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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  I call it my Expialidocious! - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By TheRealSoprano - September 28 - 7:42 am

  I love driving my Expedition. People still are impressed by all of its fabulous features. The adjustable pedals are a must for me because I am short. I love sliding into the comfy seats after a long day on my feet, and it is so fun to drive! Thats why I call it my "Ex-pi-al-i-docious! When I first brought it home, my teenage son offered to give up his bedroom and move in to my car. He called the third row seat "stadium seating". I have never had a moment of trouble with it, and it still seems new even though I have put 100,000 miles on it.

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  i like it - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By trickyt - September 27 - 2:00 am

  well i didnt have a very good start;whitin a week of having the truck i had problems.the truck had a defectie part in it which cause the truck to make a very loud noise. but over all its o.k. it needs more features like on star and like the navigator

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  The Best Expedition Ever - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Iqbaldhillon2 - September 26 - 8:31 pm

  I just recently bought a brand new 08 Expedition Eddie Bauer. It is my best SUV so far. The back-up camera and GPS systems are excellent. The new 6-speed tranny is also smooth and powerful. I used to own a 05 Expedition and was about to buy a Tahoe until I noticed that the Tahoe had absolutely no legroom, and used a 90s 4-speed tranny. Then I saw the new Expedition and fell in love with it. Not only does the new Expedition feel good, but its fun to drive. The fuel economy has also improved from the previous generation. It is my new favorite in my driveway.

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  Loved It until 3 days ago - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By walsh66 - September 26 - 7:03 am

  We loved it until our transmission went out at 40,000 miles. It only had 14,000 miles on it when we purchased it so we have put the bulk of the miles on the truck and we dont use it to pull. Then the more I read about the transmission problems the more I dont want to keep the truck when we get it back. Only good thing is that we are not putting another transmission from Ford in the truck. Going with a Jasper rebuilt transmission that has a 100,000 mile warranty. More than Ford will give you.

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  Surprised and delighted - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By billblass - September 25 - 10:00 am

  I had been shopping for a Cadillac Escalade but the power folding third row seat ads on TV caused me to stop at the Ford dealership. I test drove a Laser Red fully-equipped Eddie Bauer and ended up buying it. Its got more equipment than the Cadillac, for a lot less $$$. I love the ride, and the steering and braking are in a different league from the GM products.

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  Transmission Out at 66K - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By JS - September 10 - 9:54 pm

  Heads up. From a stoplight going down a hill, it felt like I ran over two broomsticks. We then had no gears to run in. My wife and I pulled into a parking lot. I looked under the car, no fluid dripping out. All fluid levels checked OK (good and pink). After that, I tried to pull out, No reverse. I had no D gear and the only way I could drive was in 1 or 2. We drove to the dealer where we were told that a sump gear was broken. $2100 later, we have a rebuilt transmission. We will be in contact with the Ford Motor Corp. to try and recoup some money.

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  Suburban/GMC killer. - 2017 Ford Expedition
  By Robert Morgan - September 9 - 6:04 pm

  Dare to compare. Passenger comfort for eight with shoulder room and smooth ride from the independent rear suspension, honest seventeen miles per gallon average as advertised, responsive electric power steering, ease of entry for third passenger seating, smooth acceleration of twin turbo six cylinder engine, excellent paint finish. rear side windows opening for air flow, and the 22 inch rims with fold down running boards exemplify class. Folding mirrors, wide angle low light capability reverse camera, vehicle dead spot warning lights in mirrors are efficient, stereo interface with voice commands are seamless. I commend Ford! Puts the competition to shame.

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  Great - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Family - September 4 - 2:00 pm

  Purchased my suv in 2003. Love it! I have only had one major problem with it when I blew the spark plug out of the head (kind of costly) but well worth it. Having a big family I will stick with my Expedition for as long as I can.. even with high gas prices it is still a very safe suv for my children.

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  Happy camper!!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By ANDO - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Man, I love this car. Only had one hickup with it, car wash screwed up headlight, water got in, took it back to Ford, replaced it no questions. First week we had it we drove to Vegas, there were six of us in the car. Man, this thing gets along for its size, that much I can tell you. I get to go in lots of new trucks, Im a photographer and everyone I know has Yukons, Tahoes or Escalades and they are all as impressed with my car as I am. LOVE IT!!!

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  Doesnt feel as large as it is - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Lisa - September 1 - 11:02 pm

  I love the Expedition. The 2007 redesign is great looking on the outside and very comfortable inside. You get many of the features in the high end SUVs such as the Escalade and Denali for much lower cost. It does not feel like a large SUV upon steering, parking, braking etc. Wind noise is minimal at freeway speeds interior cabin is quiet. Tires on the 20" wheels have a nice ride. Towing feels sturdy and safe. This is a solid truck for the cost.