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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  Safety - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By happytobealive - October 27 - 2:00 am

  Yesterday I was involved in a serious accident with my 1999 Expediation. If it wasnt for the fact that the truck was so well built and the handling was so tight, I wouldnt be here today. The drivers door took the full impact and the drivers compartment was not compromised in any way. Both myself and my husband (who was driving) walked away. The truck was totalled and I am going right out and buy another!! Excellent truck!

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  EXPEDITION 2003 - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By EBBcVc95 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I drove my expy from la-las vegas and it was nice and smooth if you are running 70 miles an hour constantly on a minor or flat slope...i tried to push it to run 90 miles per hour and maybe averaged about more than 80 mph all the way and i think the 4.6 liter, which I have, is needing more power going up the hills at 15 freeway. Avoid the 4.6 and upgrade to 5.4 liter.

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  Comfort beats speed - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Big-Un - October 9 - 2:00 am

  This is an overall good luxury vehicle that can fit all of your needs, and more.

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  Two problems in three years. Not bad! - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By RickC5 - October 9 - 2:00 am

  We have had our 2001 Expy almost three years since we bought it new. Only two problems have come up and both were fixed under warranty at a recent visit to the dealer. 1) Rear wiper stopped functioning. FIX: dealer replaced wiper motor. 2) Loss of power when very hot outside. FIX: dealer had an upgraded engine computer chip that seems to have fixed the problem. Our only major complaint: awful gas mileage, usually 13-14 mpg. Goes with the territory for such a behemoth, but poor nonetheless.

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  Ford Expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By weathernlu - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Couldnt be happier with my Expedition. All around great SUV and has been a pleasure to own so far. Especially love the roominess of the Expedition. Its got a ton of room, yet doesnt feel like a tank to drive. My wife went from a Escort to this and will never go back. Truly a great vehicle.

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  Very pleased - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By ACE - October 2 - 2:00 am

  When comparing used expedition to used yukon or tahoe, the expedition took the cake for comfort, usefull interior, and just plain more plush.

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  White Buffalo EB 4wd & 5.4L - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Bob Mack - September 21 - 2:00 am

  60,000 miles,very few problems. Bought it new. Brakes went at 40K, front differential seal at 50K. The Goodyear Wrangler RTS worn out at 55K. 17" Bridgestone Revo tires made a vast improvemnt in handling & ride. 4wd works like a dream rode through 60 miles of TX South Padre Island beach sand like it was a throughway. As prevously stated,the air suspension componets (pump & frt shocks) wear out quickly and are expensive, but help to reduce excessive ride height. We hope to keep this one for 8-10 years. At 60 mph we can nurse 16mpg, but my wives heavy digital driving style, around town we see just 11 MPG. Paint & leather is holding up well.

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  97 expedition Great white. - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Ikeman - September 20 - 2:00 am

  We traded my beautifull black z71 pickup in for this Great big white Ex. At first we didnt know if we did the right thing, but soon realized that we couldnt have made a better choice.(I am a die hard ford man now.) It pulls anything and every thing you need to pull with no effort down the road. Sure the gas mileage could be better, but you have got to sacrafice a little for the power. The four wheel drive has never failed me. and I have never had to do anything besides the regular schudled tune ups. (125000 miles)

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  Mostly Happy--So far! - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By radiogeek - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Pros: One of the best vehicles Ive driven. Comfortable for both front and 2nd row seats (little tight for third row passengers). Cons: For a new truck, I think three visits to the dealer for warranty work is too much. 1. In winter, front driver window would take several times of pressing the down button before it would open. 2. Solenoid needed replacing. 3. With 16,000 miles, one of the tires blew. Other than those three issues, I couldnt be happier.

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  Great Value - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By simbaor - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed owning my Ford Expedition for 6 years. It has served the needs of my family and has given us no trouble at all. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone.