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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New and Improved! - 2003 Ford Expedition
By Expedition Momma - July 13 - 10:00 amThe 2003 Eddie Bauer Expedition has a significantly softer ride with the new suspension. It still has a "big truck" feel but its much better. With all of the features this rig has, it seems uneccessary to drop $10-$15K more for a Lincoln Navigator (the other car we were considering). The Expedition is nothing flashy, but is a good solid SUV that will last us for many years.
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An excellent SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
By teldoc - July 12 - 1:45 pmWe have owned Tahoes, Expeditions, Land Cruisers and currently also have an LR3. Our 04 Eddie Bauer Expedition has been an excellent performer. Its comfortable to drive and the ride is way nicer than the previous suspension set up. The additional power offered by 05s would be welcome but the 2 valve motors are adequate. This SUV just eats up the miles on road trips. Ours has been extremely reliable. We have 56,000 miles and I took it to Firestone telling them to replace the brakes...I get a call an hour later saying theres 50% pad left and the rotors look fine.
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2006 Ford Expedition - 2006 Ford Expedition
By mnc2001 - July 10 - 9:51 pmPerformance is outstanding, I rated a 9 because Im unsure of the hesitation in the engine at times. When Im cruising along at 50-60mph and approach a hill the engine seems to bog a bit? Comfort! Comfort! Comfort! Nuff Said. Fuel economy, lets be honest, youre considering this car for one of a couple of reasons looks, hauling the family/friends, or loading it up with camping equipment and a boat. You got the money to buy this baby, you dont need to worry about the gas now do ya! Interior design is fantastic. Outside the vehicle, for the price you pay, wheres the chrome wheels, and chrome trim? Still excellent craftsmanship. Reliability, to be continued in a year. Overall two thumbs up!
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I love this SUV! - 2003 Ford Expedition
By jenn - June 22 - 8:37 pmWe got this SUV used in January of this year. The size of the truck is perfect for our family of 4. We recently went on a family road trip and had the space we needed for comfort and luggage. I would buy one again!
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My first Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
By Stargazer - June 7 - 8:43 pmIf your considering buying an Expedition verses an Explorer - I would suggest the Expedition. The engine is much better than even the optional V8 on the Explorer (I noticed the difference towing a trailer). The windshield is much higher giving you better viewing. The third row seating has much more leg room. U-Haul will not rent to any vehicle with Explorer on it (ALL MODELS). The Expedition has all the room you could ever want and the power to tow.
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Great vehicle - 2005 Ford Expedition
By Mellon fry - May 29 - 5:32 amThis is a great vehicle. I get 20 mph on the road. I am not tired after a 1000 mile trip in one day. Very reliable. Much better than the Mercedes suv that I owned.
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Love my 2003 Eddie Bauer Expo - 2003 Ford Expedition
By Kelly1608 - May 9 - 8:40 amIve owned my truck for about 5 months and put about 6000 miles on it, and I really like the way it drives and performs. I tow a 20 foot boat with no problems. This is a first year early model and I have no complaints about build quality.
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Great buy for the family and off roading - 1999 Ford Expedition
By Ford Steve - April 30 - 5:41 pmI have owned this car for about 5 years and i am very satisfied with the car. the family is comfortable on long trips and has enough room for trips to the Home Depot. we have dirt bikes and tow a 4x10 trailer with no problem. As we connect the trailer the back end goes down about three inches, but within seconds the airbag suspension turns on and lifts it up to normal height and it even helps climb the dirt roads. I have only had two problems so far. My head gasket had to be replaced at about 50,000 miles and my heater core had to be replaced at about 70,000 miles. And it was not a happy time because my Ford dealer has terrible service. Other than those two things the car is a great car.
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4th One still love it - 2006 Ford Expedition
By Ford Guy - March 25 - 10:03 pmThe car is great my 4th one and its still great. The radio is not a big sound system cause in the 3rd row my kids are always saying turn it up. But Ford is still number ONE!
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love my Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
By Kevin - March 25 - 12:04 pmGreat truck with room for 8 and plenty of power. Excellent fit and finish. Love the power 3rd seat and dvd entertainment center.
