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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  love my expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By sabc - January 19 - 10:14 am

  My husband bought me my XLT last year with 52K miles from original owner..I love my truck I feel safe in it, love the DVD system, 8 passenger seating, electric 3rd row seats, moonroof,back up sensor.. this truck is loaded. Only complaint is the support in front seat isnt so good and I wish the DVD player wasnt right in the middle of the mirror and of course gas but it is a 4wd v8 so what do you expect. Over all love love my truck!

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  The Big Blue Beast - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By ZZebbeddiahh - January 17 - 11:22 pm

  I have owned this truck for as long as I can remember, and it has only needed regular repair. The 5.4L could pull Chuck Norris in half if it had to. I tow snowmobiles every weekend for four months of every year in harsh MN winters, and I have done all of it in my 97. Nothing compares in power and comfort, and I would look to buy another one if this one dies

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  throtle sticking - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Todd - January 17 - 10:51 am

  I am have trouble with the throtle sticking when I slow the car down and it pushes the car forward .ford cant find the problem after three time at the dealer ship and olny offer 15000 on a trade money down the drain,would not buy another one.

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  Good buy - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Donelle - January 10 - 11:17 pm

  I wanted a large SUV. It was a choice between the GMC Yukon Denali or the Ford Expedition Limited. After doing price comparisons, and vehicle qualities, I went with Ford. What really sold me was the flat folding rear seats, the amount of room in the rear seats for adults, heated and cooled front seats, along with the wood trim, plus the unimaginable smooth ride, for a large SUV. Having a backup camera with back up sensors is a big sell also. I got lucky and found a King Ranch model in my area. Everyone who has seen my SUV, loves it and wants one of their own. Dont have a problem with its size, as I drove buses and motorcoaches. I love my little luxury coach.....

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  ford quality - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By Ron - January 8 - 8:46 am

  this is my second expedition. I drove the last one, a 2006 Eddie Bauer model, 107,000 miles with no problems. It was a great vehicle. However, the new Ford Expedition is luxury in a 4 wheel drive platform. Other than fuel mileage of 15 mpg+/-, there is nothing about this vehicle that I have found to be less then ideal.

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  Not a Rolls-Royce, but gets the job done - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By GatorInTheSnow - January 3 - 11:51 pm

  Have had 4 years, good all-around vehicle. Criticisms of Ford design quality are merited: Found out car had a leaky head gasket when we towed a 3-ton trailer and all the coolant spilled out. $1700 to fix? Poured four cans of goo into radiator that was 30,000 miles ago. Never overheats! Weird self-leveling suspension, air hose broke ($130 at dealer). Auto fulltime 4WD noisy, but helps in stop-n-go when slushy snow. Good steering, tires wear even. Other than that, normal wear - A/C compressor, brakes. Gas mileage per EPA estimate when you obey speed limit. If you were expecting a luxury version of a truck, this isnt it. Satisfies our need for a family car.

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  5.4L Engine Blown at 57K? - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Frankie - January 3 - 5:59 pm

  We bought this vehicle NEW, for the reliability, and safety All services done on time by FORD Spent $800 @ All Star Ford for the 60K major tuneup to insure all was well (car was running great before). 500miles later in Portland lost all oil pressure, off on off on. Tow to Mock Ford Grants Pass, Oregon They said No Oil pressure in Head Galleys that will be $6100 for new engine! Side Note - Manual states 6 qts for all oil inluding filter. All Star used 7qts this time (never before though) Ford Districa Manager says NOTHING FORD did. This was my 5th Ford, last 3 I bought New. NO MORE FORDs in my Familes EVER. Ford Tougth, Quality< ? Sand Behind their prodcuts/custoerms NO

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  BUILT FORD TOUGH - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By DAN SMEJKAL - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY EXPEDITION! GREAT LOOKS,MOST TORQUE IN CLASS AND BEST TOWING ABILITY IN CLASS SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. FOR A FAMILY HAULER, YOU CANT BEAT IT!

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  Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Ga1stsharp - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I am a die hard Chevy man, but when my wife got me to try the Expedition it was impossible to go back and buy the Chevy. A clean new look inside and out. Great power from the 5.4 v8 and a wonderful ride, perfect for long road trips with our new baby. We are all very pleased with the Ford.

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  Great bang for the buck - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By GammaGraphix - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Hard to find another truck with same price and all the features, even though Im biased to Ford vehicles.