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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  Great Package - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Skidder - September 4 - 2:00 am

  We went shopping for a Toyota Sequoia and ended up buying a Ford Expedition. The two primary reasons for NOT buying the Sequoia were its 3rd row seats and NO LUMBAR SUPPORT for either front seat. The Ford excels over the Toyota in these two areas, as well as having a better ride. Having 4 kids, we needed all the neat seat configurations available in the Expy. If you have one in a car seat, Ford made the center seat on the 2nd row just for that. It slides forward 11 inches to bring the little munchkin right up between the drive and passenger. Which reminds me of the ONLY OPTION on ours; captains chairs up front (because we didnt need seating for 9).

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  Fun Beast - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By guru - September 3 - 2:00 am

  This was my first Expedition. I have since bought a 2002 Bauer for my wife and she loves it. We have three kids and there arent many vehicles that you can put three car seats across. I have the 4.6L in both and I think they have great power. Gas mileage is awful but what do you expect from a beast like this.

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  THE FUN CAR - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Virginia Cobarrubias - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a very nice and comfortable vehicle it has my kids and my approval. i also think that it will be a very faithful and dependable SUV.

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  A REAL SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By boyd evans - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Great tow vehicle, very comfortable and pleased with truck. this is my 5th Ford SUV( 4 Explorers. Front axle replaced at 10k, roof rack collapsed and Ford declined to fix, may be time to switch back to GM.

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  wheels always dirty with brake dust!!! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By la - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Some added features are improvements, such as the fold down 3rd seat. the fromt wheels get dirty with brake dust in less than 24 hours, so the vehicle never looks clean. the message center in not convenient, nor is the brights-on sensor. i have often had my brights on and didnt know it because of the positioning of the steering wheel

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  Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By yodabos - August 15 - 2:00 am

  My Ford Expedition, bought new in 1997, has been an overall excellent car. The only negative is the somewhat squirrely steering and the fact that it once scared me silly when I thought it was going to roll over when I had to make a sudden sideways move at night on the highway.

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  Not bad but not great either - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By gdiazj - July 23 - 2:00 am

  I like the Expi but in 12K miles I dont love it. In the 18 months weve owned it (lease turn-in), the switch that controls the turn signals and BRAKE LIGHTS has broken, the "brake" warning light and the "check engine" light have both come on. Plus one of the rear windows severely bends weather stripping when you roll it up. The shop couldnt tell me why the brake light came on and Ill have to go to the dealer ($$$) for the and the check engine light as it gave the local auto parts sensor reader conflicting messages. I have the 17" wheels and 4x4 options which may make the vehicle too tall for city folks with a baby like us.

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  very happy customer - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By bill roof - July 2 - 2:00 am

  a wonderful suv to own. My wifes favorite vehicle.

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  99 Expedition - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Kristopher - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought used, previously registered as a diplomatic vehicle for the United Nations in NYC (per Carfax). Now has 97000 miles on it. Lousy gas mileage, but comfy enough for a 64" driver. Clutch convertor problems on 99 models, as attested by another 99 owner. AC & heat strong, especially with rear HVAC controls. Leather holds up well, and 4wd works exceptional.

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  Finally, a thought-out SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Neptune - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Priced my XLT Premium 4X2 4.6L using Edmunds, and ended up with perhaps the best, easiest, and fastest buying experience Ill have for a long time. After 4 months of waiting on our special-ordered 02 Honda Odyssey, the 03 Expy rolled out and it was the next best buy (better?) after researching it. 2nd & 3rd row seats fold flat, standard towing, BIG engine, lots of room, highly competitive, price-wise and feature-wise, against any minivan on the market. Even side running boards are standard. Fuel Consumption? Check rates on 03 Expy XLT Prem 4X2 4.6L versus 02 Honda Osyssey EXL-RES, and what you pay in gas you save on insurance. EVEN TRADE OFFS.