4 Star Reviews for Ford Expedition

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.29/5 Average
1,452 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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 291 through 300 of 1,452.00
  • New Braking System - 2004 Ford Expedition
    By -

    3 weeks after the purchase I noticed a large amount of brake dust forming around the front wheels. When I called my sales rep., he told me that the new brake pads were softer and produced more brake dust. At 22000 miles I am having to replace the front brake rotors because they wear out with the pads. Instead of an annual cost of maintenence for brakes being around $200, its now going to be around $550. The sales rep. should have told me this. I see a lot of new Expeditions with the same brake dust buildup I like me they will be in for a shock when servicing their brakes. Still it seems the car industry doesnt make full disclores to the consumer.

  • Expedition Expeditions - 1998 Ford Expedition
    By -

    Gas mileage is terrible but roominess and cargo carrying/towing capability make up for sucking down the petrol! Im the 2nd owner, having purchased it preowned and having 35,000 miles on it. I have performed all of my maintenance and repair work for the last 15 years and My Expy has been very good to me. I am at about 160,000 miles and have been cross country about 8 times with it and it has never left me stranded with the exception of right after purchasing it, I ran it out of gas! My fault but always keep the tank half full and youll do ok! Change oil every 3,000 miles and do the maintenance schedule and it will last a long time.

  • Happy Expedition Owner - 2002 Ford Expedition
    By -

    First SUV that I have owed and it has been a great experience. Basically the only problem that I have encountered was the rear windows squeeking when opening they replaced the mechanisms (both windows) and the same thing happened. This occurs mainly during the winter months. Drivers window has a tendency to go up very fast during cold days. Also noticed a hummng noise in tranny when overdrive is turned off dealer says that this is not a problem and I have not had any tranny issue. I do not have the load leveling and my SUV runs pretty smooth, great on long trips, and comfortable. Get about 18-19 on highway, powerful motor (5.4), sometimes dont realize the speed Im going, good pickup for a big SUV. Love her!

  • King of the Road - 2004 Ford Expedition
    By -

    It drives and performs like a car. Great visibility. Nimble in parking situations. Fun to drive.

  • Finally a Limited Version!! - 2005 Ford Expedition
    By -

    I owned a Eddie Bauer previously and was not in the market untill I found out about the uped Horsepower and a LIMITED model! So I layed down and bought one and have to say, not too much different than my 2004. Other than the cosmetics and a tad more horsepower, esentially same SUV. The cure for brake dust (in my case) is to add big chrome wheels and tires, no brake dust is evident. If I wasent privy to buying as a Ford employee (A- plan) the Denali is a much better SUV, which I would prefer.

  • da Best - 1999 Ford Expedition
    By -

    Very happy. Ford does have a better idea, and its the Expedition. Very stable, smooth ride. Only down side -- lacks power with the 4.6

  • Happy So Far.... - 2004 Ford Expedition
    By -

    I shopped all the full size domestic SUVs and two imports and I when the dust settled, I chose the Ford. There are compromises no doubt, but when you weigh all the factors that I thought were important in a vehicle like this: ride comfort, hauling capacity and flexibility, price & features I found the Expedition more than capable. The 5.4L provides adequate acceleration, not as good as the Dodge or Nissan, but on par with the GM & Toyota. Your not going to be winning any stop light drags, but this motor will pull hard and true. A lot of people complain about the mileage on this vehicle, but folks what do you expect? Its 2+ tons w/a V8, Ive average 18 on the highway @ 75mph.

  • Great Vehicle poor Gas Mileage - 2003 Ford Expedition
    By -

    I overall like this vehicle, if it were not for the Gas prices I think it would be one of the best out there. It gets an average of 13.8 mpg, overall the space and comfort level is great.

  • Knock on Wood-Great Truck - 1998 Ford Expedition
    By -

    I bought this SUV with 55K on it. Currently have 91K on it with no major problems. Only repair thus far has been broken tie rod end which is scary because I drove it home 30 miles when the wheel started shimmeeing. After crawling under front end, the only thing holding the tie rod up was the rubber cover. $50 repair. Has decent power and is a bit heavy and rolly but I feel safe in it. It does suck gas like the tank has a hole in it. My friend has a Tahoe and he gets 16-18 mph, I only get 12-14 mph. I do think mine rides and drives better and is more stylish. All in all, a very good truck thus far, knock on wood. If they could only get 20 mph. :)

  • 200 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 2WD - 2000 Ford Expedition
    By -

    I purchased this vehicle for my wife in the fall of 2002.I have replaced the tires, brakes and oil. I have not experienced any problems at all with this vehicle.

Ford Expedition Reviews By Year:
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