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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  Average as Usual - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Another Ford Owner - March 20 - 12:50 pm

  Very nice design but I learned never to purchase the first year after a remodel. Have had several things replaced that I would not expect to have replaced on a new vehicle. Dealer is so-so with their support. Would not replace the brake pads, but they replace the rotors once and resurfaced the rotors the second time. The problem was with the pads and after 25,000 miles, I replace the rotors and pads with Brembo rotors and ceramic pads. What a change. The brake dust is gone. Repaired a short in the system, front headlight seal was bad, replaced the steering wheel due to poor leather, the front seat replaced due to the wear of the leather. All in all, will trade in for a new one.

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  1998 Expedition XLT - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By millerford - March 10 - 8:16 pm

  This suv is a great starter vehicle. This is the first vehicle I have ever purchased and being new to the driving world, being brought in with a 1998 Ford Expedition was the best way to enter. I have owned my Expo for a few months and its been nothing but a joy. Even with the Triton 4.6 V-8 it still gets the job done and well I might add. I can haul all my friends around and not fret about their safety because this thing is so large. I have nothing but positive things to say about Ford and my truck. The only thing that doesnt work on my truck is the 6-disk CD changer due to a bad reader. Hmmm, this is a feature GM didnt offer back in 98 go figure, theyre always behind on everything.

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  Eddie Bauer Expedition - Great Vehicle! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By rsilva - February 20 - 2:03 pm

  My 2003 Ford Eddie Bauer Expedition is the most comfortable vehicle Ive ever owned (out of 20+ vehicles lifetime purchases). The ride is smooth, power & acceleration is plentiful, and comfort/amenities are a treat. I put all 33k miles on it since purchased new and Ive never had maintenance problems. After recent tire replacement with Michelin, the ride even got better ... its a keeper!

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  Over all it is Good - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Michael Pinson - February 14 - 11:38 pm

  Poor gas mileage ... only 12MPG city not 14. Has minor starting problems. Overall it is better than other SUVs for the money. Great leg and head room for tall people.

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  Great SUV - despite shortcomings - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Don in CA - February 6 - 12:28 am

  I love this vehicle! Spent a lot of time researching, even spent a year with a Jeep Grand Cherokee Hemi before dumping that in favor of the roomier Expedition Limited. During the buying processes I couldnt get the salesman to talk about or demo the navigation system - there was a reason for that - its disgusting. Save yourself $2k and get an aftermarket Nav like the Pioneer. I also ordered the Bluetooth from the Ford accessory book but the dealer put in a third party system that doesnt match anything! Great vehicle but what Ford really needs to do is pay attention to how Toyota and Chrysler deliver the details and most of all how they provide service.

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  Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Cindy - February 1 - 9:42 am

  I love my Expedition but shortly after I bought it, gas went sky high. That was a minus but the space and comfort for my family made the purchase very worthwhile.

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  Ford - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Texas True - January 25 - 7:19 pm

  Reliable car designed for comfort. It is a great way to have a luxury car and durable truck all in one. Great amount of room for large families.

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  Best SUV Ive ever owned - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By CodyG - January 25 - 10:16 am

  Ive been driving SUVs since 1973. My first was a GMC Jimmy. All have been 4x4 since then and Ive had seven in all since 73, mostly GM products. This Ford Expedition has absolutely topped em all. It is very comfortable, handles great and turns much better than my last SUV Tahoe. Third third row seat ROCKS. The independent suspension is da bomb shizzle! I now have 110,000 miles with only one minor problem ... the rear AC went out. Other than that this SUV has given NO problems.

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  So Far ... Good Vehicle - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By gp63 - January 23 - 11:34 pm

  I purchased this vehicle new in 1999. The reason I purchased it was because it was a vehicle I could use to haul the entire family and it had 4WD. It has lived up to my expectations. I have found it easy to drive not at all tiring, and it has only had limited issues since I purchased it. It does have/had two problems which seem to be the norm for FORD: 1) front brakes do not last past the first 10K miles and 2) the accelerator develops a slight stick when accelerating, which will require a few hundred dollars to have the accelerator et al. replaced. There was a minor issue with the rear wiper, which was fixed when they replaced the motor. I would definitely consider buying another.

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  owner - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Bob Drake - January 11 - 4:40 pm

  I have had nine Suburbans over the years starting in 1970 and this is a nice change. Pulling power has been great, body tight, comfortable.