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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  Mid Life Crisis - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Mary Claire - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I am a married woman 47, running my husbands business after he retired this year due to health problems. Our company sells office products and office furniture. After looking at the Lexus GX470 and the Cadillac Escalade, I went with the Expedition hands down. It handles beautifully and will haul anything I can sell, plus our boats! I love sitting high, the back up sensor, the automatic rear seat control and split A/C temp controls in the front seat! My husband and I always fought over the temp...not anymore! I love it!

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  Buy one or lose out. - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Dee Dee Callahan - September 7 - 2:58 am

  After buying the Expedition I will not own another type of vehicle. Its great for everything we do camping, sports, hauling (trailers & quads), traveling. I can not say enough.

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  Great car - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Greg - September 5 - 10:54 pm

  Awesome car, upgraded from a Jeep and love it.

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  Cant give it up! - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Carter - September 2 - 11:00 am

  I hesitated to write a review for fear of jinxing myself but my EXP has been a great truck. Bought new in late 97. Now has 112k on it. Other than routine maintenance and replacing a few seals here and there, nothing major has gone wrong. I love loading up the family in it, putting big dogs in the back and heading out on a road trip, confidently. The biggest improvement I made was to put Michelin LTXs on it. The stock Goodyears were junk. Its a totally different ride with the Michelins.

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  happy customer -- needs improvements - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By seasonashley - August 27 - 5:11 pm

  We have had this noise in the car for about 8 months now. We have taken it to the dealership to be looked at (2 different ones) and we have been told that this is normal. I love my Expedition, but I hate the noise it makes EVERY time I crank the car up. We want to trade this one in and get a new one but were told that the next one might or might not make the noise and that every one is different.

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  Happy Owner - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By mike - August 16 - 6:45 pm

  Bought a 2005 Eddie Bauer to replace a 1998 XLT. What great changes during the last 7 years. I love the the interior and exterior designs and the ride is wonderful.

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  Myop - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Msexplorer - August 16 - 3:20 am

  I would recommend this SUV to mothers, especially those who have larger families. You can transport 8 individuals with ease, but that would leave you little baggage space. Some of my favorite features are the dashboard alerts. I am forewarned of low fuel, an unbalanced tire pressure, or even low coolant. In addition, the backup safety feature (which can be turned off) comes in handy and provides reassurance that you are not going to hit a child or object.

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  Expedition - Comfort, Ergonomics & Value - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By tobermori - August 9 - 12:03 am

  Great truck. No racer, as you would expect, but I tow our 20 boat up 6 degree inclines in the Blue Ridge Mountains with no problems at all, and I have the 4.6 Triton! Comfortable on the highway. The XLT Sport is a great deal. XLT with bonuses! You have to have Continental tires on this SUV they improve handling and quieten the ride.

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  REVIEWONE - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By DBMARIE - August 2 - 2:00 am

  DRIVES WELL, COMPARED TO OTHER SUVS; SOME ARE "TOP HEAVY", ENABLING GOOD STEERING.

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  Owner of three Expeditions - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Emile - August 2 - 2:00 am

  As owner of three expeditions I can actually say this 2004 is the biggest disappointment of the three. The one thing I do like is the power third row seat. As a woman I hate the storage in the front seats. The storage in the doors is useless. You cant get a map out without opening the door, and whats with the cup holders in the door that you cant see let alone reach. Please give me back my 2002 expedition.I also dont like not having the middle arm rest in the second row seats.