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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  Big and Boring - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By dmorningcall - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a big beast! No problems with quality, and the car drives very smoothly. The car, however, lacks all character and personality and one tires quickly. The large mirrors are awesome but the second row seats are very disappointing given a vehicle of this size. Gas mileage not bad for this size of vehicle. I miss my Land Rover!! BEWARE: If you want to hand in your vehicle (off the lease early) the dealer can charge a $1000 mark-up to another dealer wholesaling the truck. This is completely UNFAIR.

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  Great in the snow! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By ATC - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This Expedition has performed magnificently in the recent snows here in the mid-atlantic region. We have driven in 3 seperate snow storms, and there has not been a single missed- step....We feel very safe inside. The interior finish is actually better than the Sequoia, which I wanted to be my choice, but when I test drove the two, the Ford won out.

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  Wife loves it - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Eric Cavanagh - January 17 - 12:35 pm

  Despite my resolve to never buy a big SUV due to MPG issues, my wife talked me into this one. In fairness, it is a nice truck, good to look at, fun to drive, comfortable and seats 8. Had a van, but she tired of it after almost 10 years. MPG is about 14 city, 17 highway (with no lead foot). Throws a lot of brake dust, especially in front. Good on long trips. Bought with 33K miles & put more than 10K on it so far with no cost to repair other than rotors on the rear. Fronts had been replaced before I bought. Seems early for rotors. Truck gives feeling of power and sits high enough to see everything. If you dont care about mpg, get this or the Eddie Bauer.

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  Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Matthew Polus - January 14 - 8:23 pm

  I traded in a Honda S2000 for the Expedition quite a change. The Expedition is much more practicable, but not quite as fun to drive. I like the interior design, the seats are comfortable and its very quiet on the road. We towed about 5,000 lbs from Tampa, FL to Whidbey Island, WA (about 3,500 miles in all). The truck did great, even over the 10,000 passes in Colorado. It was extremely comfortable the entire trip and we managed about 13.5 MPG.The only problem Ive had with the truck is the passenger side fuse panel shorted. I came outside one day and the brake lights were on - with no one in the car! Ford fixed it and its been a great truck since then. I paid $36,300 in TX.

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  Paint - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Karbs - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Has anybody else had their paint job come undone. The paint on the hood of my truck is flaking off after just three months. Also, the window rattles a bit after opening and closing it.

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  Nice truck but - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Arthur Daly - January 2 - 3:43 pm

  We owned a 1997 model which I liked better overall. Some good improvements are, the power third row seat which is a great improvement. The rear door is lighter and the power lock on the rear window is handy. The middle storage between the front seats is huge compared to my 97 model. I had a problem with poor quality leather front seats which the dealer replaced. The air conditioner freezes up on the highway and stops blowing cold air. A little slow on the start for such a big engine but move along nice once you get going.

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  Love it, but..... - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By 100 - December 23 - 2:02 am

  Most comfortable and "fun-to-drive" vehicle weve owned. MPG is painful, but it is a large SUV with a large engine. Rattles/squeaks in the dash and headliner. Have taken to dealer many times to fix with little success. Noticed a howl in the rear- end at 12,000 miles, ended up having to replace the ring and pinion gearset in the rear differential. Serpentine belt went out at 19,000 miles. Have been less than happy with the problems weve had, but still like the vehicle.

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  Nice SUV - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By TONI - December 19 - 3:31 pm

  Expensive to be worked on. Parts not cheap nor the tune up. Seems to hold up well up to about 80,000 miles, then lots of things go out under the hood. Overall a nice vehicle to drive, roomy but gas isnt cheap these days!

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  Brake dust - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Sam Frank - December 19 - 12:33 pm

  My major dislike of this vehicle is the excess accumulation of brake dust at the front wheel.

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  Great - Beware of poor $2300 Engine Problems! - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Blefort - December 16 - 6:21 pm

  Former Explorer owner, upgraded to Expedition. Very good ride design, comfort, size. Mediocre/expected gas mileage. However, after 40K, the right cylinder head cracked, and began leaking oil. Repair of $2300 out of pocket was followed up with complaints. Initially Ford repair shop indicated rebate of $1500, but after several weeks, their "mistake" was corrected to $700 rebate. BAD taste in mouth for Fords quality, as more investigation indicates that this is a "known Issue" with the Triton V8s from this period. Dont know if its been fixed or not, but any time you have major repairs before 50K, beware!