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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  My 4th Ford - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Built Texas Tough - June 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a very functional SUV, with lots of creature comforts. Built sturdy, handles well on the open road, and lots of neat and innovative features. Only gripe is (WAS) the garbage General tires they put on as standard equipement lasted 10K miles before first blowout. Do yourself a favor and put Michelins on and it drives like a dream.

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  Built Ford Tough! - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By gdub - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Overall Ford has come out with a great SUV. Make sure you opt on the 5.4 liter as the 4.6 is underpowered.

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  Roomy and Fun to Drive - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Nard - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I have had my vehicle for going on three years and I have loved every minute of it. I have 60,000 miles on it now and I have had no major repairs. There was something wrong with my starter coil but that only cost me 60 bucks. I love it on the highway and in the city. I want to check out the 2003 model....

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  Great 4WD - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Reno, NV - May 31 - 2:00 am

  Almost has 100K and Ive only had to replace the Alternator. Still have original battery. Also, I just did the 100K service, sprark plugs were pretty bad, it took me more than four hours to change. I would highly recommend this vehicle to any one looking at one.

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  Sturdy truck for travelling back roads - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By dbigfella - May 31 - 2:00 am

  This car has been several thousand miles into Mexicos highways and back roads and has never given me a problem. If you can stomach the gas mileage and you need a 4WD and/or big car, I highly recommend it. Another word of caution. It can be intimidating in tight corners and parking in major cities. But once you know your truck youll be fine almost anywhere.

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  2002 XLT Expedition, 5.4L - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By skir - May 31 - 2:00 am

  Initially was not considering Ford (had 2000 Windstar with 3 trans, 2 valve bodies and torque conv. in 19k miles). Drove lots of sport utes and vans, bottom line is Ford had best deal (0.9% for 5 years) and willing to negotiate on price more than anyone else. Got ext. warr., of course. It turns out we love this beast. Mileage is abt same as Windstar. It is very comfortable and great for road trips. Hope its holds up as well as my previous Fords (van excluded).

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  tran.sensors - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Mugs - May 29 - 2:00 am

  factory tires lasted 28000 miles. Check engine light at 32K miles, had to replace transmission sensor pack ($350) although testing indicated nothing wrong with transmission. Check engine light again at 37K .... test indicates "smoke tube" needs replacing.

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  2002 Ford Expedition - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By jl21 - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car for the price. Very reliable and quick. I think the engine should be quiter though, like the toyota land crusier

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  CANT CAR WASH - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Kevin Brinkworth - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful black exp. I love it. Except that everytime I get washed, I have to spend up to half an hour wiping the water/wax that drains from the mirror areas, the door handles, the real window and assorted other collection points.If you dont wipe, it streaks as you drive and looks like hell. I like to keep this baby clean but this is too much trouble. For this reason alone, I would never buy another Ford SUV or truck. Drives me nuts.

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  Ford Gas Numbers are Inflated - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By John D - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Nice Truck. It is a huge gas monster. We are getting 15/16