4 Star Reviews for 2003 Ford Expedition

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.29/5 Average
309 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Ford's full-size SUV sports changes inside and out. Outside, the Expedition looks bigger and bolder. Some of its new styling cues, such as the egg-crate grille and raised hood, are from its little brother, the Explorer. Inside you'll find fold-flat second- and third-row seats, with a power-folding option for the third row. The second row is split-40/20/40 enabling the middle section to slide forward. The Eddie Bauer package has an in-dash six-disc changer (optional on the XLT) and steering wheel-mounted stereo and climate controls, as well as an optional DVD player, navigation system and heated-cooled seats.

But the big changes are the ones you can't readily see. Underneath the skin a double-wishbone independent rear suspension system and a rack and pinion steering configuration improve road handling. AdvanceTrac stability control, along with ControlTrac four-wheel-drive system and an increased width of 1.7 inches should help keep the rubber down and the shiny side up.

Pros:
  • Excellent interior design and comfort, wide-ranging versatility, impressive hauling capabilities, improved handling abilities, great crash test scores.
Cons:
  • Slow when loaded down, drives as big as it looks, stability control only available on high-line models.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 309.00
  • No more Ford - 2003 Ford Expedition
    By -

    I bought it new, within four years of ownership I had several minor to major problems with the SUV. Air condition would "clunk" when you turn it on. Side mirrors always adjust when unlocking. Alternator gave out. the 3rd spark plug blew out. water would always leak into the vehicle on the driver side windshield handle area when it rains. now the radiator is loosing fluid somewhere. lots of front wheel brake dust.

  • Its OK - 2003 Ford Expedition
    By -

    When I purchased this car, I was so excited! But, the ignition gave me problems and Ford kept telling me nothing was wrong with it. Then, the interior headliner was rattling. They fixed it and it kept rattling at high speeds. Then the buttons to open the windows fell through the hole they were supposed to be secured in. Several years later, the DVD player wouldnt work and the CD player didnt work either. The brakes needed changing at 20,000 miles! OK, so we had a great deal of problems but I like this truck. However, I would not buy another one! I will buy a Honda or Toyota SUV next time when the economy is better.

  • Nice Big Camping Machine! - 2003 Ford Expedition
    By -

    We love the commanding view of the road and the smooth ride. VERY comparable to the "Luxury SUVs". The interior is very luxurious with incredibly comfortable leather. The engine could be a little more powerful but its a truck...how quick does it really need to be? It has plenty of power for towing but not as quick as others on the road.

  • Excellent redesign - 2003 Ford Expedition
    By -

    As close you are going to get to a luxury sedan ride in an SUV. The independant rear suspension really helps the handling and ride along with allowing them to come up with best designed third row seat in any SUV. I owned a Durango previously and once my son grew over 4.5 feet he outgrew "his" 3rd row, which was an innovation at that time. After the first year Ford should put some more thought into the interior features. Have not tested the off road performance...yet.

  • Not sure what to think - 2003 Ford Expedition
    By -

    Bought it brand new in 03. After about a year or two the autolock on the doors quit working, rear wiper was sticking, and plastic molding on doors was badly sunfaded. Had to replace brakes twice with less than 100,000 miles. Every once in a while when you start it a clould of smoke puffs out of the exhaust. When you start the car with the AC set to On you hear a loud "klunk". Just replaced front wheel bearing and still need to replace back one mechanic said. For not even having 100,000 miles on it weve done quite a bit to it. Looks sharp. Hoping to squeeze another 100,000 out of it. Dont know about getting another one. Engine is loosing its "get up".

  • Great Towing & Family Transport - 2003 Ford Expedition
    By -

    We purchased our first 4x4 as a pre-owned certified vehicle and were originally sold on the Ford as compared to the Suburban based on the interior layout and fold-flat seating. The vehicle was needed to tow some heavy loads off-road and it has performed superbly in this role. The only complaint is a somewhat noisy (whiny)transmission low gear transfer case and the unpainted plastic door protection outer trim that is prone to oxidize. We have had no major mechanical problems and only a window drive motor to repair.

  • Giant step forward for Expedition! - 2003 Ford Expedition
    By -

    I bought as model year arrived. I owned a 97 model before. Had several problems early on that took a few months to correct. The main one was the auto power mirror problem. Took six months to get module (still not operating properly). Other than that, Ive enjoyed the vehicle.

  • The most reliable Ford Ive ever owned! - 2003 Ford Expedition
    By -

    I have never been a big fan of domestic vehicles due to previous problems. I have a 2003 Ford Expedition with FX4 package, 5.4L V8, captain chairs in the middle, 3rd row seating, skid plates and tube bars all factory parts. I currently have 120,000+ miles on this vehicle and never, not even once have I had any repairs done on this truck. It has truly been rock solid since the day that I bought it. My only complaint is the fuel economy but its expected. I have a large family so needed something this size. But all in all, this has been my fav SUV and wouldnt trade it for anything.

  • Its a keeper - 2003 Ford Expedition
    By -

    So far (knock on wood) this truck has been fantastic. Gas mileage is horrendous at 14/18, but everything else is superb. Interior is extremely spacious, towing is excellent. I love this SUV.

  • We love the Big Cat - 2003 Ford Expedition
    By -

    We purchased our Eddie Bauer in June of 2005 with only 14k miles on it. We dubbed it the "Big Cat" and we always "take the cat" when we go in it. After purchase, we took off from Ohio to Yellowstone with a family of 5 (3 teens - one of them 63 185) Very comfortable. Now we have 80k+. Only minor things. I bought the 100k warranty. Ready to use it for 2nd time. 18+ mpg on trips - 15+ mpg around home (hilly countryside). Id buy another one in a heartbeat. Watch the Contenential tires - plys go bad. Choose tires wisely. I bought more aggressive ones this time and cost me over 1 mpg.

Ford Expedition Reviews By Year:
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