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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  Typical American car - does not hold up - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Thomas Fong - August 12 - 8:33 pm

  Poor gas mileage and does not hold up as well as a foreign made Japanese or European vehicle. Ford did not support vehicle for spare parts beyond 10 years.

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  my new love - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By sspanton - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I have 3 kids ages 6, 2.5 and 3 months old i am able to put all car seats in the second row with out over lapping placing the kids in the car is easy as well as taking them out the power fold seats are very handy when going on outings i can lower one side and still have room for 2 friends or the other side and have room for one other person i only have a problem putting the strollers in the back of the 3rd row the space is limited but i do have a very big stroller which would give me problems in a minivan as well however with the power seats i am able to place the seats up just a bit and fit every thing in fine. i love this truck.

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  Still Going Strong! - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Mary - August 8 - 1:36 pm

  Our Ford Expedition 1998 is still going strong with over 191,000 miles. We have taken it on many family road trip and in over ten years we have had few problems with it. We do regular oil changes and check ups but not through the dealer. We used a service station with a guy we trusted to do all repairs. Our interior is really starting to show its age but the exterior looks great with little rust. I would recommend anyone buying this truck especially one that doesnt have lots of miles on it. The only problem I had was a transmission station missing a crack in the drive shaft transmission collar due to the 1998 Expedition has the two piece not integral piece in the newer models. Mary

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  Best Ford SUV - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By TheMan2323 - August 7 - 6:03 pm

  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.

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  Still enjoying this 2000 Expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Gumby - August 7 - 8:18 am

  We bought this 2000 Expedition new and now have 177K miles on it. All repairs have been wear related - alternator, upper & lower control arms (because ball joints are sealed and not replaceable separately), and the anti-lock control unit. I dont consider any of that major repair. (I had the original anti-lock control unit rebuilt, which was an inexpensive repair.) Of course weve done brakes, shocks, and plugs. This SUV rides and drives great and I will definitely miss it when I finally have to part with it. Only complaint is that it is under-braked, but I knew that when I bought it. You can run out of brake when towing in hot/high conditions - so beware when going downhill.

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  Never Thought Id Buy a Ford - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By JBenu - August 3 - 2:00 am

  When it came time to shop for a new SUV, I thought it would be a Toyota. While the Sequoia is a nice vehicle, it came down to the interior comfort and the cargo area versatility. The power-folding 3rd row seats simply cannot be beat. The interior is roomy and comfortable, the ride is nice, and while engine performance could be improved upon it is what I expected to get.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Steve H - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Since the day I got it I have had so much pleasure and comfort from this vehicle. Ford is getting better!

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  Absolute Garbage - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Steve - July 25 - 12:31 am

  This vehicle is a true Friday afternoon lemon. Both front calipers defective at 39,000 miles - out of warranty I have to replace. Exhaust system at 49,000 miles - i have to replace. Now, transmission gone at 58,000 miles - I have to fix. Nothing is covered under warranty, Gas mileage has never been better than 12.5 MPG. When addressed to Ford that a transmission under minimal use should not need to be replaced at 58,000 miles, Ford "regrets this, but unfortunately, cant help us." Junk car, junk company, worst vehicle I have ever owned. I would highly dissuade anyone from Ford product based on this vehicle and my experience with the company.

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  Great used ride! - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By B. Murdock - July 22 - 1:52 am

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  The Best. - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By VictorV. - July 22 - 12:53 am

  Purchased with 90k.What can I say,of all the vehicles I have ever owned,this one was my favorite.I had the sport model.The most spacious and confident vehicle I have ever driven.sure it had some maintenance issues,but so does my Camry.The ac was the best at getting my rig cold in the hot summer months in Las Vegas,and the AWD was a blast to drive.Took it to Big Bear one Xmas,and it tackled the snow with ease.I would never had sold it,but for financial reasons,she had to go.I have regretted that decision ever since.One day I will buy another low mileage Expedition.