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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  2000 Expedition XLT - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By iluvkings22 - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought this truck new in 11/99 there has been no mechanical problems to date. Came stock with Firestone tires. Ford Gave me a set of Good Year Wrangler RTs for free and installed them. Only problem this truck had was a MAF that was sticking but that was fixed in 3/2002. and i know alot of people think that 4.6L motor is weak, well they are wrong. this motor pulls a 5000lb 22 ft boat no problem at 60-65 mph on the freeway with over drive on at 1,800 rpm.

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  best EXPIDITION yet - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By TECHONE - August 3 - 10:00 am

  best investment we made.

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  Love my Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By jfbk - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Awesome vehicle. I have owned this vehicle for only 5 months, but am still in awe everytime I see it or drive it.

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  04 Ford Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By PJshagalot - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I recently owned a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer, which to date was the best vehicle I have ever driven, which inludes a fleet of new vehicles over the years. However, this Expedition ranks up there as one of the most best vehicles I have ever driven. It has everything I need and want in a full size SUV, perfect for my growing family. I havnt driven the 4.6L V8 for the Expedition, the 5.4L has plenty of power. The 4.6L V8 in the Mountaineer was EXTREMELY powerful for that small size SUV, but I was hesitant in getting the smaller V8 for the much larger Expedition. No complaints here.

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  Never buy another suburban!! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By edb - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive always owned GMC suburbans or Yukons. without a doubt this is the best of the lot for large SUVs.

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  Reliable - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By reedo - July 27 - 3:33 pm

  We purchased the EB EXPY to access our mountain cabin via steep gravel roads, and tow our 5,000 lb boat. Both missions have been accomplished flawlessly. I have confidence in the Expedition to get us through just about any offroad situation. Absolutely no trouble with the vehicle thus far.

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  A nice BIG family vehile - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By jtcornett - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Expedition instead of the Explorer is head room and size. The Explorer does not have adequate headroom for this 64" dad. I found decent deal on a used 03, but it has the 4.6 liter V8. I test drove the 5.4 liter and couldnt tell a big difference in power, however the 5.4 was new and not broken it yet. Otherwise, I really enjoy driving this vehicle. To me it doesnt feel as big and heavy as it really is. I took some pretty swift turns in a parking lot and it really hangs in there with bit of over-steer. The confident feel of the vehicle is what sold me in the first place...plus its HUGE. I like that.

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  Vibrations - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Samuel L Orlando - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I took this vehcle to the dealer on July 7, 2003 for vibrations at 45 to 50 mph. They checked front end alignment, tire balance, replaced rear end, drive shaft, u-joints and engine and the vehicle still has the vibrations. Ford has offered to replace the vehicle with a like model and forgive the mileage. I have submitted a request for arbitration under the Lemon Law. I have found that Customer Service from the corporate office, customer service and local dealer to be disgustingly indifferent.

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  good - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By joseb - June 23 - 2:00 am

  the most roomy and comfortable vehicle of any type ive ever driver/rode in; even luxury cars

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  2003 XLT Popular 5.4L - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By jhuben - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Very positive impression so far. Fit and finish are quite good and we have had zero defects. The rack and pinion steering coupled with firm springs translates into precise steering with minimal body lean in turns. Ride is firm but not harsh. We have 5.4L engine - this engine pulls smoothly from low RPM. Not a lot of throttle is needed to pull away from stop signs. The transmission shifts smoothly. The interior is, as expected for a vehicle of this size, very roomy. Lots of pockets & storage. 3rd row seats are comfortable and can hold adults for long trips. Folding 3rd row quite handy.