1997 Ford Expedition Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.32/5 Average
69 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Ford's replacement for the aging Bronco is the all-new Expedition. Based on the 1997 F-150 platform, this full-size sport-utility vehicle is poised to do battle with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.

Pros:
  • Great big truck that can seat up to nine passengers and still fit inside a regular garage. Interior ergonomics are outstanding, and a nice standard equipment list make it competitive with other full-size utes.
Cons:
  • Engine could use a bit more oomph
  • Upshifts are rather abrupt and downshifts should happen a bit quicker.
  • Even the optional 5.4-liter has difficulty accelerating beyond speeds of 70 mph. The transmission could also use some refinement

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 69.00
  • As good as you could get - 1997 Ford Expedition
    By -

    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

  • Best "car" we ever owned! - 1997 Ford Expedition
    By -

    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!

  • Awesome Rig - 1997 Ford Expedition
    By -

    I love this thing Tons of torque, good offroad, will pull anything, and is comfy. Yeah, it does drink fuel like theres no tomorrow, but its fun to drive, and its by far one of the more macho SUVs on the road. I take it to an off road park almost every weekend and it can follow any of the "trail rated" jeeps that are half its size. Ive also towed in excess of 10,000lbs, and other then the rear suspension being maxed the motor and trans didnt mind it one bit.

  • Best Ford SUV - 1997 Ford Expedition
    By -

    I have had my car for a about a week and love it. It is a little better than the base xlt because it has new shocks, suspension, new(upgraded) transmition, and towing package. Makes me feel important and safe while driving. The car has 166,000 miles but fells like it will run forever. The only issue i have had is getting the emitions checked, for some reason the car wont start if they have the OBD cord plugged in.

  • Very dependable - 1997 Ford Expedition
    By -

    I fell in love with the cornering, power and braking right away. Since I have had it I have put over 60,000 miles on it in a short time and have only had to replace the Alternator. Not sure why but I have had bad vibrations in it on the highways even after alignments, balancing, rotations and new tires. Also seems like it will fish tail easily in the rain if your not overly carefull. but over all the vehicle is strong running, very powerfull, takes tight corners and stops easily (for a heavy vehicle).

  • Great overall - 1997 Ford Expedition
    By -

    Im in the army so I drive long distances a lot along with living in a heavy snow state and pull several trailers. OK so it doesnt get the best gas mileage but how many of the people giving theirs a bad rating bought it for the mileage over the power and comfort you get out of it. I agree that the 3rd seat is bulky but its great to have and its easy enough to take out. I have the 5.4 triton and Ive owned 2 GMC Jimmys, a Chevy 1500 350s, and a Dodge Ram and it outdoes them all by far. It has far more torque, towing power and I drive through fields a lot where I work pulling over twice its own weight and never been stuck yet. I would say its the best vehicle in its class with out a doubt. Great!

  • 97 Ex EB 4x4 - 1997 Ford Expedition
    By -

    Well, Ive had this truck for just over 3 years now and have tickled pink since day one. Dont get me wrong, there have been a few issues such as having to replace 4 spark-pugs and their respective ignition coils (250 a pop really stinks for the coils!), 2 tires back in 06, and most recently had to replace the right head on the motor because the #5 plug blew out of the head damaging the head to the point that it could not be repaired - only replaced! Boy that was fun! Other than that, I couldnt ask for a better truck. Yes, fuel economy stinks. 11.6 m/g avg since I bought it, but I still love it. Just turned 150,000 and hope to get anothre 150,000 out of it, if not more!

  • Old Faithful - 1997 Ford Expedition
    By -

    We have loved this vehicle. We bought it with 108k, have 165k now. With three kids it has worn well, but showing signs of age. Ultimately it has met its death with me due to "electrolysis", which is not uncommon in this line of Fords I understand - there is a grounding fault that develops and the current causes the antifreeze to corrode the heater core, which we have replaced 4 times now. The frequency keeps increasing so we are parting ways for another expedition. It tows our camper wonderfully.

  • Great Family hauler/workhorse - 1997 Ford Expedition
    By -

    Weve owned this truck for 8 years now, bought it used, 2 years old. Two major problems, transmission replaced at 100K miles, replaced injection system on 4 ofthe 8 cylinders (one at a time of course - this is a common problem with this engine). Has otherwise been a good reliable family and stuff hauler. Its become expensive (gas) to use as an everyday commuter, but well keep it as a part-time haul around vehicle.

  • Great 97 SUV - 1997 Ford Expedition
    By -

    Bought in 99 with 24k and now have 154k. great vehicle with only normal maintenance until replaced ball joints recently. Great comfort and tons of space. Use as a small pickup sometimes when I need to haul something. Paint on roof though not visible from the ground has deteriorated but the rest of the paint is good especially for spending 4 years in Buffalo winters and the rest in WV.

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