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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Think twice b4 buying - 1998 Ford Expedition
By Just1person - March 23 - 2:00 amThis is my first truck and I have to say, if this is your first time driving, this is a great suv to learn on. The outside looks good but they need to make the inside a little less complex. Had some transmission problems that would cost more than I want to spend but it is a pretty good and comfortable truck.
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Expedition - 1999 Ford Expedition
By bonenzo - February 29 - 2:00 amthis has been a very reliable truck for me.I had only one problem in three years,the automatic idler sensor which ran me about $300.00 to repair.The styling of this truck is great,I am selling only because I need a pickup.Because of this truck Im going to purchase a new f-250 and hope i have the same luck
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I love my truck - 1998 Ford Expedition
By K62cuby - February 28 - 2:00 amI bought the truck in winter but winter in Charlotte NC is usually 40-60 degrees. I purchased the expedition because I am a steel sculptor, I dont like putting rusted steel in my acura. Well I thought that was the expedition was good for...wrong. Later on that month we had one of the worst ice storms in Charlotte history. While all the cars and 2wheel drive trucks were sliding all over the road me and a couple of hummers were doing just fine. The size and the power of the Expedition is its selling point, and I cant see why any one who has to deal with snow on a constant basis would have one. It is a great buy and I am glad I have it around.
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Good Solid Reliable Truck - 1998 Ford Expedition
By DenisM - February 20 - 2:00 amMy Expedition is easy to drive, comfy, roomy, smooth and reliable. The car has had no repairs except scheduled service. I tow, drag stumps, do mild off road, gobble up snow at least 26" deep with minimal resistance and it rides nice too.
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Good truck for the money - 1999 Ford Expedition
By kimco - February 19 - 2:00 amWhen our lease for our Tahoe was up we wanted to buy our next SUV. For the money the Exp was the best bet. Compaired to the Tahoe it didnt match up. But for the money we cant beat it. I wish it got better gas mileage. I only get 13 city/hwy. If money was not a option I would have another Tahoe.
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Good/Bad - 1997 Ford Expedition
By Silat - February 17 - 2:00 amBought used w/33000 miles. Replaced engine at 107000. All kinds of minor electrical problems. Replaced heater core. Runs/rides great on highway. Snow no problem. Great visibility 360 degrees. Wife loves it.
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expedition - 2001 Ford Expedition
By maryapple - February 4 - 2:00 ami have had this car for some time its not to bad.small BIGGER IS BETTER.little things break in the car like the handle. the gass needs to be better for trips .like from tampa to wesley chappel 10 times a week...
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Worth the Money - 1999 Ford Expedition
By AllWeather - January 31 - 2:00 amI purchased it new in September 1999 after wrecking my beloved Bronco. I threw the third seat away for it is a waste of space and too heavy. I commute in Buffalo, NY to my hospital job in as much as seven feet of snow, ice. I never missed a day of work. It never failed to start even in -17 degree weather, I still have the original battery it came with. I recently relocated to Las Vegas. I averaged 17 mpg with the truck loaded down. I have had only general maintance performed on the vechile. Except for a set of tires everything is original.
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1999 expedition - 1999 Ford Expedition
By bill the ford guy - January 22 - 2:00 am1999 Ford Expedition, Eddie Bauer. Had the car since new. Bought it off lease after 3 years. Been happy with it except when I pull up to the pump.
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Pretty good SUV - 2000 Ford Expedition
By FlyingLow - January 10 - 2:00 amAfter year 3 (warranty expiration), we braced for any breakdown. Apart from the differential gear seal leak and one set of new tires, weve had no problems (major nor minor). The leather option is starting to show its wear (once I added lotion to my elbow, it stop wearing down). Great kid car.
