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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  Franks Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Frank Giron - October 23 - 3:02 pm

  We purchased our Expedition at a Honda Dealership where we had taken our 2001 Honda Passport for an oil change, We had just returned from a fishing trip to the Sierras and were very disappointed with the Passports comfort zone, We purchased the Expedition with 30,000 miles on it it had been traded in by the company who initially purchased it. We installed a trailer hitch and have pulled a 26 ft travel trailer from Orange County California to Havasu, Arizona with no problems. While I would have preferred a little more horsepower I was very pleased in its performance climbing over mountain passes. It never heated up even while running the air conditioner and climbing. Comfort was great.

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  Lots of changes from my 2002 Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Mark K - October 18 - 12:04 am

  Traded my beloved 2002 Expedition for a brand new 2005 last month. Lots of differences, also some similarities. So far the 2005 has run flawless. I replaced the stock wheels and tires immediately. Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revos best tire ever made for an SUV makes this truck stick like glue. The 2005 version sits lower than the 2002, something that on one hand is disappointing, but it is easier to get into and out of. The 300HP V8 moves this SUV without breaking a sweat. My 2002 had the 4.6L V8 and while it was a solid running engine, when fully loaded it didnt have nearly the pep the 2005 has. Well see how durable the new engine is over time. Styling is very clean.

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  Love our Expedition !! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By 98 expedition - October 13 - 9:05 pm

  This is a great family vechile ! we have had our expedition for 4 years now at 182,000 miles and its still going strong ! hardly ever has given us any problems since we have had it ! been the most reliable vechile that we have owned ! will continue to drive it an will rebuild it when it is that time ! cant go wrong with a 98 expedition !

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  VERY SATISFIED - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By MIKE - October 4 - 12:59 pm

  Bought it new for my wife. She owns a business that requires hauling heavy AV equipment and much travel. It has been a great vehicle. Needed its first tune- up at 96,000 miles. It is very comfortable and the leather seats have held up well. We have taken many vacations with it and the entire family (of four) loves the ride. Just had to replace the alternator and battery (at 117,000 miles). The paint job (Metallic Spruce Green) looks great for a vehicle that has never been garaged. Only problem has been with the odometer. Since about 5,000 miles, it comes on and goes off and when trying to keep track of the business mileage, this becomes a nuisance.

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  I too Have Vibrations in the drive train - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Joseph Dellaccio - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I took this vehcle to the dealer on two or three occassions for vibrations at 45 to 50 mph. They checked front end alignment, tire balance, the vehicle still has the vibrations. I even wanted to try new tires but Ford has refused saying nothing is wrong with the tires or drive train I too am thinking of submitting a request for arbitration under the Lemon Law. I have found that Customer Service from the corporate office, customer service and local dealer to be disgustingly indifferent about my unhappiness in the vehicles ride at those speeds.

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  Love it !!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By motownking - September 26 - 10:00 am

  so far it is so good. i bought it for my wife and i try to drive it more than she does. excellent vehicle!

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  Lots-o-room - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Hutchman - September 26 - 10:00 am

  You can fold down the two outer seats in the second row even with a child car- seat in the middle position! I wanted something with three rows and large towing capacity, but still smaller than a suburban (its got to fit in the garage!)

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  Could be better - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Outlook - September 19 - 12:23 am

  This is my third Expedition and with this one I would have to say that Ford is trying to cut some corners on their bottom line. The interior feels like they put in more "hard plastic" materials. I have had a lot of cosmetic issues with the exterior. The climate control seats used to be built into the seats now it is a blower that goes under the seats that you can hear when on. The entertainment screen could be in the back of the seats because it blocks your view while driving. Too much cheap plastic inside this model.

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  Very Dependable Truck - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Dave - September 14 - 7:04 pm

  I have had two Expeditions and they are both good tough family cars. I got 82K out of the first set of tires and have not had to do anything but scheduled maintenance. I wish it better fuel mileage, but other that that, I am very happy with the truck and it has served me very well.

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  Expedition Review - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Expresso - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Get vechile has lots of room, with thrid seat down has great hauling capacity. Fuel mileage does go down if you punch the gas pedel but if you drive normal gas mileage isnot that bad. Overall great vechile would buy another without question.