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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  ford - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By lisa a h - June 11 - 10:00 am

  fun truck for a family. I use it on our ranch

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  Get the best die like the rest - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Jim rogers - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I went throw mud/snow and lose gravel and it didnt slide a bit. I think it has been the best modern and high tech vehicle ever made!!

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  Superb Vehicle - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By jess - May 25 - 5:27 pm

  After 61000 miles not a single break down nor problem of any other kind. Power and above all the comfort of the interior are to be desired in any vehicle. The only drawback in the fuel effiency or lack thereof. Think of buying one I would recommend, just have a good paying job to support the oil companies

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Rich - May 25 - 4:47 pm

  Most versatile vehicle weve ever owned. Grand kids get into/out of child seats/3rd seat thanks to 2nd row buckets. Lots of safety features and great sound/dvd/nav system. Havent taken a long trip yet but look forward to doing so. White Tri-Coat paint and Sand leather interior is great for hot Texas summers. 20" chrome wheels make it the best looking SUV out there Local driving so far has been very comfortable. Commanding seat position and good visibility all around. This is a vehicle we plan to keep for a long time.

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  Giant step forward for Expedition! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By jorlyn2 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought as model year arrived. I owned a 97 model before. Had several problems early on that took a few months to correct. The main one was the auto power mirror problem. Took six months to get module (still not operating properly). Other than that, Ive enjoyed the vehicle.

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  eddie B all the way - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By vinny bauer - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I was pleasantly surprised by the expedition , ride power comfort style its all there only thing missing is better gas mileage 12 or 13 mpg is a little weak but it does run on regular ENJOY

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  Great Truck!!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Joann Stubbs - May 17 - 10:00 am

  We love this truck, even though it is a little expensive filling up the gas tank it drives like a dream and the entertainment system keeps the little one nice and quiet. This truck hugs the road great...I feel safe when we are taking long trips.

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  OK I guess - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By RogB - May 11 - 1:59 pm

  After 3 Explorers, decided to move up altho I didnt need the size. Probably would have stayed with Explorer if there was power lift gate available. It is very comfortable but given its size it lacks any nimbleness. Pickup is only fair and stopping distance seems excessive. Just took our first long distance drive, 800 miles r/t and got 19.1 on highway which is better than any of the Explorers got. Dont use it for local drives so dont know about mileage. Like the fact that you can buy certain options as stand-alone like rear camera.

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  Best Full Size - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By bj1289 - May 10 - 10:00 am

  The new redesigned Expedition is the best over all full size in my opinion. I used to drive Chevys and GMC but not after this new Expedition. Ive had it only one year its an awesome machine! GMC is way behind with the Tahoe/Suburban. If youre a GM fan like I was, just go test drive the all new Expedition.

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  Martinfans Expedition reveiw - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By martinfan - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Great full size SUV. Handles very well and ride is quiet on most roads.