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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  Good Truck ,Not reliable - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Brandon - January 1 - 12:08 pm

  This is my second Expedition, my other was an 03. While I do greatly apppreciate the interior design and roominess, the seats are not very supportive at all. My transmission went out at 60k miles, and I just put a new alternator in it. Now I am being told that the rear climate system needs a new motor. It thumps whenever you turn it on. It is just problem after problem with these Fords and I heavily reccomend you not buy one. I am going to trade in my Expedition for an 04 Chevrolet Tahoe LT. My Expedition is beautiful solid black with the chrome exhaust, but is certainly not beauiful for my pocket book! Go with the more reliable, cheaper to fix, better re-sale value GM Suvs. You will thank me

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  Eddie Bauer after 70,000 miles - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Kevin - December 2 - 10:41 am

  Our first Expedition was a 1999 Eddie Bauer which we traded in after 75,000 problem free miles. We bought our current Expedition primarily because the 1999 was problem free and we wanted the power fold flat third row seats (which are great). However the 2005 version has been in the shop a number of times. The AC compressor had to be replaced at 40,000 miles ($1400) and the front brake calipers had to be replaced at 65,000 miles because they were binding. However the worst part of the vehicle is the interior rattles, dashboard squeaks and suspension creaks, moans and groans which drive us crazy. Gas mileage has been OK, pretty much as expected. 17-18 on the highway and 14-15 around town.

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  Fair quality truck - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By mikeg - June 17 - 11:23 pm

  this truck had 3 problems so far. The differential had a recall, and the dealer didnt have the tool to repair it a year after they sold it to me. Next the wiper motor had a recall for fires. Next, the rear wiper locks up intermintantly. This vehical definitly drives like a truck, feeling unstable over 60mph. Not supprised though. The truck is comfortable and lots of room inside. Major drawback is after 18 months of payments (at .9apr, I still owe $30k, but the trade in and resale value is only $20k. Major depreciation! Unless youre keeping it long term, not a good deal. Better off leasing if you can negotiate a good deal.

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  Functional but not very reliable - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Ken - June 15 - 4:22 am

  Im a big guy 64", so the roominess is highly valued for me. Its also great for families and to lug things around. But I now have 125k miles on it and the front and rear differentials just went - $3 grand for that and I just dumped another $1,500 into it a few months ago. A lot of minor things have also gone wrong -- back windshield wiper broke, cruise control broke, cup holder broke, etc. And I am not hard on this car. I baby it. I get 15mpg, so thats a tough one too, but I knew that when I bought it. I just didnt know gas was going to be $5 a gallon!

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  2004 Expedition Eddie Baurer - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Macnotere - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Auto reverse sensing mirrors are irritating as is easy exit seating. Transmission has made some loud bangs shifting into 4wd. Auto locks have pinched arms for both driver and passenger. Fuel mileage has finally reached 14 hwy in 2wd. Brake dust leaves front wheels black.

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  Great truck...Terrible engine - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By J - April 29 - 10:04 pm

  I bought this car from a friend, knowing it had some problems, a few interior lights didnt work, a couple scratches, but nothing major. They owned it for 8 years and it was great for them. I got it and it was fine for a month. A few days past a month and the #3 spark plug blew when I started the engine. I had to have it towed and serviced which cost me $574.67. Then the mechanic told me if I had to floor it or accel quick for some reason it was very likley it could happen again. Im getting rid of it before anything else goes. It rides great, 4wd is great, and so is ground clearence. I went offroad once and it did fine in 2wd. Gas mileage is 10-12. I would recommend it, but only the 4.6l v8.

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  Not so good so far - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Fred J. - April 8 - 9:50 pm

  Ordered 4x4 Expo on 1/21/08 and took delivery on 3/11/08 Drove to Lubbock (325 miles) and on 3/21/08 replaced torque converter. On 3/26/08 at 421 miles replaced torque converter and transmission. So far, have not left city limits because of apprehension that it will leave me stranded at the ranch. Selling dealer and repairing dealer have been great. Gave me 2008 pickup to drive while repairs were made. It had only 220 miles on it and I was sure not to exceed 400 miles...

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  Stinks - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Need Outta This SUV - April 4 - 1:01 pm

  I have only had this a couple of months and its ridiculous the amount of problems I have already had with this thing. It stinks on gas, I put in $20 every other day, $300 a month. The mechanical probs Ive had are: the mirrors, they constantly move when turning on and off car, they even did it while Reversing (can be shut off), rough engine idle, and motion detector is really sensitive even when there is more room. RV mirrors wont go back into position, they look up at the sky when I get in my car, so I have to adjust often.

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  ASIAN MARKET SHOULD BE STUDIED - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By RAMON MAGSAYSAY - January 9 - 10:00 am

  THE EXPEDITION IS A MUCH SOUGHT-AFTER SUV. FORD SHOULD CONFIGURE FACTORS SUCH AS ECONOMY, TORQUE, ETC.(ENGINEERIGNG) WITH INTERIORS. CAPTAINS CHAIR SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE. 6 CD CHANGER SHOULD BE STANDARD. AND HEADREST MORE ATTENTION AS HEIGHT IS TOO HIGH FOR SMALL 52" DRIVERS. SUVS ARE CONSIDERED SAFER SO THEY ARE USED AS EXECUTIVE VEHICLES, THUS IT IS VITAL FOR FORD TO RETROFIT MODELS AS EXECUTIVE VEHICLES. OTHERWISE EXPEDITION IS A RELIABLE VEHICLE AND I AM ON MY THIRD MODEL, TURNING OVER OLDER ONES TO SOME OF OUR SENIOR EXECUTIVES WHO GLADLY PAY FOR THESE KNOWING THE MAINTENANCE IS GOOD.

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  Great Family hauler/workhorse - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By LeeB - December 18 - 1:54 pm

  Weve owned this truck for 8 years now, bought it used, 2 years old. Two major problems, transmission replaced at 100K miles, replaced injection system on 4 ofthe 8 cylinders (one at a time of course - this is a common problem with this engine). Has otherwise been a good reliable family and stuff hauler. Its become expensive (gas) to use as an everyday commuter, but well keep it as a part-time haul around vehicle.