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:

• 

  throtle sticking - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Todd - January 17 - 10:51 am

  I am have trouble with the throtle sticking when I slow the car down and it pushes the car forward .ford cant find the problem after three time at the dealer ship and olny offer 15000 on a trade money down the drain,would not buy another one.

• 

  5.4L Engine Blown at 57K? - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Frankie - January 3 - 5:59 pm

  We bought this vehicle NEW, for the reliability, and safety All services done on time by FORD Spent $800 @ All Star Ford for the 60K major tuneup to insure all was well (car was running great before). 500miles later in Portland lost all oil pressure, off on off on. Tow to Mock Ford Grants Pass, Oregon They said No Oil pressure in Head Galleys that will be $6100 for new engine! Side Note - Manual states 6 qts for all oil inluding filter. All Star used 7qts this time (never before though) Ford Districa Manager says NOTHING FORD did. This was my 5th Ford, last 3 I bought New. NO MORE FORDs in my Familes EVER. Ford Tougth, Quality< ? Sand Behind their prodcuts/custoerms NO

• 

  Ok - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Gary - December 24 - 11:16 am

  Well I just traded in my 2001 with 89k miles and have been the only owner. I have loved and hated this truck throughout its time with me. The tranny went at 44k miles and I was told thats common on these trucks. I ended up getting a broken stud in the exhaust manifold that was going to be thousands to fix and I was told thats common. I decided to trade it in and I admit was hard for me to do. The poor gas mileage is something I will not miss though.

• 

  Blown Spark Plugs! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Tommy Shaw - November 30 - 10:04 pm

  Thats all I have to say! Blown Spark plugs! Run! Run! Run Away! Will cost $500 min each plug to fix! This is a major problem! They blow up and out of the hole because theres only 4 little aluminum threads holding them in. Then they hit the fuel rail rupturing it and wah lah your car is a BBQ! Ford ignores. Says nothings wrong. Great quality!

• 

  Very unhappy with vehicle - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By Disallusioned - November 9 - 1:07 pm

  Bought vehicle, took it home, next morning, computer malfunction - ABS disabled, no directional signals, navigation detected system fault, dealer still has it and wont be ready until Thursday - one week in service. Brand new never driven condition. Not a good experience at all. Third ford for me.

• 

  Ford is bad to deal with. - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By mbuch65650 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had trouble with this car since I have had. It left my wife stranded on the side of the road and Ford did nothing to help. I had to even pay for the rental car. I have kept haveing touble with the car and Ford refused to fix it. I was going to sue but the law is fixed to be in favor of the auto makers. I would be better off to sell it.

• 

  Typical American car - does not hold up - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Thomas Fong - August 12 - 8:33 pm

  Poor gas mileage and does not hold up as well as a foreign made Japanese or European vehicle. Ford did not support vehicle for spare parts beyond 10 years.

• 

  Buy Something Else - Its Crap! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Cathy I. - May 18 - 10:00 am

  The only thing I liked about this truck was the warning sensors for how close you are to objects when you back up. Other than that, I dont see myself buying another Ford Expedition (or Ford Anything) for a long time. Im glad I bought it - Easier to get rid of it when you own it. Ive only had it for about a year and it feels like its going to break down already. So many things squeak and there are so many interior noises that it makes the truck seem cheaply made and unsafe. Ford does have a wide variety of models to choose from but Id have to guess that one model is as bad as the next. On a positive note - the horn works well?

• 

  Another Domestic that cant compete - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By richard - May 4 - 10:51 am

  We love the features that the Eddie Bauer has: heated/cooled seats, etc. but so many problems: the back-up sensors failed, the paint has peeled in many places, the release cable for back lid failed, and many more. The mileage is terrible.

• 

  STAY AWAY FROM THIS WITH 5.4L TRITON V8 - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By smileeeintiffin - April 14 - 7:27 pm

  I loved my expedition up until it left me stranded on a major highway due to a spark plug popping out!! And it is not an easy fix let alone how costly it is. Ford is aware of the major defect in these transmissions but will not correct the problem. To correct the problem the entire head must come off. Also if it is #4 spark plug than you must remove front of vehicle body to get to it properly. What a Joke!! Stay away from these vehicles. It will happen to you. They say the average mileage when this happens is 95000 miles. Mine has 94500. Imagine that. It is junk! Buyer Be Ware!