappointment has been useable storage space. The front of the vehicle is largely taken up by the center console. There is just one big hole in the armrest and little else. If two people up front you will have stuff tucked under your legs, on your lap etc. especially if you have kids. Back seats not much better, seem like always stuff all over the floor boards. Coming from a T&C minivan the space has been a real issue. Power could be slightly better, but did not expect to drag race!

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  Found On Road Dead - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Found On Road Dead - December 27 - 2:00 am

  This is the first Brand New vehicle I have purchased. The size fit my family perfect. Previous SUV was a 95 Explorer XLT, no problems. I have had a laundry list of problems. 1. Leak in cooling system. 2. Serpentine belt shreded. 3. Paint flaking off front bumper. 4. 4x4 not working property 5. Replace Muffler 6. Rear Vents squeek/gring when opening/closing. Nissan Pathfinder ARMADA here I come!

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  Not worth it! - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By matt - December 17 - 4:05 am

  I bought my expo for the look, size, and extras but soon realized that I made a horrible mistake. I have had the air conditioner worked on 4 times with hot air coming out of the rear vents, celinoid has gone bad, possible cracked head gasket, pass side mirror will not adjust to set position, and oh yeah the gas mileage does hurt duh. The room is great and the interior is fantastic but the little tick tack problems are killing me leaving me stranded in 13 degree weather twice. Oh well, live and learn!

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  Ford Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Martin Wooldridge - December 10 - 10:00 am

  My first Ford that I have owned. Overall a great vehicle. Ford refuses to replaced the front brake pads with new ones that do not have escessive dust. The excessive brake dust has stained my running boards. This is the only problem I have with the vehicle.

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  First New Ford - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By jyoz - November 30 - 8:36 am

  This is my 1st new Ford. Like the car, but there have been some electrical gremlins (a/c fan, dvd, rear door, cd player). I have to say the mileage is ridiculous, I avg 12.2 mpg. If the engine had more pep I could deal with this, but it is a real dog. My 04 Yukon got about 15 mpg and had much more pep, and my driving has not changed. Yikes! Other than that, is a great car, plenty of room, comfortable, smooth ride, quiet. The power fold 3rd row rear seats is what pushed me to Ford. (awesome feature, so wake up GM) Would definitely buy another.

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  One thing after another - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Go Aces - November 16 - 5:31 pm

  Two weeks after the purchase: Rear wiper no longer works Pax window didnt roll up. 2 coils had to be replaced four weeks after purchase: New battery. New alternator six weeks after purchase: "CD Error" on CD player This truck is more trouble than its worth. Why cant the local dealership fix it right. It seems they plan these breakdowns to get more money. One more thing goes wrong and I am selling the damn thing.

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  Ford Expediton Eddie Bauer - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By 95convt - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle with tons of space and an outstanding interior design. The largest and most comfortable rear seat I of all the SUV I tested. The fold down rear seats provide a large level cargo area and still give you 5 passenger seating.

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  I LIKE IT - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By PAUL SCHNEIDER - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I LIKE IT VERY MUCH. LEFT THE EXPLORER BEHIND WITH NO REGRETS. BIG, ROOMY AND SAFE.

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  Not Bad - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By sydipoo - October 18 - 1:46 am

  Overall Ive been pleased since I had the driver seat reworked. I cant believe I havent seen more complaints about the uncomfortable leather seats. It had the most uncomfortable seat Id ever sat in. The back was so hard and bumped outward. I had the lumbar disconnected and added padding, so its ok now. Have had no mechanical problems and have 60k miles. Just replaced the battery. The front passenger air bag works intermitently, it will cost $300 to fix. I love the roomy cup holding area. It fits all my creature comforts, Kleenex box, drinks, hand sanitizer etc. Plus the huge console compartment. I hate the obstructed view where the side mirrors are. That took some getting used to.

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  Great 97 SUV - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Exp Fan - September 30 - 8:11 am

  Bought in 99 with 24k and now have 154k. great vehicle with only normal maintenance until replaced ball joints recently. Great comfort and tons of space. Use as a small pickup sometimes when I need to haul something. Paint on roof though not visible from the ground has deteriorated but the rest of the paint is good especially for spending 4 years in Buffalo winters and the rest in WV.