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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  Solid B+ - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Big Family - January 9 - 6:07 pm

  Does great on the things we bought it for (kids, cargo, 4WD in rough weather, comfort, long trips) only a handful of quality-related nitpicks keeping it from making it a truly great experience. Handles like a much smaller vehicle, and large mirrors are second to none. Seats, dash, controls all logical. Could be a touch quieter and a bit smoother on acceleration.

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  My experience - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Robert - December 25 - 2:25 am

  Overall, I have been pleased with this truck. Pros: carries everything, comfortable. Cons: poor gas mileage, third row seats dont fold flat. The biggest negative comes when you go to get the truck fixed. Ford seems to hide parts in hard-to-find places. Replacing the $50 front heater core requires $600 of labor to remove all the other parts that block it.

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  Good but could be better - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Kenneth Edwards - December 1 - 9:56 pm

  Good family SUV but brakes and tires are awful. Expensive upkeep.

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  New Expidetion ownr - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By aisyle - November 30 - 2:00 am

  After 200 miles there was a rattle under dash. It took ford two days to locate and repair. Gas average after 2000 all highway driving was 15.1 to 18.9 going from California to Indiana

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  2005 Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By kzmt4me - November 16 - 1:58 pm

  This is a good vehicle. It is reliable and the traction control has helped in the Florida rains. I have never been able to get the navigation system to work properly but thats ok ... we still have maps. The kids love the back seat DVD player but it is inconvenient because it blocks your rearview mirror 100% when it is in use. The back up warning is very effective and saved many a kids bike from being crushed.

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  2006 EDDIE BAUER EXPEDITION - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By A C ROGERS - November 8 - 1:44 am

  Nice upgrade from my 98 Eddie Bauer Expedition. So far no major complaints. It is a full size SUV and if you cant afford the gas -- dont buy this or any large SUV. Read complaints about uncomfortable front seats I have not noticed that with mine. Overall, this is an excellent SUV, but my next purchase will be the Nissan Armada LE - more horse power, more towing and more low end torque.

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  love my expy - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By expy 1 - November 7 - 2:47 am

  Very dependable family ride I enjoy towing and taking trips with it and the family too. lol.

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  Hard to Be Beaten - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Fordy - November 4 - 3:56 pm

  Our Expedition has been nothing but a dream to own. We bought it in March of 2004 and are looking forward to returning it for the new 2007 Expedition. This has been a great suv, has plenty of power under the hood, is incredibly comfy, has sleek and sporty styling ... stands out! (not like the Chevy Tahoes or burbans that are all like a carbon copy of each other). Is very roomy, heater/AC is very strong powerful, Transmission is responsive, braking is impeccable, large rear-view mirrors make it easy for a lane change, fold flat seats allow for lots of cargo room, 3rd rear seat is just as comfy as the rest of the seats. The Expedition is rated very high for safety, and reliability/dependability.

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  Nice, but Really Dirty Wheels - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Dave2004 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Geez what is up with the brake dust on the front wheels??? Every one I see on the road is the same way. I hope the pads last. Only takes a hundred miles to look like that. Doesnt seem to be like that on other large suvs.

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  Excellent Choice! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By adventurebound - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Whoa! We did our research, test drove the Tahoe, Sequoia and were SOLD on this SUV! The folding FLAT third row seats are the show stoppers. Also love that you can be comfortable ANYWHERE you sit from drivers seat to third row! Not so in the Tahoe or Sequoia...knees come up to chin in third row seat! Another biggie...safety factor..kids can exit the third row without help! Handles are very user friendly. Great family vehicle. Get a splitter from Radio Shack and 4 or more can listen to a movie while you drive to your favorite CD playing up front!! Took a 17 hour road trip and LOVED it in this SUV. It ranked up there with flying FIRST CLASS!