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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  Review - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Geronimo - December 25 - 9:26 pm

  Very pleased with this truck. Recently took it on a 1800 miles tour - spotless performance. My previous truck was a 2WD 2006 Ford Explorer with a 4.0 engine (I think). That Explorer had an amazing amount of poke pulling off.It would match or beat many new lightweight cars. In this respect my Expedition is a geriatric. But its a price paid for all else being very good indeed.

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  Ok - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Gary - December 24 - 11:16 am

  Well I just traded in my 2001 with 89k miles and have been the only owner. I have loved and hated this truck throughout its time with me. The tranny went at 44k miles and I was told thats common on these trucks. I ended up getting a broken stud in the exhaust manifold that was going to be thousands to fix and I was told thats common. I decided to trade it in and I admit was hard for me to do. The poor gas mileage is something I will not miss though.

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  Excellent - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Derek Pickering - December 24 - 10:00 am

  The whole experience was an excellent one, from the sales staff right down to the maint. dept.

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  Update on our 1997 Expedition - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By jessepatty - December 21 - 10:02 pm

  Ive written a review before on our Expedition and I shared it was getting close to 200K.. Well she finally went over the 200K mark and shes still a very reliable vehicle. I just want to share that with everyone.. This Expedition has been the most reliable vehicle we have ever owned... Thanks Ford! We appreciate not having to buy a new vehicle every couple years. Sure Saves us allot of money.

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  As good as you could get - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Jerry - December 13 - 7:56 pm

  Couldnt ask for more. Purchased in 1997 and felt like it helped raise the kids. The vehicle had heavy use. I used it plenty in 4 wheel drive in the snow in New Mexico. I pulled a boat for tens of thousands of miles in Texas and Oklahoma. I hauled kids daily and recently took to long distance weekly travel. It only failed to take me to my destination one time over 12.5 years and that was after it had 200,000 miles (the alternator failed.) At the risk of mixing metaphors, the truck ran "like a rock". Over 200k miles and major repairs were rare and related to "wear and tear" items - front-end, shocks, compressor. Going on 204,000 miles

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  Best "car" we ever owned! - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By f in pa - December 13 - 2:01 pm

  First vehicle we ever purchased new. EXCELLENT performance never had any problems except factory recalls for cruise control and torque on wheels - all taken care of at no cost. Comfortable, safe, and reliable. Even though gas mileage is approx. 14 mpg around town, get about 22 on the highway. Our old Toyota Camry got about 18 mpg around town - this truck beats it in storage, comfort, and safety! For a couple hundred dollars extra in fuel costs, its cheap life insurance!! Will definitely purchase another Ford when this one wears out! But its built so well - no squeaks or rattles - doubt it ever will. Oh, its a 2WD with posi-traction and we pass 4WDs in the snow!

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  Built Ford Tough! - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By charleston girl - December 13 - 9:49 am

  I have been driving my Expedition for 11 years. It has 146,000 miles on it. I haul kids and my 3 dogs in it. It is the best vehicle Ihave ever owned. It is time to replace it and I am more than likely going to get another one! I recommend this vehicle highly. It has been in the shop very little. No major repairs... Was hit in the rear with 4 kids in my car not one scratch on anyone. The vehicle is like a Mack Truck. Very solid and sturdy. I feel very safe in this vehicle.

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  Great Vehicle for the $$$ - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Andy - December 11 - 11:20 am

  This is our 4th Expedition and about to pick up our 5th this week. They all have a great ride and you cant beat the turning radius. I can almost get a 4x8 sheet of whatever and close the hatch. Cant really complain about the mileage for a 5000lb+ vehicle-14 to 15 city and close to 20 highway (at 70+). No warranty issues until this one which were minor...dirver lumbar, rear A/C control and power lift gate mechanism.

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  Power Seats! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By NOTAFORDFAN - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought my second EB EXP and the power seats/heated stopped working at 50 miles! It took FIVE tries to repair/replace and I finally filed a Lemon Law against Ford. They settled ASAP. When does the Quality go in? I thought it was BEFORE the names goes on! Too many problems, read the ownership boards. Ford is not in this family anymore, they couldnt care less about loyal customers. I even sold my stock and most of my family has gotten rid of their Fords. Guess we have to go to the foreign market for a dependable product.

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  My tank kept me safe - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Dawn - December 3 - 2:16 pm

  I am on my second Expedition (first was a 2000 with 144,000 miles on it) and couldnt be happier with it. I was recently in an accident in it. I was going 60 in the slow lane of a 4 lane freeway in San Diego. I hydroplaned in the rain and lost control spinning from the slow lane and hit the center divide going 60 mph. I walked away with whiplash and my car has $13,654 in damages HOWEVER there is NO structural damage whatsoever. The bulk of the expenses is body work, paint, and I really did a number on the front suspension. Anyways, I am so glad my car kept me safe and is so structurally sound that it was not totaled. Now I have to wait about 4 weeks to get it back.