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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  Mustve got the only lemon - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By mooch316 - March 17 - 7:36 pm

  In four months on Limited fully equipped model, have had everything from the automatic air suspension to now the full transmission. Love the looks, comfort, safety, but wished it was in my driveway as much as its at the dealership for major repairs. I wish I wouldve never bought this lemon, its giving me an ulcer.

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  Im a believer - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By SpGator - March 17 - 3:09 pm

  I bought my expedition in 2004 with 85k miles on the clock to pull my boat. It tows like a champ btw. I had never owned a domestic vehicle (past vehicles-Honda, Acura, Nissan, VW (crap), and back to Honda) so I wasnt expecting much of a vehicle. Oh boy has my perception changed with this SUV. It now has 110k on the clock and it still is extremely reliable. Only issues so far are normal wear and tear items. Heater core went bad around 100k, some corrosion, otherwise, its been rock solid. I think Ill ride this thing into the ground hopefully at least another 150k miles later :)

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  Dependable - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Jean - March 15 - 12:00 am

  I bought my expedition two years old in 2000. It had 26000 miles. I just traded it in March 2010. It had 196000 miles. I loved EVERYTHING about this truck except the gas consumption.

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  Never again! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Don S - March 7 - 2:54 pm

  Had problems with the steering and rust on the rear door while under warranty. Had problems with the differential seals 39,000. Brake seals went at 40,000 Caliper froze and destroyed front rotor at 51,000 Same caliper froze at 102,000 replaced rotor, break line, seals. Front bearing replaced at same time 2 months later at 104,000 rear wheel bearing went. Never use this for off road and very minimal light towing. All highway miles and very costly to own. Beware!

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  Ill buy another - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Bulletproof - February 11 - 10:16 pm

  I love my truck. We bought it 5 years ago with 90,000 miles on it and have 142000 on it now. No problems whatsoever. Ive pulled a 28 travel trailer foe the past 5 summers. Even though I have the smaller 4.6 motor, it handles it just fine. The tires still have lots of tread with over 50,000 miles. Like everyone else, wish the gas mileage was better. Very comfortable ride. Most impressed with zero maintenance issues. I will buy another one of this vintage whenever this one finally dies. I prefer this body style to the newer model. I have the cloth seats and they show virtually no wear. Ford did an outstanding job on this truck.

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  Chevy Suburban - Move Over - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By Fred - February 10 - 1:35 am

  We traded in our 2008 Chevy Suburban (our fifth full size Chevy Sport Ute in a row) on a new 2010 Expedition EL Limited and we couldnt be more pleased. The Expedition is quieter, seemingly more powerful and the automatic transmission shifts seamlessly. Add to that the power folding rear seats, a nav system that puts the Chevys to shame and the SYNC systems and you have the winner in the full size sport ute segment. While the Suburban had a few small features I liked, there really is no comparison. Our dealer was excellent as well and the transaction was hassle free. Based on our experience, Ill be trading in my Silverado on a new F-150 very soon.

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  A Great Vehicle - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By 3rd one... - January 28 - 1:16 pm

  We purchased this one (our 3rd Expedition) new in March or 2003 and broke it in on a road trip to Mesa Verde. The literature indicated that it would get only 13 mpg or so, but by keeping our speed around 60 mph we have averaged over 18 mpg overall and over 23 mpg on one trip from Fontenelle, Wyoming to Denver. I am tall (65") and this is the most comfortable vehicle I have owned. It is so nice to have a car that actually fits me. It has all of the comfort features one could want and the heated and cooled seats are a real treat. We havent had any problems at all and I expect it to last at least another 10 years or more. Great job Ford!

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  A look good Lemon$$$ - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Pete - January 26 - 11:54 am

  Our XLT 5.3L 4WD was a lemon from the second we drove it off the lot. This is fully loaded with all the bells and whistles to include 22" rims. We paid almost $60K for this dream car. Been to shop more times than I can count in last 5 years for every imaginable problem. The car was a lemon from Day 1 and although I suspected it many times, I was no absolutely sure until today when transmission went out at 84,000 miles. Engine was replaced at 82,000 miles ($6K). numerous electrical issues, poor gas milage at 8-10MPG for 1st 82,000miles due to engine issues (I always assumed it was the oversized tires until my MPG jumped to 15-17 after new engine installed.) Ford has done nothing to help us.

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  Love my expedition - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By arlingtonbadger - January 25 - 5:00 pm

  This was my firt ever domestic vehicle and I liked it so much, I bought another blue oval baby expedition to match. Having had German and Japanese vehicles, my standards were set pretty high. I was pleasantly surprised with overall fit and fish, comfort and technology available. Weve had a few minor issues - TPMS keeps going off and stuck bushing in the shifter, but overall its the best road trip vehicle and it swallows lots of cargo. Fuel- wise, its what I expect but the 2009+ have cylinder deactivation.

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  On my 2nd Expedition - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Nanny911 - January 24 - 7:03 pm

  I love my new expedition. I owned a 2001 for 3 years before totaling it 2 weeks ago. I hit black ice did 2 360s across 6 lanes of traffic and hit the Barrier wall head-on. I did NOT have my seatbelt on and walked out of it! I always felt very safe in it and that just confirmed it. I wasnt even looking for expeditions but saw this one and fell in love! I am a Nanny and the Kids love it.