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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  Lemon - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Beth Haun - February 10 - 8:27 pm

  I traded my 99 Eddie Bauer Expedition for this one and within a 4 month period my 2005 had been in the shop more times than my 1999 model had been over a period of 6 years. Ive had problems with the gas pedal, electric seats, a piece of interior molding fell off by itself, and numerous rattles in the dash that the dealership employees cant seem to hear but everyone else that rides with me can. With only 8500 miles and 8 months of wear, the value has gone from the $37K that we paid to $22K (what the dealership will give for it now). Ive contacted Ford Motor Company about a buy back or replacement but that was a big waste of time. I wont be buying another Ford!

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  Flaws - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By tg4906 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  You have to be a truly brand loyal to overlook some of the flaws inherent in this vehicle. The engine is underpowered and continually goes in and out of overdrive. At highway speeds, there is a noise across the roof like a thin piece of sheelmetal with something heavy rolling across it. The child locks to come on by itself - poor positioning. The dealer offered to replace it for $220. The check engine light also came on for the first time for routine maintenance - $400. The dealer also told me to expect the average routine maintenance to cost around $200.

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  EB 2003 Loaded - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Charles Deca - January 7 - 5:35 pm

  From the beginning the Electrical, RSR system failed causing undo wear to tires and transmission. Never addressed! Noise leaking through door and window seals? Windshield Wipers lasted 1 year? Brakes lock up now and again? Power steering warning light went on and a fix went out from Ford and the dealer just pulled the fuse? Large rattling noise heard by shop foreman and never fixed? All were under the three year or 36 k miles but never addressed. Bought the SUV with hopes to recover the large down payment loan to value. Ordered new Ford King Ranch came in late and not as ordered? Salesmen very nice but how does that help me as I lost my buyer for my Ford SUV!

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  Ill Never Buy a Ford Again! - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Never by a Ford - November 14 - 10:16 pm

  Pretty good vehicle until you get to about 75,000 miles, then it falls apart. Transmission, oil cooler hoses, axle seals, driver lock switch, rear drivers side door window assembly (fell apart inside door), windshield washer switch (sometimes it works, sometimes is doesnt), alternator.... (I wonder each day what will fail next). Gas mileage is terrible. I own a Suburban which is more powerful, refined, comfortable, and out tows the Ford hands down. Take my advice: If you want a domestic truck, buy a Chevy. If you want a reliable car, buy a Honda or Toyota. By the way, my Expedition is in the shop as I write this review!

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  Thirsty as a toad in the desert - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By TourGuide - August 24 - 10:11 pm

  Could you live with single digit mpg? It happened to me. This single fact ruined my ownership experience. 18 mpg on the highway (after 10,000 miles), but I didnt drive it on the highway much. Low quality audio for a $48K vehicle - lose the Visteon garbage Ford! Chattering plastic parts in the rear liftgate took forever to locate and correct (did this myself). Rear axle seals went bad at 7000 miles. I desperately wanted to like this vehicle, and I did until the economics of driving it and the problems started up. This was my first big ticket vehicle purchase and I feel I was reasonable about my expectations. My idea of $48K worth of vehicle and Fords dont match. Bitterly disappointed with Ford.

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  lowered its standards - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By No service - August 11 - 1:07 pm

  Ford has dramatically lowered its standard and decreased its quality! The Expedition will look nice and all, but its mechanical build is just nonsense. Almost 600 miles on it in the shop for 4 day now and waiting to see if they can stop it from vibrating at 70mph. Also cold start very rough, they say I may need to wait until the next computer flash? Three new tires on the first visit back hatch is not alighned. Same as my last Ford, Never again!

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  FORD - Fixed of repaired daily - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Thom - May 8 - 9:38 pm

  Simply put, this car is not worth the 50+ grand. At first glance, it has a nice appearance. Not as grand as its Navigator brother, but still impresive. However, after having this car for some time, it becomes a pain. When youre not trying to maneuver this huge car in traffic and parking garages, its sitting comfortably in your local repair shop having its newest problem fixed. Front door leaking air, power mirrors without power, loud road noise that become greater with time, occasionaly weird clunkling that confuses both us and the dealer. Also, even though this car has a massive engine, its slow to accelerate. and its transmission is sloppy and gets confused shifting gears.

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  Need I say more? - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By ItsAFord - March 21 - 6:00 pm

  Well, weve had issues with our Expedition just as others have. Little things breaking down--rear windshield washer, cheap interior materials, heated seats and mirrors failing. For a $40K truck new, you wouldnt know it by the lack of quality. Frustrating to say the least. We will not be buying another Ford Product. Our 20 year old Toyota Landcruiser is much more reliable than this Expedition. Plus fuel mileage--even with a new fuel filter and dealer servicing, its around 10 city and 14 highway.

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  Poor Quality Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Houstondude - March 19 - 12:28 pm

  My Expedition has just over 10K miles and it has been in for repair four times for the same problems. Rattles in the doors, squeaks in the back seat, and blue smoke pours out of the tailpipe upon cold start up. Ive also had trouble with the touchpad keyless entry, electric mirrors and the remote locks. The dealership has not fixed but one problem the first time in. I have had to clean out the car every time to allow them to evaluate the rattles. I purchased the extended warranty and the pre-paid maintenance plan. Buying this car from this manufacturer and this dealer was a horrible mistake. Ford will accept no responsibility for their own poor quality workmanship. Never Again - NO MORE FORDS!

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  Kermitt Bites - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By kermitt bites - February 7 - 5:22 pm

  This truck has been a nightmare since the beginning. The problems have been from brakes squealing, the driverside power seat motor going out to the rear end being worked on four times. We even got the Ford rep involved and she claims that the truck is fixed even though the clutches in the rearend are still messing up. We now have 17,000 miles on the truck and we are going to have to eat several thousand dollars in order to trade it. We have resulted to putting poster boards on the truck with lemon signs on it and driving it around Oklahoma City