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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1st Ford and last! - 2003 Ford Expedition
By Jessica - October 22 - 11:01 amThis is the first ford I have owned and will be the last. We purchased this car used 2 months ago and this is the 4th time it has been in the shop! First brakes and rattling, supposedly the rotors and brake pads were replaced but still extermly shakey. Twice the suv comepletly died on me while driving.I lost everything and had no power at all. Nearly was hit and had my children in the car! Now it is in the shop because cheap continental tires blew while driving 70 mph on the interstate and did extensive damage to the body of the car. I am fixing this suv and cutting my losses! there is no way I would ever endanger my family by putting them in this vehcile ever again! BEWARE!!!
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Very unhappy with 2005 Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
By areyes1 - March 17 - 1:03 pmI have had a ton of problems with my 2 year old truck. Last year it went in because every time I started it, it sounded like it was going to fall apart at the hinges. Good thing its under warranty, that was $2000 worth of repair (and a week without it). It will be going in Monday because the power steering went out this week. Common for Fords I guess. This truck only has 16,000 miles though. Among smaller things The back hatch doesnt close correctly (never has) same with the rear driver side door. Windows are very slow to roll up. Oh and the wonderful 9 miles to the gallon you get if you are lucky. I cant wait to get my Yukon. I despise this truck. I have had better junkers.
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Poor build quality...under engineered. - 2000 Ford Expedition
By Merkl - February 10 - 8:55 pmMine has had 77000 easy miles on it to date. The toughest thing it has to do is load up at Wal-Mart. In the past 19000 miles I have had to spend $2530.03 to keep it running. This includes an alternator and a new battery that the dying alternator killed, a new rear wiper motor, new rear lock actuator solenoid, new #5 coil, new lower ball joints, new left front door switch, new idler arm, and most recently new front sway bar links. Keep up the good work Ford. Way to go putting a 6000 plus lb. vehicle out on the road with paper mache in place of a typical truck front suspension. I have truly enjoyed getting to know the service guys at the dealership. Ill send them a card when it is gone.
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The truck that went kerthunk - 2003 Ford Expedition
By jjtblang - February 6 - 2:00 amThe most disapointing thing about my new Expedition is that I looked at everything first and really thought this was the perfect truck for my family. So many well thought out design details. Unfortunately the thrill ended after about 1200 miles. I took it into the dealer with complaints about a HUM in 2WD that turns into a loud "ratcheting thunk" when switched to 4WD. I was handed a service bulliten that said simply. "Ford is aware of the problem but does not have a fix, do nothing" Message boards are full of the same complaints but Ford continues to sell defective trucks. This is my 3rd Ford SUV and probably my last.
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A Lemon - 2005 Ford Expedition
By Pedigo - December 11 - 8:32 pmMy husband and I bought our first Expedition in 2003. It was okay. The small things went out faster than our previous car like tail light bulbs. We upgraded to the Eddie Bauer in 2005 to a 2005. We have had it for 14 months and has been in the shop 4 times. We are not happy with Ford at all. We are trying to go back to Japanese cars.
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it "lugs" and its tinny - 2003 Ford Expedition
By donvinnie - December 8 - 10:00 amI like almost everything about it except the 4.6 "lugs". It sounds like its straining just to go up a slight hill, and it sounds tinny when you shut doors. Not solid sounding at all.
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expect high maintenance $$$ - 2004 Ford Expedition
By FormerFordFan-2 - November 26 - 2:00 amWhile my 1999 was under warranty I was forced to visit the dealer 4 times for repairs. But it was after the warranty period expired that things really started to go wrong. To date I have spent over $9,000 in repairs since the warranty expired. I am convinced that Ford sold me a defective vehicle and are continuing to sell this same vehicle still today. Sure the new one looks different, buts thats just marketing hype. This vehicle hasnt changed since 1999 just ask any honest engineer or maintenance technician at Ford and they will tell you that the only changes have been cosmetic.
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Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
By Mervyn - June 9 - 2:00 amBad after sales service by Ford
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Problems Problems - 1999 Ford Expedition
By pcof - March 31 - 10:59 amTranny blow out at only 37,000 miles. Ford no help! This is the second Ford we have owned with this problem. 1st was a 95 3/4 ton turbo diesel. Tranny and torque converter blew at 8000 miles, under warranty, but nothing but problems after. Total lemon. Traded in in 1997, leased an Expedition for 2 years, multiple recalls then stupidly purchased this one in 1999. Nothing but recalls and problems again. Ford does not stand behind their cars! Will never purchase another Ford again. This car likes to float all over the road, unreliable, faulty parts etc. Never again!
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Never Again! - 2006 Ford Expedition
By Sad American - March 14 - 7:12 amThe vehicle vibrates while in motion, from about 25 mph and up. You can really feel it in the steering wheel. The mechanic told me he didnt notice anything. That must be what they tell them to say. Steering is very unpredictable and at highway speeds is impossible to keep on a straight line. Hit a series of bumps and you feel as if the truck is going to go out of control. The one bright spot is the engine, very powerful. Interior is the usual cheap stuff found in American vehicles and it rattles. I bought a Ford because I wanted to help out an American Company in trouble. Now I know why theyre in trouble.
