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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  Luvn my truck - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By SondraMorrison - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle for the sole purpose of being able to haul around my 4 children. It is wonderfull for that purpose everyone has plenty of room and it cuts out most of the bickering. My husband and I live in the country and we have also tried to get it stuck and so far it has not happened. It has real pulling power.

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  My Favorite Vehicle Yet - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Headwaters - December 28 - 2:00 am

  Being 64" tall, I was not able to find a midsize SUV that didnt lack headroom, legroom, width, or have the gear shift digging into the side of my right thigh. My 98 Expedition is the most comfortable, most rugged vehicle I have ever owned. Though huge, it is not overly "truck-like" in handling, it is powerful, roomy, unstoppable on the minimum maintenance roads I drive in Northern Minnesota. It rules.

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  Expedi - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By TC Mouse - December 25 - 2:00 am

  This 98 Expedition has met all expectations for reliability, comfort, towing, performance. Original owner, hauls cargo, three dogs, family trips, great road viz, no travel fatigue.

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  The Limo of SUVs, Big, Bad & Safe - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Troy Kelly - December 23 - 2:00 am

  We bought our fully loaded Expedition in mint condition. We purchased a new car warranty because we were worried about so many options breaking. After 8,000 miles, nothing has broken, and it still drives like new. Feel very safe with our kids in the vehicle. This car is sure to turn head on size alone. Overall these are beautiful SUVs, with all the bells and whistles inside there more like a RV. Room inside is unmatched, and this SUV can pull anything without strain. Perfect traveler vehicle with children or animals! Drives like a compact in parking lots, brakes arent as powerful as we would like on a SUV that size. Overall, plan to keep for many years.

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  no problems - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By texasexped - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 4x4 XLT with 5.4 back in 2000. It was a dealer demo with 1500 miles on it. I have never had s single mechanical problem with it yet. It now has 37000 miles on it. I would buy another. Its a great truck for freeway driving. Its a dog as a grocery-getter though. I still have no regrets though.

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  A Best Buy for the money! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By AKC - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I had a 97XL Expedition and yes I had some trouble in the first few thousand miles. However, Ford worked diligently to fixe every problem. After a year of issues, they upgraded me to a 99 XLT w/ leather and the payment stayed the same. Now I have a 00 XTL (loaded) and Im about to get a 03. Overall, I am very pleased and you will too if you have some patience and expect that all vehicles wont be perfect. My wife has a Lexus IS300 and weve had just as many problems (and thats a luxury vehicle).

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  Good Vehicle - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By mvree - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Overall good experince with XLT Sport 4WD with 5.4L engine. Bought new in Dec 99. Very comfortable cloth seats held up well over 4 years, great in snow and over long distances. Biggest problem is with rear wiper (replaced twice - once under warranty, recently out of warranty). Also had problem starting/idling after large change in barometric pressure (i.e. after major storms) - replaced idle valve sensor seemed to fix. Average 16 MPG - its a full size SUV, so what do you expect? High residual lease value means I turn in back to dealer way over actual value. Seemed to depreciate fast.

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  178,000 miles and still strong - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By CWTeel - November 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought this one new in 1998. Excellent vehicle other than leveling system wore out and is expensive - compressor 695.00, front dealer only air shocks 1200.00 for both. Had two value coils go out at $400.00 each. When they start to go it is better to replace all eight of them for about $1200.00 which I did later. Seat leather and armrest are poor quality and cracked at 75,000 miles. Steering wheel leather is cheap and cannot be cleaned without rubbing off color. Great engine still runs like new. Four wheel drive and transmission are perfect and never a problem! Will buy another. Will drive this one till it dies. Trade in value is very low.

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  Great SUV - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By StephenEB - November 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this SUV since new and am very happy with it. It has the "No Boundaries" package and is equipped with the 4.6L V8. It is a little under- powered but if driven carefully it has pretty good (almost 20mpg avg) fuel economy considering its size/weight. I plan on keeping it for many years and so far its been trouble-free.

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  Not a bad choice.... - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Kipper - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Expedition from its birth into this world. A great vehicle for moving stuff, people and pets. I have not had any major service issues though I find I am taking the vehicle in the shop more often after 50k miles. Taking the vehicle to the shop is really the main drag in owning this Ford. The service is atrocious at my local dealer EVERYTIME!!