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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Ford is bad to deal with. - 2003 Ford Expedition
By mbuch65650 - October 4 - 2:00 amI have had trouble with this car since I have had. It left my wife stranded on the side of the road and Ford did nothing to help. I had to even pay for the rental car. I have kept haveing touble with the car and Ford refused to fix it. I was going to sue but the law is fixed to be in favor of the auto makers. I would be better off to sell it.
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Realistic review..... - 2003 Ford Expedition
By desi - October 2 - 10:00 amA nice combination of minivan & luxury car inside. Compared to some "luxury" SUVs, the full size, upper end offerings from Toyota, GM & Ford are all quite decent. We like the heated / cooled seats, DVD, etc. Crash test ratings are better than Toy/GM models -- excepting for probably a high rollover tendency all SUVs have. Also, initial quality survey for 2 years is better than Toyotas. The electronic stability system (AdvanceTrac) -- which is a bit tough to find in 2WD models. Overall, excellent value for the money (as far as overpriced, full sized SUVs go) & probably appealing to people who hate minivans. Buy the 4X2 if you will not go off road.
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best car I ever had - 2004 Ford Expedition
By jorge lopez - September 30 - 10:00 amI had driven from mercedes benz to land cruisers and for the money the expediton is the best.land Cruiser had no Dvd or buckets seats on the 2nd road
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03 Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
By Crystal D M. - September 30 - 10:00 amLove the fold flat third row seat with actual leg room to allow for adult passengers. For all the options/features pricing is much better than on the Tahoe/Yukon for the same things. Have not had a single complaint about the vehicle in 1 1/2 yrs!! Its great.
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2010 Limited Expedition - 2010 Ford Expedition
By bb432 - September 27 - 7:29 pmWe have had the Limited for over a month now and have found it very practical as well as fun to drive. We purchased ours with the upgraded package. 20s Nav, moon roof, deployable running boards, heated/cooled seat, and rear load leveling suspension. Drives smooth and quiet. We were torn between the Yukon and Expedition. The Expedition won out hands down after test driving and looking at the cost and features provided for each. Plus I did not want to drive a Government Motors car at the present time. Dont get me wrong I love GMC cars.
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Exellent - 2003 Ford Expedition
By CHRIS0001 - September 27 - 10:00 amThe Ford Expedition is an extreme pleasure to drive, I am encouraging all my friend to take a test drive.
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"Simply the Best" - 2007 Ford Expedition
By Matt&Sara - September 25 - 7:54 amWe test drove every full size SUV out there and it came down to the Expedition and the Tahoe. The interior and over all features the Expedition offered was far superior to the Tahoe. We love this SUV and it fits perfectly into our Family and have no regrets. I highly recommend driving this vehicle and comparing. Get it loaded with everything.
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Nicer than ever - 2003 Ford Expedition
By osu18 - September 20 - 2:00 amThe new design of the 2003 Expedition goes inside and outside. The big winner is the consumer with a much improved handling. Much Quieter, Roomier and full of confort the 2003 Expedition is the perfect Family getaway car...
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built though build ford - 2003 Ford Expedition
By totol - September 15 - 2:00 amWhat I liked the best about this SUV is the new disigned exterior. Another important character is that you could customize the truck without damaging the apperiance of the SUV.
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Great vehicle! - 2002 Ford Expedition
By HardLiquor - September 13 - 4:19 pmBought this vehicle in 2007 with 70,000 miles on her. Great truck...nice fit and finish. Very solid feel. Drives very much like a truck and not like a car. Can be a bit hard to maneuver in small parking lots. Has been very reliable though we really havent driven it much. Truck has just over 90,000 miles now 3 years later. Nothing has broke...no fluid leaks. This is the first vehicle Ive owned with this kind of mileage that didnt leak oil or tranny fluid.
