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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  5.4L 2WD EDDIE BAUER - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By KDM - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Incredible full size SUV. I love the style inside and out, only the Navigator looks better. Extremely roomy with the amenities of a luxury vehicle. It handles very well. I feel safe driving it.

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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.

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  Not worth it! - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By matt - December 17 - 4:05 am

  I bought my expo for the look, size, and extras but soon realized that I made a horrible mistake. I have had the air conditioner worked on 4 times with hot air coming out of the rear vents, celinoid has gone bad, possible cracked head gasket, pass side mirror will not adjust to set position, and oh yeah the gas mileage does hurt duh. The room is great and the interior is fantastic but the little tick tack problems are killing me leaving me stranded in 13 degree weather twice. Oh well, live and learn!

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  Incredible 03 Ford Expedition,,, - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By davido - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Recently purchased new 03 Expedition XLT..am hugely impressed so far! Very well built truck,thoughtfully designed. Had a 98 Expedition(good truck as well) then traded it for a new Nissan Path- finder..always regreted that. Well, when it came time to trade in the Nissan i went straight to see newly revamped & highly acclaimed Expedition. I dont regret buying another one! Superb truck!

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  GREAT buy!!!!!! Very dependable!!!! - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By martinkelly - December 15 - 6:57 am

  This vehicle is 19 years old with over 200,000 miles on it and it still runs like a beast. I have never been broke down not once. Husband decided to get me a mini van and use the expedition for work and doesnt check fluid which drives me crazy considering I come from a mechanic background. Not two weeks ago he left for work and ended up back home twenty minutes later saying it wasnt acting right. I checked the oil and the water and both were ran dry...I was furious!!! Any other motor would have blown but not this one!!!! I filled up the water and oil just to see what was going on with it and found that after 200,000 plus miles the water pump had finally gone out and the PCV valve needed to be replaced. I should be replacing a motor but instead I am spending 50 bucks to replace pump and PCV valve and I might add this is a simple fix. The inside in very spacious which is why we bought it in the first place. The fact that it is so dependable and still runs strong is why we havent replaced it. I love this SUV!!!! The fuel is not what you would expect from a SUV this size. Everyone who has ever road tripped with us couldnt believe how far we could actually get on a tank of gas. I highly recommend this vehicle if you are looking for something used.

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  Ford Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Martin Wooldridge - December 10 - 10:00 am

  My first Ford that I have owned. Overall a great vehicle. Ford refuses to replaced the front brake pads with new ones that do not have escessive dust. The excessive brake dust has stained my running boards. This is the only problem I have with the vehicle.

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  First New Ford - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By jyoz - November 30 - 8:36 am

  This is my 1st new Ford. Like the car, but there have been some electrical gremlins (a/c fan, dvd, rear door, cd player). I have to say the mileage is ridiculous, I avg 12.2 mpg. If the engine had more pep I could deal with this, but it is a real dog. My 04 Yukon got about 15 mpg and had much more pep, and my driving has not changed. Yikes! Other than that, is a great car, plenty of room, comfortable, smooth ride, quiet. The power fold 3rd row rear seats is what pushed me to Ford. (awesome feature, so wake up GM) Would definitely buy another.

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  Expedition for Towing - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Ira Schoen - November 29 - 11:23 am

  I purchased my 2007 Expedition XLT 4X4 primarily to tow a 20 enclosed Wells Cargo auto trailer. Weight of the Expedition loaded is 6700 lbs. and the trailer loaded is 6100 lbs. Very stable and powerful H-D towing package (9000 lbs. maximum), with excellent hyway towing mpg of 12-13 with 5.4 V-8 at 60-65 mph.

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  Amazing Vehicle/SUV - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Kacy Schloop - November 28 - 8:05 am

  Amazing handling and comfort for a large SUV. The design is very sharp with the 20" wheels. Get comments on it regularly. The navigation system, stereo, etc are top of the line. Nice twist on the back up camera. All that while hauling three kids in car seats, 2 dogs and a 5,000lb boat. Very nice looking, functional and solid vehicle.

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  Love it! - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By socalstone - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Have liked this new design since it came out for 07. Finally got one early this month. Wish I had done it sooner. 20" wheels really set it off- perfect size in proportion to the size of the vehicle. Truck feels very solid & tight. Very quiet inside. Very comfortable. Heated seats warm lower back in addition to seat bottom. (that was a pleasant surprise!) Brakes feel very strong. Engine feels strong as well. My wife drives it more than me. She absolutely loves it. Im looking forward to trying out the air conditioned seats next summer as well as the 9200lb towing capacity. -Have a 5200lb boat (8000lbs with trailer, fuel and gear) My old Tahoe was only rated to pull 7000lbs.