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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  Best Vehicle Yet - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Burt - October 28 - 3:58 pm

  This is by far the best vehicle I have owned to date. While it is a large SUV, it handles and rides more like a car and the interior is as luxurious as my wifes Lexus. Ive had so many comments already on the styling and the interior.

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  Barely Rolling Junk - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Dave - October 25 - 3:52 pm

  This is my second Expedition and by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Ive replaced all 4 rotors 3 times, both outside mirrors twice, 6 of the eight coils, backup sensors, the DVD system and winshield wiper/washer control. Gas mileage is unbelieveable, (9 city 12 highway.) The trade in for this clunker says it all 8500. The thing has depreciated $35000 in four years, yet Ive maintaned it by the book. Never again!

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  Awesome! - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Arizona-Adam - October 22 - 12:32 pm

  Weve worked our way up to a full size SUV, we had a 2001 Escape, then a 2004 Sport Track. We thought about the F-150 but I liked the idea of another SUV. After driving the Expedition we both loved it and had to have it. Honestly it does not feel huge and handles amazingly. It exceeded our expectations, expecially compared to others in the same class.

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  1st Ford and last! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Jessica - October 22 - 11:01 am

  This is the first ford I have owned and will be the last. We purchased this car used 2 months ago and this is the 4th time it has been in the shop! First brakes and rattling, supposedly the rotors and brake pads were replaced but still extermly shakey. Twice the suv comepletly died on me while driving.I lost everything and had no power at all. Nearly was hit and had my children in the car! Now it is in the shop because cheap continental tires blew while driving 70 mph on the interstate and did extensive damage to the body of the car. I am fixing this suv and cutting my losses! there is no way I would ever endanger my family by putting them in this vehcile ever again! BEWARE!!!

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  Not Bad - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By sydipoo - October 18 - 1:46 am

  Overall Ive been pleased since I had the driver seat reworked. I cant believe I havent seen more complaints about the uncomfortable leather seats. It had the most uncomfortable seat Id ever sat in. The back was so hard and bumped outward. I had the lumbar disconnected and added padding, so its ok now. Have had no mechanical problems and have 60k miles. Just replaced the battery. The front passenger air bag works intermitently, it will cost $300 to fix. I love the roomy cup holding area. It fits all my creature comforts, Kleenex box, drinks, hand sanitizer etc. Plus the huge console compartment. I hate the obstructed view where the side mirrors are. That took some getting used to.

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  Great Rig - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Josh - October 14 - 8:02 am

  This is the fourth Expedition that we have owned, and it is the best one yet. Love the improvements in steering, and the six speed tranny is silky smooth. Who cares about fuel mileage, buy a hybrid if you are concerned with that, me, I will take the extra space, comfort and safety any day. Love the standard safety features. I have four kids, and the Expedition is the best.

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  2006 Expedition - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Mark - October 12 - 1:13 pm

  We bought a Mercedes GL thinking it would be a good replacement for the Expedition and are glad we didnt get rid of the Expedition. The chassis are much better sorted out in the Expedition which is suprising since the GL has air springs. Steel springs on the Expo win the ride comparison and the Expo has as good or better noise isolation. The GL is one awesome machine, but the Expo is actually a better full sized SUV.

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  Excursion Limited - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Diran K. - October 7 - 11:28 pm

  This is a hot truck. It is really quiet inside compare to the last Expedition I traded in. Handles really well, great stereo, good power. I have received a lot of compliments already on the interior.

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  King ranch - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By maggi mae - September 30 - 9:14 am

  This SUV is beautiful inside and out. Been hit once in the rear. Its good in such cases. Much safer than most other vehicles.

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  Great 97 SUV - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Exp Fan - September 30 - 8:11 am

  Bought in 99 with 24k and now have 154k. great vehicle with only normal maintenance until replaced ball joints recently. Great comfort and tons of space. Use as a small pickup sometimes when I need to haul something. Paint on roof though not visible from the ground has deteriorated but the rest of the paint is good especially for spending 4 years in Buffalo winters and the rest in WV.