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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  First SUV owned - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By NICE SUV by db - November 9 - 11:42 am

  This is the largest vehicle I have owned and my wife and I really love it! Before purchasing it, I read reviews like these and with Ford trucks word- of-mouth reputation, I purchased one. I havent regretted it. I use it mostly on long trips. It is fun to drive and I feel safer on the road. Mine is a 2-wheel drive, but it handles great in rain or snow covered roads. Replaced the drivers heated seat element already and the passenger side is getting weaker. $600. dealer cost for one seat repair! Out of warranty, but the dealer paid half. Replaced the brakes, but no mechanical problems yet. Would buy another one!

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  160K miles and still going strong! - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By pillarcustom - November 7 - 11:00 pm

  Very little maintenance has occurred in 8 years of ownership. Great truck with only minor problems after 8 years and 160,000 miles of wear and tear. Locking systems has several problems and rear speaker is shot, but otherwise in great shape. Strongly recommend the 97 for purchase as a used vehicle.

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  Very nice vehicle - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By JayJervey - October 29 - 2:00 am

  2wd Limited with Cashmere clearcoat option (very nice color). Minimal options -- power rear seats, Homelink, and limited slip differential. Very roomy and tall -- this baby is big -- barely fits in the garage. A behemoth - - but it rules. Handles almost as well as my Lexus IS300 that I traded (well, not that good but...not bad either). And its plenty fast with the new 300hp V8. I love this thing. By the way, get the Ford ESP warranty on the web (Loman Ford) -- dont buy from dealer (unless you need to finance it).

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  new expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By gwiig - October 17 - 2:00 am

  biggest draw back is poor milage--to be expected with such a large vehicle. Standard features galore, good performance out of the new 300 hp engine. my vehicle equipped with 4 corner load leveling--handles very well.

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  Hints to Ford Motor Co. - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By torquay - October 11 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. My overall opinion of this SUV is very positive. I use this vehicle in my business and tow a 14 ft cargo trailer frequently with great ease. Basicly this is my mobile office.

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  Problems - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By razniqs - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive had several squeaks, bangs, and clicks that cannot be fixed. That is annoying. However, I really like the car - except for the gas mileage which is a killer! 16 mpg is THE MOST I have been able to get on the highway and with gas as high as it is - little car - here I come

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  Finally Good - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Liking it Now - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased it new in Dec. of 2002. I had lot of problems. By 5,K miles I was on my thrid set of tires. The tires were cupping, aka "road force". Basically the tires are cheap Continental tires, and they cant hold the weight of the Expedition. So you get vibration. Ford paid for the replacement tires. When I had to take it in for a thrid time I refused to take it back unless they put on a different brand. I got Michelin tires. Good to go..I had troubles with brake dust & squeeking. At 20K miles Ford paid for all new rotors, calipers, and pads. WAHOO. The dust is GONE. I had to get the rear axle replaced as well. I think it is good to go now with 34K on it no problems. Knock on wood.

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  I love it! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By mcmy - October 9 - 2:00 am

  At 52" I didnt think I could handle driving a vehicle this large. I was wrong. The running boards along with the adj. pedals were a must for me and have been great, as have the back sensors. The turn radius is that of an Explorer (at least the 2002 Explorer that I prev. owned) and is very manageable. The interior has lots of room for lots of kids and lots of stuff. The third row is wonderful as is the ability to fold down one of the seats. The large compartment next to the drivers seat is extremely useful. Two nagative aspects of the interior are: no storage pockets behind the front seats and no alt. compartment for sunglasses if you have a sunroof.

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  Loved my Escape, but my Expedition...Wow - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Beth Baker - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive always enjoyed driving an SUV. So when I traded in my Jeep Cherokee for a Ford Escape, it was a definite upgrade. Three years later, I traded IT for my Ford Expedition. Needed the space with three Labrador Retrievers and Two Businesses.....The truck pulls our boat and you dont even know the boat is back there. The power fold- down 3rd row is sooooo convenient....and the space is more than ample. Comfort and ride are complimented regularly by family and friends......You cant go wrong! Ford creates a WONDERFUL SUV!

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  So far, so good.... - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By DeanCT - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my Expedition for 2 months now. I havent had any major problems. Love the ride and was surprised how well it handles. Only issue Ive had so far is sometimes when running the A/C, I smell a burning smell. Brought back to the dealer and the deordorized the Heating Box. Well see if that helps. Another thing I noticed is that sometimes when Im driving with the radio off, I can hear a humming or high pitched noise. Not sure what it is, hopefully its nothing. Overall, I think the Expedition is great, I love driving it and it looks pretty good on the road.