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:
Showing 261 through 270 of 1,452.00-
love it - 2004 Ford Expedition
By EX-ped - May 4 - 10:00 amIm rough. My vehicle needs to be too. The expedition fits. Its not a pick-up but its just as good. You can haul groceries when its raining.
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Just Keeps Running - 1999 Ford Expedition
By LLRinCO - May 3 - 3:15 amPurchased new, this Expedition just keeps running. With over 70K miles on it, we have never had a problem. It rides fine for the truck that it is, has nice features, but best of all it never fails to start or run perfectly.
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Air conditioned seats have won my heart - 2005 Ford Expedition
By Mostly Pleased - May 1 - 10:08 pmI just traded my 2003 Eddie Bauer for an 2005 Limited with the navigation system. So far the nav system is not very acurate. The power of the new engine is a plus. The front seats come with both heat and cooling my favorite option here in South Florida. Getting the limited with all the options is not the easiest. I would have liked the moon roof as well. Over all very nice SUV.
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Good and Bad - 2005 Ford Expedition
By ageesey - April 24 - 1:43 amI just bought a new Expedition to replace an older 2000 model. The newer model has a bigger engine, better acceleration, but a pretty bad blind spot when merging left. There is a TON of room on the inside, can fit just about anything with the seats down, including lounge chairs.
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Still running good after 8 years - 1997 Ford Expedition
By Brian - April 16 - 11:54 pmI purchased this vehicle with 24K miles and have owned it for almost seven years. I currently have almost 140K miles and I have been very pleased. I originally purchased this car to tow a 5,000 lb. camper. I purchased the 5.4L engine with the tow package and lower rear end differential. The car tows well and also has a lot of space and comfort. It is great for family vacations as there is a lot of rear leg room for my teenage kids. I only have one knock and that is that the leather wore away on the steering wheel and drivers seat. I would recommend a steering wheel cover as well a seat covers to keep the interior looking fresh.
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Solid Ride - Family Truck - 2004 Ford Expedition
By Vanz73 - April 13 - 1:14 pmI have had my 2004 Eddie Bauer Expedition for more than a year. It is a good solid vehicle that excels in bad driving conditions. My wife remarked that it is more comfortable for her as a passenger than my 1997 Explorer (that she said "bounced her around too much"). No issues or problems in the first year (Id expect nothing less).
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Good buy - 2005 Ford Expedition
By svofan1 - April 11 - 1:29 pmJust picked up my 05 Expedition EB. I am impressed. I checked others and found that one will need to spend about $5-10k more to get all the bells and whistles in this SUV. Good value for the money.
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Head Gaskets should be a recall item - 1999 Ford Expedition
By Mike - April 6 - 5:17 pmI bought my rig new and loved it until the warranty ran out. New power steering pump at 38,000 miles, would not come out of 4WD because of bad switch, then the big one at 60,000 miles - head gaskets went bad. $1,800 repair, new Ford parts and now - leaking again! Heard of several that have had this happen but Ford claims no knowledge of the problem and we are stuck. Fuel mileage lousy, 14 mph on highway and about 11 in city. Good power for towing with 5.4 engine. Love the ride, room, 3rd seat. Been a Ford driver all my life but will be hesitant to continue with the quality issues.
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super family truck - 2005 Ford Expedition
By susan - March 31 - 6:07 pmI have owned 6 different SUVs and I find this new King Ranch beautiful, comfy and great for all your kids and their friends. Pulls in and out of parking lots with ease no blind spots. Fun to drive because its easy. Super++++
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Its okay - 2001 Ford Expedition
By Lulu - March 31 - 12:19 amBig repairs, but we put on big miles, too. We are on our third set of tires. Have had to replace the front hubs at about 160K miles. Amazingly comfortable for a big old tub thats as worn out as ours is. Midway, we had to replace the gas tank because it was warped and that cost about $900.
