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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  #1 SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Greg G. - July 19 - 5:59 pm

  I bought my Expedition with 112,xxx miles on it and now has 130,xxx. I have not had any mechanical problems with it. The only 2 Problems I have had with it is the rear a/c makes a Clunking noise and the Paint on the back hatch started peeling off with is common my friend has a 2008 Expedition EL and hers is starting to bubble now to. I owned a 02 Mercury Mountaineer before this and the expedition beets it hands down. Feels much safer, and with being 16 years old my mom feels better about it to. Ride is very Smooth, parking is easy, driving is fun, I have been loooking to buy a new suv with less miles but have not found anything I like better, I will keep the expedition to good to give up!!!!

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  The Best Full-Size SUV! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Loyal Ford Customer - July 16 - 2:00 am

  The new 2004 Expedition is the best ever! I love the power-fold rear seats. The aluminum lift gate and hood is so easy to open and close. The ride is just fantastic. This Expedition is very, very quit. The AdvanceTrac electronic stability enhancement system is great, along with the automatic tire pressure monitoring system! This Expedition handles so great. The seating space, comfort and configurations are excellent. The dual temperature controls, the dual power seats and the heated and cooled dual front seats are the best! In addition, the rear-view side mirrors have a great feature, they auto-adjust down when you back- up.

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  Nice Truck - 2009 Ford Expedition
  By Ben - July 14 - 7:47 pm

  Make no mistake about it, this is a truck. A very, very nice truck. I am a former multiple Suburban owner that had an Expedition in the 90s. There was no comparison between the Expedition and the Suburban just as there is no longer any comparison between the Suburban and the redesigned 2009 Expedition. This truck is quiet, rides very well and is absolutely thought through from the front bumper to back-up camera. The gauges are easy to read, the stereo has over the top sound quality, the power fold down rear seats are incredible and the backup camera is well designed and displayed. Compare - there is no comparison.

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  Great Truck, Extremely Comfortable - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By goldenst2 - July 11 - 9:57 am

  Bought this SUV new. Its been a great vehicle. Very comfortable and very reliable. No major repairs. Has over 102,000 miles and still original brakes. Not even a light bulb replaced. Not a good city car (just too big), but what a treat for road trips. Bought a new, smaller SUV this year and just couldnt bring ourselves to sell the Expedition. Hwy mileage not too bad driven reasonably. We average 16. Cant find a used one anywhere around where we live. If you have one, keep it! BTW, if you replace your tires do not buy the Goodyear Wrangler RT/S. Ride is terrible compared to the Continentals that came on it. Should have taken them back.

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  Strong and Solid SUV/Truck - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By NEOLITHIC - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I have wanted one for ever i finaly bought one and it is great. I love them large and roomie. Chevy has nothing on the size or the handline and the well built quality in this truck. Chevy does not have the size at all. only one thing i would love to have a 5.8 ver a 5.4 351. Ford has came along way. Chevy needs to go back to the board when they built a good p-up the last good one was 1970 c-10 4x4 solid truck well built and powerful and they need to get away from the box and go cab foward. NEO

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  Awful piece of junk! - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By kippie - July 3 - 2:03 am

  I bought this car used and drove it only 6000 miles in the 1 year I have had it. The head gasket blew and then out of no where there was a hole in the radiator. I bought an extended warranty but it covered only the head gasket. I only drive it to tote kids around and this is appalling to me. Reliability with only 60,000 miles on it!? I will NEVER buy a Ford again.

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  A review - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Fritz - July 2 - 10:48 am

  My Expedition is 9 years old, and I have started looking around for a replacement. What were high end features in 2000 are less than base now in most SUVs of this class. When I purchased this one I was ticked at Ford over a maintenance issue, but the GMs felt too cheap. Now, the new Expeditions feel too cheap. In 9 years I have replaced the the alternator twice, the water pump, the load leveling suspension motor, and the sunroof motor.. The reviews in 2000 indicated the electrical systems are where this vehicle would have problems, and that has proven to be pretty accurate. Back to the replacement... I love my current truck and have decided to just keep driving it.

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  built ford tough - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By built for tough - June 28 - 2:48 pm

  This truck is built for tough it tows a 9,000+ pound boat and trailer w/o any problems. Only have had one problem and that was a bad senor but besides that the truck has been nothing but great. Bought the truck with 44,000 miles and now it has 65,000 miles. The exterior has held up great and so has the interior with some wear on the front bottom of the leather seats but its not bad. Would defenitely but another expedition.

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  built ford tough - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By king ranch - June 28 - 2:30 pm

  Overall the truck has been great and has stood up to the built ford tough. The interior and the exterior have held up very well. Only 2 minor problems and one was cause by the dealer not putting the clamp back on the radiator hose causing the hose to detach while driving and the other issue was a phaser that was covered by the extended warranty. Bought the truck with 22,000 miles and it now has 55,000 miles. The truck drives like a luxury car and has a great turning radius. This truck has turned out great comapared to our other truck a 04 chevy tahoe which has been in the dealer more close to 20 times for repairs alone the latest problem with that truck is the speedometer dont work anymore.

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  A Great Truck - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By dsword - June 25 - 12:08 pm

  I bought this truck used in oct.of 2007.I absolutely love this truck.My kids love it.Plenty of room for everyone.No problems mechanically or with the exterior.Sadly someone just ran a red light last week and was doing 70 plus and tboned me!My truck is totaled,but it saved my life! Everyone has said that if I was in anything smaller I would have been killed.I am deffinately getting another one just like it!