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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  Expedition all the way! - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Nardjordan - August 30 - 3:07 pm

  I owned a 1999 Expedition XLT and I loved it. Put 170K on it. Sold that one and got a new 07 XLT. All I can say is I love it. The ride is smooth. The engine is more powerful. The braking distance is great. It is just a nice vehicle all the way around. Ford has done a good job on this one.

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  First time Ford SUV owner - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Scott - August 30 - 12:44 pm

  We switched after two Tahoes and 2 Pathfinders. The final decision after reviewing MB GL, Chevy Tahoe, GMC, Range Rover Sport, Nissan and Infiniti, and Toyota was this loaded Expedition Limited. The big factors: Design, navigation nystem, folding 3rd row, interior finish, tow package,... At a lower price than anything the competition could offer. My wife is the primary driver and loves it already!

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  Are you serious? - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By 1oFaKiND - August 29 - 3:21 am

  Over the last couple of months Ive had so much fun offroading the Expedition taking it to long distance trips it cannot get any more comfortable it already is it feels as if they used Nasa cushion in the chairs any ways im happy with my Expedition and Im planning to keep it for a long time. Im also going to keep the cheap black plastic :)

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  best truck - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Jas - August 28 - 10:00 am

  i think this vehicle is the best

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  family suv - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By herm - August 28 - 10:00 am

  the truck drives much better than the 2000 expedition we traded for our new suv our kids like this one much better

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  Great Family SUV - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By flastylez - August 25 - 2:07 am

  I have the EL and I love it, When driving long trips I wish it had a little bit more umpf when trying to pass. Dont understand Fords color scheme when they designed my truck. Its the pueblo gold with blk/grey interior trim and blk/peanut butter leather seats. Did my homework and there isnt another SUV that can even come close to this SUV.....Go Ford

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  new Platinum Expedition - 2017 Ford Expedition
  By Butch - August 23 - 7:54 am

  so far the gas mileage is not even close to what the manufacture rates it, when we drove it home it had a wind noise on the drivers side that came from poorly installed weather stripping, our dealer fixed it perfectly but it shouldnt have come from the factory that way, raising and lowering the center seats to get in the back is not that easy, must always remember to tilt the headrest in or they dig into the front seats. On a positive side, it has a lot of room particularly in the third row where you wouldnt expect much which is the only reason we bought it vs the GMC Denali model. At this point we only have a 1000 miles on it so tough to do much more rating.

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  Leaky Sunroof - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Nelson - August 21 - 10:21 am

  We bought our 2007 Expedition Limited in January of this year. For the money you wont find a vehicle with more options. The vehicle overall is great with one exeption. We live in Alaska where it snows frequently in the winter and rains often in the summer. The sunroof has leaked the whole time. We are concerned that it will effect the entertainment center just behind the sunroof. The dealer has attempted seven times now to repair, replace or do whatever it takes to fix the problem. Unfortunately we are in the process of going through Ford to replace the vehicle under the lemon law.

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  Second Ford - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Vince - August 18 - 10:25 pm

  This has been my 2nd Ford which I purchased used. So far it has been a good vehicle. The only issue I have is with the CD changer and playing my pc created cds. I planned on changing the radio so this is not a big deal to me. The 03 has the same turning radius that my 98 Explorer had so its really no different in driving it. The rear sonar is a big help when backing up and parking.

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  So Far So Good - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By DH - August 18 - 10:39 am

  Bought new. Was looking for large SUV versitile enough to haul people and stuff with good value. No major complaints, handles well. Very comfortable and great for long trips.