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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  GOT A LEMON! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Mike - December 29 - 1:53 pm

  Vehicle was in the shop for 42 days the first 18 months. Ford is buying back the vehicle and refunding ALL my money (thank god). Problems: Rear differentials (3), side mirrors, side vent windows, drivers seat, front differential, brakes. RESALE IS HORRIBLE!!! BEWARE!

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  Repair Again and Again - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Michael - December 6 - 10:50 pm

  Have required repeated repairs, each at a very high price. Repairs include rear oil seal 3 times, transmisssion seal, air pump, shocks and electic control for air shocks, brake cable, tie rod ends, sun roof seal and motor, and on and on. Most recent was anti-lock brake contol and pump for $1,300. This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned, compounded by Fords outrageous repair costs. I will never own another Ford.

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  Ghostly Roar...... - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By anjanette - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Since the 1st week of ownership I have been complaining of a roar. Well, this last 3 weeks I have been dealing with local dealership and the Regional Ford Rep....Very dissatified. No fix for problem now, Ford "is working on the problem". They want me to be patient and wait until the fix. I have to ride with the vehicle in A4wd- -gas guzzler--awlful noise is now apparent in A4wd. Nothing I can do but be a puppet on a string!!!!!!! This problem can be present in ALL 4WD EXPEDITIONS AS WELL AS NAVIGATORS FOR 2003!!!! Also, they changed brake pads due to asbestos, the wheels stay BLACK due to tremendous brake dust!

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  Last Ford Ill Own - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By skatterthemonkey - November 3 - 2:00 am

  This is the first vehicle Ive ever bought an extended warranty for (gut feeling?). Two weeks after the purchase , the head gaskets had to be replaced. 30,000 miles later, this vehicle has had over $5,000 of work done on it- second set of head gaskets, auto transmission seals, you name it. Frankly, I cant believe what a POS this truck is. Like the title says, this will be the last Ford product I ever own.

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  Big disapointment - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Phil o - May 31 - 2:00 am

  After owning an Explorer for 10 yrs and loving it,I thought it was time to "move up" to an Expedition. Big mistake.The interior ceiling came loose,power window on drivers side went out,rubbing noise from left side of vehicle when making sharp turns,rough engine idle that Ford cant seem to fix,"buzzing" noise from stereo that the technitions at the dealership say is normal.This truck was definatly put together on a Friday afternoon.

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  1999 ExpeLemon Eddie Bauer - Burned By F - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By disgruntled_at_ford - May 26 - 2:00 am

  replaced emissions sensor at 45,000, altenator at 47,000 and transmission at 84,000. never seen such horrible quality.

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  not happy in cali - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By mary coates - May 3 - 2:00 am

  i used to own the 2002 expedition and it was much roomier in the seats and the 2003 are much small and really drives like a truck and to be honest i cant wait until i can trade it in.

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  VERY UNHAPPY!!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Rand007 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  For the money this vehicle is very disappointing. Not enough power. Poor mileage, BUT better than my 98 Expy. Does not offroad as well as previous model (less clearance). Brake dust is BAD! RATTLES LIKE CRAZY! Been in the shop 11 days within the first 11 months. Its in the shop today for the THIRD rear differential AND to re-tighten all the rattling doors. Going to hire a lawyer and sue under the Virginia Lemon Law which protects consumers VERY well. Last Ford I will EVER buy. Every Ford I own ends up in the shop. Toyotas and Honda have never had 1 problem, NOT ONE! Quality is job one? Right!

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  Go on an expedition to the repair shop - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By HATEUFORD - March 6 - 2:00 am

  Well hate doesnt accurately depict the way I feel about this vehicle. As soon as we hit 60K everything went to hell. Had to get a new engine, new suspension, new gaskets, radio doesnt like up, CD player doesnt work, had to replace the suspension. Passanger side air bag failure light is on. Being a stay at home mom who drives it to the store and for kids to school and then to see family on the weekends, I dont think weve been horrible to the car. It just is a horrible horrbible horrible car

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  Very unhappy - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By egshepard - January 28 - 2:00 am

  From the first year we had this vehicle it has been one problem after another. Weve had the transfer case replaced twice (supposedly). We think the dealership never replaced it the first time. Replaced starter. Replaced shifter cable to linkage. Radio display consistantly does not display and scans through stations for no apparent reason. Passenger window works intermittently, so we dont use it. This was enough to keep us from ever purchasing another Ford vehicle. We are considering trading it in and going into to debt for a Honda Pilot even though our Expedition is paid off. Biggest mistake we ever made.