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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  runs like a ford - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By goldie2 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  first suv ive ever owned with no defects found at all. runs and handles excellent in all buffalo,n.y. weather. fuel ecomoney is the only negetive ive found

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  Why I love it! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Fred Flintsone - March 22 - 2:00 am

  Its great for hauling around a lot of kids. I love sitting up high, because I have good visibility. The Eddie Bauer edition is the way to go.

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  Love my Expedition - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By dsnylndmom - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I recently traded my 1999 Durango SLT in for the Expedition, its a 2001 Bauer I bought it with only 5,500 miles (yes thats 5 thousand)for $26,900! Got a GREAT deal! There is so much more room than the Durango, adults can sit in the back with no problem! And I love the captains chairs in the center row and the way the captains chairs fold flat when not in use. The gas mileage is actually alittle better than the Durango, which was a bonus! The leather interior is plush and comfy, great for a long drive. We added an aftermarket dvd entertainment system which really helps on those long drives!

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  Black Eddie - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By kevin walls - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Very disappointed. This is our 2nd exp. In the shop 5 times. The doors shut like my 76 transam. Air leaks badly through the front passanger door. Dealer can not fix. Makes the driving experience horrible because of the money I spent for this vehicle. Other fixes, rear vibration, torn steering colum boot, and engine noise very loud. Oh well, live an learn.

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  Many Positive Comments - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By BobFromFlorida - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I receive more favorable comments on this vehicle (XLT Sport, black w/grey trim) than any Ive owned. Handles great, third-row seat is much more comfortable and functional than previous Expedition models, interior styling is much improved. Overall, very pleased with my new ride.

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  2000 eb expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By kkl - March 18 - 2:00 am

  overall a great experience, just wish it had a GMC engine

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  My Expedition - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Carrothead - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Never had any mechanical problems, only a few electrical problems which included replacing the rear wiper motor and the signal control unit on the steering column. Do not like lugging the heavy 3rd seat in and out. Wish there was a way to firmly secure the 3rd seatbelts down when 3rd seat not in use - they swing wildly if not secured - I use a mat in the back for cargo so locking them back in place is not an option. Would like the air vents to be a little more variable in their directional control. Otherwise, I love my Expedition and will buy another for sure.

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  What happened? - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Mike Engels - March 9 - 10:00 am

  The first week was great. After that things deteriorated. In the second week and only a few hundred miles, the AC would grind when put on and vehicle would dive and lose power. The tailgate started chattering while driving. The auto locking doors stopped working when placed in drive. The belts starting squealing. I have had two belts replaced along with the pulleyes and tensioners. Also there was a loose bolt in the rear passenger door, and a 3 inch seat securing bolt loose rolling arounfd the interior! All of this in three months of ownership, bought new. Only 3500 miles and the problems still mount. Never will own again!

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  Expensive to keep - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Roamer - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This is a fine truck (when it runs & the "ck engine" lights arent on.) Lots of problems (after warranty expired!) w/alleged water leakage & spark plug/coil paks going bad. All very pricey to repair. O.D. "off" switch broke. Manual lumbar adj. broke. Dealer service poor. Tends to "wander" on freeway despite alignment & tire change. Rear wiper works erratically. Beautiful truck too bad it doesnt measure up to my old Suburban. Mileage w/4.6 better than expected- about 16-17 hwy.

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  expedition2 - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By ertmarty - March 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my second expedition. the first was a 97. I wasnt that impressed with my first one, but room and duribility were what I needed. The 2001 is much better than the 97, in interior design and quality. There is more interior storage, better quality and more standard features.