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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  Nice Big Camping Machine! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Brad G. - November 3 - 10:00 am

  We love the commanding view of the road and the smooth ride. VERY comparable to the "Luxury SUVs". The interior is very luxurious with incredibly comfortable leather. The engine could be a little more powerful but its a truck...how quick does it really need to be? It has plenty of power for towing but not as quick as others on the road.

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  Awesome SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Jaren Packard - October 21 - 2:00 am

  After owning over 17 cars/trucks/suvs in the past 12 years this is by far the best, not only for Ford, but any manufacturer. Ride is like a Mercedes without the cost, interior even on the XLT is luxurious and comfortable and space utilazation combined with the innovative features it offers are superb. Triton V8 is so quiet and handling is more like a car than a Truck. I would highly recommend this to anyone in the market for a full size SUV.

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  Great SUV TO OWN - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By frankaarthur - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Before buying a 2004 Ford Expedition Xlt model.The wife and I owned a 2001 Toyota Highlander V-6. It a great car for two people And I would recommend it,but if you have a family I would not. In 2002,the wife and I became the pround parents of Twins. Suddenly we had no more room in the highlander the double stroller would take up half of the rear area. I wanted to buy the Toyota Sequioa, but it was too much dinero$$, so we shopped around and found a suv that not only had the room and space but was affortable. All I can say we are very happy with Expeditation.

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  Excellent redesign - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By paulb - October 14 - 10:00 am

  As close you are going to get to a luxury sedan ride in an SUV. The independant rear suspension really helps the handling and ride along with allowing them to come up with best designed third row seat in any SUV. I owned a Durango previously and once my son grew over 4.5 feet he outgrew "his" 3rd row, which was an innovation at that time. After the first year Ford should put some more thought into the interior features. Have not tested the off road performance...yet.

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  Awesome truck - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By grimja - October 13 - 11:41 pm

  Weve had our Expidition for four or five years now and it has 158,000 miles on it due to the long trips we take it on. Even though the family doesnt go many places together anymore I still like to drive it, even though the gas mileage is impractical. I just love how comfortable it is. It doesnt get up to speed very fast, but thats not what it was built for. The thing has only let me down once and it was due to a vacuum leak and that was two years ago. Now all I am worrying about is the rear end, which leaks fluid. Other than that it is great for its age, doesnt eat oil and even though the kids gave it a beating, you cant tell it at all.

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  How Long Will the Japanese Myth Last? - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Steve - October 7 - 11:45 am

  10 months and 2700 miles later Im impressed with the rock solid, quiet interior, great road manners, surprisingly stable, short braking, and 14/20 MPG. Ive owned 3 different Japanese vehicles in the past, but given this massive Fords decent-for- class mileage and quality, I sure am glad I resisted the inclination to get a Sequoia and pocketed the extra $9,000. This SUV is the hidden gem in the field. Just compare its third row to the equivalent regular wheelbase GM, Rover, Infiniti, and Toyota, and youll know that Fords engineers have slaved as hard as their accountants to produce untouchable SUV value. Finally, I find it exudes a strikingly handsome blend of toughness and aristocracy.

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  Old Faithful - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By dino - October 5 - 7:19 pm

  We have loved this vehicle. We bought it with 108k, have 165k now. With three kids it has worn well, but showing signs of age. Ultimately it has met its death with me due to "electrolysis", which is not uncommon in this line of Fords I understand - there is a grounding fault that develops and the current causes the antifreeze to corrode the heater core, which we have replaced 4 times now. The frequency keeps increasing so we are parting ways for another expedition. It tows our camper wonderfully.

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  Love this truck - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By R.Hopkins - October 2 - 9:10 pm

  I enjoy everything about this car. It has so many great features. My kids enjoy the capain chairs and watching DVDs. We recently had a power outage and we all watched a movie in the car. I have had cars with heated seats but this is my first with cooled seats. I feel very safe in this car. I looked a long time to find a car with all the features I wanted and I found it.

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  King of the pullers and hawlers - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Ken - October 2 - 5:00 pm

  We bought this vehicle (new) to replace a 91 Chevy Suburban (which started falling apart after 65K miles). Its primary mission was to pull a 4000# boat and haul kids and hockey gear. It has been a great vehicle. It has been an everyday driver for my wife and she likes the automatic all wheel and four wheel drive features in the winter. I love it when I have 2 adults, 5 big teenage boys on board, full fuel, bags and pulling a boat easily at 70mph. Of course I dont look at the fuel computer because it is really depressing. But it gets the job done easly.

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  GREAT SUV IN ITS CLASS - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Shak - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Since Ive purchased the car, I felt so secured and superior with driving the car. Ive had good comments from on lookers and good phrases from friends who rode in it. The ride is similar to riding a luxury sedan and it has given me a good driving view in relations to seeing everything in and out of the car from the drivers chair. The only thing that Im concerned about is the gas consumption. Or its just an unfortunate time when gas prices soared up.