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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  Sour on Ford Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Brian - June 7 - 4:20 pm

  My 2003 Expy has been in the shop for at least 6 weeks since I bought it. A/C went out twice and the rear end has been replaced 3 times. Im currently waiting for my 4th rear end. The a/c cuts out during highway drives. Now the gas tank makes a popping sound when you shut off the engine and the auto dimmer doesnt work on the rear view mirror. Ive had the side trim panels replaced after 20k miles because they were rotting out. Seat belts wouldnt retract at 30k. Replaced them. The radio reception is terrible on AM and FM. Front end had a bad vibration fixed after 3k miles. Something about replacing springs. Engine idles very rough now also. Service has been good but face it, Ford is real garbage.

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  haul in comfort and roominess - 2014 Ford Expedition
  By MontTex - June 3 - 2:16 am

  If one needs a family hauler in comfort and roominess, this Expedition EL is still worth considering. Thought the V8 has been replaced by the more advance and peppy 6 cylinder with Eco-boost, the V8 is still more than capable than most folks will need it for. Theres enough get go to haul a bunch of gear and people(up to 8) in the EL trim. The interior is a bit outdated but it still has all the bells and whistle one can use in a big hauler. The ride is composed and rather more secure than our other family hauler, the GMC Yukon XL. The seat is better and more supportive in the Expedition. We love both behemoths as they both get the job done for us. As far as roominess and floor layout, Id have to give it to the Expedition. It has the best 3rd row seat roominess, leg room and seat comfort. Adults dont mind it as much sitting in the 3rd row compared to our Yukon XL. MPG for both is what to be expected in such large vehicles. Average 16mpg overall for both in city/hwy combined. If you can afford the fuel cost and cruise in style and comfort for the entire family, the Expedition is worth it. Beats having to travel in 2 cars(2 drivers), 2 car payment, insurance and over all travel risks in my opinion. Future option is to go for a mini van or a mid size crossover SUV once a couple of kids are in college. For now, we love our Expedition.

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  Pampered Eddie Bauer - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By jarendt - June 2 - 7:04 am

  Pampered but still big ticket repairs. $1000 for ventilation problem. New transmission at 125,000 miles, and now it needs a head gasket, $2500 quote. Heated seat stopped working at 60k. CD player has problems on and off. Love the ride and feel but do not plan on fixing or buying another. Honda here I come!

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  Enjoyed Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By how166 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Ford did right.. the newly designed Expedition LOOKS great. Only problem is rattles.. Service department stumped for over a week.. says not the only Expedition with the same problem.. Hate spending over $30K for a rattle.. Walmart has them on the baby isle for less than a dollar.

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  No major problems yet and 5 yrs old! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By ExpedOwner - May 28 - 3:15 pm

  I really like my Expedition. I bought it with 3 miles on it and now with 110,000 miles I am still just as pleased with it. I plan to keep it as long as it runs.

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  Eddie Bauer Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Joe Midzalkowski - May 28 - 11:39 am

  Im 67" and my wife is 54". This is the first vehicle weve owned that is very comfortable for each of us to drive. Ive hauled a full load of luggage and my three dogs while pulling a heavily laden trailer with no loss of performance. Yesterday I picked up a half ton of cattle feed and three square bales of hay and still was able to pick up a major grocery order. Some of us DO need a vehicle this large.

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  Fix or Repair Daily - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By orca24 - May 18 - 6:24 pm

  Both fog lights fell out of the front of car from normal driving never hit anything or ran into anything. At 17,000 miles the entire rear end of the car had to be replaced. The gears all stripped even though I brought it in for service just like I was supposed to,

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  Ford Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By bhogreve - May 13 - 5:44 pm

  Good utilitarian vehicle. Some interior upgrades would be nice. I got the Eddie Bauer version but still a little unfinished.

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  Good Used SUVs - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Irish Red - May 13 - 3:25 am

  I like the quick pickup - smooth handling and the comfortable ride - for an SUV.

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  SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By abzotech - May 7 - 4:03 pm

  Had a problem with noise comming from the transmission. Took at about 6 trips to a Ford mechanics to 3 different dealerships, and two calls to Ford directly to finally figure out what the problem is.