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:

• 

  Our 3rd generation Expedition! - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By fordguy - November 22 - 12:13 am

  This Expy makes our 3rd. A gold XLT witht he 4.6 V-8, an black XLT with the bigger V* and this white 08 XLT. The progression and evolution of these vehicles is remarkable. The 08 is a s good as anything from any other manufacturer, including GMC, Chevy, Toyota, Nissan and Honda...and in fact better than them in many ways. The quality is great, features for the price remarkable, ride and handling not at all what we expected, very smooth, quiet and controlled. The V8, as typical for the Expedition, does not feel as peppy as the sound and horsepower would indicate, but its a trailer pulling mule! Big and barn like inside, comfortable seats, leg room and head room great. Love it!

• 

  One thing after another - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Go Aces - November 16 - 5:31 pm

  Two weeks after the purchase: Rear wiper no longer works Pax window didnt roll up. 2 coils had to be replaced four weeks after purchase: New battery. New alternator six weeks after purchase: "CD Error" on CD player This truck is more trouble than its worth. Why cant the local dealership fix it right. It seems they plan these breakdowns to get more money. One more thing goes wrong and I am selling the damn thing.

• 

  XLT 4WD - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Alan - November 14 - 11:03 pm

  Everything youd expect in an American full sized SUV. Solidly built, exceptional comfort, surprisingly nimble (especially in parking lots)all at a decent price. Our first choice would have been a Mercedes GL 450 at $64,000. Almost $30,000 more than the XLT, and the XLT was far more comfortable. The only problem with the XLT is the poor MPG. 13.5 MPG for an average is not unexpected, just getting to be expensive. 19 MPG on the highway is OK, but not good enough. With that said, overall our family loves this truck. Comfort, safety and quality sums it up.

• 

  Going in eyes wide open - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By wvgasguy - November 10 - 6:55 am

  Seriously, how do you rate this as "fun to drive"? Its as big as a boat. Thats why I bought it though. It gets lously mileage. I knew that up front. Youll not get more than 14 with the 4wd. But no other SUV (other than the new Sequoia) will have as much leg room and be as comfortable. The specs on the Tahoe look comparable but if you actually sit in one youll wonder what kind of ruler they were using. The 3rd row is useless and the 2nd row is still tight. I wanted room. Besides the Expo has absolutely the most non-truck looking interior of them all (at least in the under $50K line) I tried not to go back but saw no compariable options out there for ride, comfort and usability.

• 

  Ford Expediton Eddie Bauer - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By 95convt - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle with tons of space and an outstanding interior design. The largest and most comfortable rear seat I of all the SUV I tested. The fold down rear seats provide a large level cargo area and still give you 5 passenger seating.

• 

  EXCELLENT TOWING VEHICLE - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By FOURTH TRUCK OWNER - November 4 - 10:00 am

  THE BOAT AND TRAILER WE TOW WEIGH ABOUT 7300 POUNDS. OUR EXPEDITION HAS TOWED OUR BOAT TO FLORIDA TWICE AND TO GEORGIA TWICE -- OVER 5,000 MILES -- WITHOUT A PROBLEM. PASSENGERS IN THE CAR FORGET THAT WE ARE TOWING ANYTHING BECAUSE THE RIDE IS SMOOTH.

• 

  Safe is Good - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Safe is Good - November 1 - 9:26 pm

  This was a great vehicle for us. The power was very good for pulling our ski boat or driving in heavy traffic. Being able to see above most other vehicles was very nice. The size and design proved to be a great benefit when I had a head-on collision at about 50 mph. I walked away with small abrasions to left leg (PTL).

• 

  Love It! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Bigman - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Our previous SUV was a 97 Tahoe LT. We test drove the 03 Tahoe and Suburban. 5 years ago the EXPY didnt hold a candle to the Tahoe, now its the other way around. The comfort of the interior and design engineering of the EXPY are GREAT! I thought the interior of the Tahoe was pretty confining and "cheesy".

• 

  Expedition - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Matt - October 30 - 7:05 pm

  This is my 4th Expedition. 6 spd auto is fantastic, this has tow pkg, geared lower than previous models, city mpg lower, but highway mpg higher. 18 easy, almost 20 if careful. This also has a lot more features included at a lower price than my last 2004.

• 

  I LIKE IT - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By PAUL SCHNEIDER - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I LIKE IT VERY MUCH. LEFT THE EXPLORER BEHIND WITH NO REGRETS. BIG, ROOMY AND SAFE.