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 SUV!!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
By bwwray - July 31 - 10:00 amThis is a good truck for the money, compared to other makers. Nice interior design and easy accessibility. Responsive steering and smooth ride.
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2000 Ford Expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
By jarheadfor4 - July 21 - 2:00 amYou cant beat this truck for hauling a boat and the fam at the same time. I love it. The 3rd row seat keeps my 12 and 8 year-old kids apart. The A/C is cold and their is very little road noise.
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Good so far - 1997 Ford Expedition
By OxfordDawg - July 14 - 2:00 amWe just purchased our 97 EB and drove it from SD to Mississippi. It drove great but got about 14 mpg at 75 mph. Smooth ride with lots of room. Take the 3rd seat out if you dont have a big family. Just too bulky to leave in. Lacks torque of Chevy engines. Opt for the 5.4L.
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better than the Tahoes - 2001 Ford Expedition
By jamesSZ - July 13 - 2:00 amI had a 1995 and a 1997 Tahoe 4WD and had to dump them before the 36000 mile warranty ran out. Liked both of them but they were poorly built and had a lot of in warranty work done, The EXPIDITION seems to be holding its own - Ive yet to take it to the dealer for any warranty work. Next visit will report the following: windshield washer indicator give false out of fluid reading heater strip in back window losing effect radio was skipping channels by itself, tires are making a thud sound when driving above 55MPH. Small issues when compared to the 2 Tahoes that I owned. Milage is about 14 MPG.
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TRUTH ABOUT FORDS - 1997 Ford Expedition
By JANRUS - July 12 - 2:00 amIVE HAD THIS TRUCK FOR 18 MOS. EACH MONTH SUMTHING ELSE GOES WRONG. MOST RECENTLY THE TIE RODS, LASTTIME THE AIR COMPRESSOR FOR THE AIR RIDE. BEFORE THAT THE WINDSHEILD LEAKED AND FRIED SOME ELECTRONICS ( TO THE TUNE OF 1800.00). CANT WAIT TO SEE WHATS NEXT. GUESS ITS A GOOD THINGWE PUT LESS THAN 200 MI. A WEEK ON IT.
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just o.k. - 2003 Ford Expedition
By quiglebee - July 11 - 2:00 amThis is my 4th suv. It drives like a box on wheels. The brake dust is really bad on the front wheels. You really have to punch it to get going from a dead stop and the gas mileage is poor especially when using the A/C. I have had it in the shop once already for the air conditioner.
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Good Family traveling vehicle - 1998 Ford Expedition
By mitchell,jennifer - July 6 - 2:00 amOverall it has been a good dependable vehicle to own and drive. Its major draw back is its fuel economy, my truck gets about 13 to 14 miles to gallon city and 17 to 18 highway. Repair costs and general maintenance prices is above average.
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323playa XLT 5.4 is a great value - 1999 Ford Expedition
By 323playa - June 24 - 2:00 amI think that the 5.4 XLT is great value.So far so good with reliability. (knock on wood).I got all the E.B. features on mine with the running boards,fog lights leather, third row ect. Gas isnt the best but it is a big suv and gas prices are high.I heard if u remove third row seat you could save a mile per gallon.So far i am happy with my expo.It runs very strong.
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Almost There!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
By Londont513 - June 13 - 10:00 amThe 03 Ford Expedition is awesome. I had a 00 Expedition Eddie bauer, but really liked the silver birch metallic XLT Premium. THe new headlights are definitely cool and the handling are very noticeable improvements. The new styling is also an improvement.
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Expedition Transmission - 2000 Ford Expedition
By Bruce Thomas - June 4 - 2:00 am2 transmissions in 36000 miles. thank god for extended warranties. Otherwise the truck is great.
