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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  Lost an engine at 100k miles - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By W - April 8 - 3:45 pm

  Owned almost 9 yrs. except for the bottom end of the engine going out at 100k miles ($8k later) I love it. Use it for snow plow, pull 24 boat goes anywhere and has never let us down (except for the engine). Has original battery but new alternator. Lots of room and very comfortable. Handles well on wet, dry roads as wel as in ice and snow. I dont like all the cheap-looking plastic on the new Epeditions. Plus the prices are way too expensive. Get the gas mileage up to 22-25 mpg, keep the power and handling etc and I might buy another.

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  Aging well - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By That guy - April 6 - 8:22 pm

  Bought mine with 35k miles on it and its still going strong at 114K. Had to replace ball joints and other normal maintenance items but so far that is it. Tows 2 tons of firewood on my trailer with no problems. Cup holders everywhere, plenty of 12v jacks for gadgets. Roomy and high ride. Climate controls for second row. CONS: The 3rd row seat is neat to have but a pain to remove and store when it is not needed. Some times the accelerator will resist initial foot pressure when its cold out and the bottoms of the doors are starting to rust (A Ford trait).

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  3rd Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Andy Franco - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Expedition. Had a 98 & 01. None ever require repair other than recalls (lug nut 98 & seatbelt 01). As much as we loved the first two, the 04 is more than 2x better. My wife loves driving it as much (or more) than her BMW 328 convertible. On recent trip from Dallas to Vegas, got 16mpg going (against the wind) and almost 18 on return. The only thing we miss is the cupholders in the dash which must have been sacrificed for the in-dash CD changer. Ford seems to have thought of everything. We especially like sliding center rear seat for granchildrens car seat. My wife doesnt like not being able to see outside temp.

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  Great for the whole Family - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Maurice Frye - March 30 - 7:18 pm

  This car has done it all for us, we have traveled many miles and experienced it all and this car just keeps on Trucking...Great car if it was not for the terrible gas prices..

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  As dependable as the come. - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Nancy K - March 30 - 11:37 am

  I bought my Expedition in 2003, when I had six kids at home, pulling an animal trailer, living in North East. It had 73,000 miles. Now, 4 kids in college, still have trailer, now has 176,000 miles. Safe, secure, dependable. Starting to rust out from underneath, but keep maintaining cause I think it will last until 200,000. Safe? I rolled it in 2005 when a Jeep ran a stop sign. 4 kids and I crawled out sunroof. No one at all hurt. Teens drive it slower than they would a small car, and respect the power more. People still comment on what a sharp looking truck it is. Looks as good as the day I got it. I love my truck.

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  Superb SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By amiculus - March 28 - 2:00 am

  We love it! Smooth, quiet, well- controlled ride. Wonderful legroom throughout. Full of thoughtful features (for example, the stereo volume increases with speed). 3rd row space is awesome. All seats very comfortable. 2nd & 3rd rows fold flat - - no removal needed to accomodate cargo. Got ours for $8000 below MSRP (Dallas). Wife is primary driver and she is thrilled. Disclosure: no affiliation with Ford whatsoever.

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  Great Family Hauler - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By mschooly - March 18 - 11:29 pm

  Our Expedition has done my family great over the last six years. It has survived three young children and a lot of driving vacations. It was a great family hauler with the fold flat third row, DVD system, and the heated and cooled front seats. Followed all recommended services done by dealer. Had problems with premature front tire wear until I took it to an independent tire shop to do alignment and balance every 5000. Interior rattles became a problem on rough roads after a few years of use. Gas mileage is bad around town, but better than expected on highway, as long as you go 65.

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  Overall a Great American SUV with Space - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Jay Zar - March 15 - 3:13 pm

  Overall, this SUV does what it was designed to do... haul loads with comfort and reliabilty. For the price, it is worth it. Some of the materials are cheap, but the build quality is done well. Space is great and the power is there. On the freeway I get 17 mpg. In the city I get 14 to 15. Hauling 800 lbs it could drop about 1mpg, but not on the freeway, still about 17 unless I am towing. I did install zenon bulbs and a better air filter, which did help. I use 87 octane. The sound system is excellent. The steering and brakes and turning handle as expected, solid, not sporty, but not sloppy. I have 20" wheels and the braking is great. I added my own back up camera, but the 2009s come with one.

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  My first SUV - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Delirious1 - March 15 - 2:55 pm

  I used to drive muscle cars, and my last vehicle was a 95 Jeep Wrangler. I wanted/needed a SUV. I bought the 99 Expy a few months ago. I have only two complaints. The factory cd changer quit working and the transfer case seems to not want to come out of 4 hi. After a pricey estimate to "diagnose but not to repair the problem" from 4 different shops, I pulled the front driveshaft to temporarily save my vehicle from any major trans damage.

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  Problem with rattling windows! - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By amyb - March 11 - 6:56 pm

  I love the way my new Limited Expedition rides, however, I am having problems with the windows. When the driver side is rolled down half way it makes a loud rattling noise. I took it to the dealer to get looked at several times and they said there is nothing they can do and that it is a normal occurance. It seems strange that a SUV of this caliber is suppose to have rattling windows! The Texas Customer Rep. is not trying to help my situation either. I feel like they are trying to sweep this problem under the rug! Is anyone else having this problem?