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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  Built Texas Tough - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Lorenceh - December 3 - 8:12 am

  Awesome truck. Ive taken it all over Texas and Mexico, bought it new and now has about 100,000 miles. its been chewed up and abused by South Texas terrain but still stays faithful. seals still good after years off 105 degree weather. handles great in sticky situations (evacuating in high flood waters, hurricane winds, ect.) I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking in to it.

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  Proving me wrong.. - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By CJ - December 2 - 4:51 am

  I bought my expedition a little over a year ago. It had 48k miles on it and was three years old. I had never owned a ford before and was unsure as to how it would last i had always heard unsettling things about fords. A little over a year and close to 28k miles that ive put on the odo, i can say happily that i love my SUV. Im not easy on vehicles, i love to offroad even if the vehicle isnt desinged for it. My expedition has taken all my beatings and adventures with my family with pride and is running strong. so far the only problem is the rear HVAC system that has begun to knock and not work as intended but i still have a warranty on it.

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  Blown Spark Plugs! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Tommy Shaw - November 30 - 10:04 pm

  Thats all I have to say! Blown Spark plugs! Run! Run! Run Away! Will cost $500 min each plug to fix! This is a major problem! They blow up and out of the hole because theres only 4 little aluminum threads holding them in. Then they hit the fuel rail rupturing it and wah lah your car is a BBQ! Ford ignores. Says nothings wrong. Great quality!

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  Would never buy any other vehicle - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By fantasy shoppe - November 22 - 2:00 am

  We have had 4 of these and loved each and every one!! I would never own any other kind.

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  "Good to Go" - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By GunnyDawg - November 18 - 7:37 pm

  Awesome Truck! Drives and tows excellent. Seat cooler/heater and AC/Heater work fast. I almost pi**ed my pants when I read the "No more Ford" review ) If you read this Tom, re-set your driver/key remote settings (1 and 2) to your personal preferences and the "Side Mirrors will always adjust when unlocking" to your settings,,,LoL.

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  2nd One, and Loving It - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By MYEXH8ME - November 17 - 5:49 pm

  This is my 2nd Eddie Bauer 4x4. I havent had a problem with this SUV, and I would recommend it to anyone. It has more torque than GMs, but less horsepower translated, tows more but wont win a light to light. Who wants to race something this big anyway? I have used it to tow 5 or 6 cars to the crusher...I couldnt tell they were even behind me. There is also plenty of ground clearance, incase you want to hop a curb or two. Tire Pressure Monitoring System really, really works too! Headlight illumination well above average...brights light up the horizon and foggers do their job. Powerfold 3rd row a plus, especially on rainy days when you need the extra room. DVD system great for kids!!

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  Nice Truck - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By A Ford Guy - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I stepped up from a 1988 Bronco and what a differance. It has lots of gizzmos and you will find yourself going back to the owners manual quite often. The 10 MPG Im getting could be improved. The ride and handling are great. Some switches and indicators are blocked by the steering wheel or the shift and signal levers. Front and rear climate control system takes getting used to. Otherwise, a nice truck.

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  Very unhappy with vehicle - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By Disallusioned - November 9 - 1:07 pm

  Bought vehicle, took it home, next morning, computer malfunction - ABS disabled, no directional signals, navigation detected system fault, dealer still has it and wont be ready until Thursday - one week in service. Brand new never driven condition. Not a good experience at all. Third ford for me.

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  I LOVE(D) My Black Ex-Pee - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By HazMatic - November 7 - 7:33 pm

  I had a 2000 expedition for 3 years and wouldve still had it if a tree didnt murder it! In three years I just changed the fuel pump once. I experienced the cylinder misfire issue as well but it didnt effect the over- all performance. I loved the room, its durable, and its fun to drive in the snow. Id definitely recommend this truck!

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  Lemon - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Scottp - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Expedition 4wd new in November 2000. it currently has 26,000 miles and has been returned 11 times and spent 30 days in the shop. New transmission, rear wiper motor, New IAC valce, new fuel pump, two new seats, new engine oil pressure sender unit, suspension problems, replaced transmission shift cable, replaced two of the "replacement tires" during tire recall. Ford doesnt have a clue as to what customer service is. If you do buy a Ford and have serious problems, youll regret it, I promise. Ford has no customer service!