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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  In need of fixes - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Mark Larey - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Very dissappointed with some mechanical aspects. Turning from stop makes noise, other transmission noise between 40-55 mph. Been to dealer (first time at 1800 miles) they are aware of the problems---told it is "clutch" and "pinion". Also having abnormal wear pattern of front tires--Ive been told this is a tire problem. Dealer seems aware of these problems (I must not be the only one) but tells me Ford hasnt come out with any fixes yet.

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  Safe to Drive - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Chad - August 12 - 12:31 am

  I have 144,000+ on this Expedition. Because of the weight, I feel safe driving in snow/ice. The AWD is excellent. The leather seats are still in good condition. The safety could be improved with side air bags. The oil pressure when first started during winter time is 20-30 seconds delayed. I corrected this by using less restricted KNN oil filter. I used Castrol synthetic 0/40 motor oil. Also, I do transmission fluid change every 2 years by draining only then load new fluid added with 1 jar of trans-X. Spark plugs and some little things have been updated. I know the gas mileage is bad, but it rewarded me with the safety and comfort.

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  Keeping this SUV! Go Ford! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Bunnyjean - August 10 - 11:13 am

  I have had 3 SUVs, by far this is the best one! The middle row leg room is wonderful, the power 3rd row is awesome. So many buttons and so many options! The ride is smooth, even on rough roads! Great for long distance trips with 4 kids! The engine is quiet, the towing capacity is super! Have had no problems with this SUV. Will keep this SUV for a very long time! Best out of the large SUVs.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By charyl - August 9 - 11:22 pm

  I have taken this truck on two trips to MN. with 3 boys. Lots of room and comfortable. I have never had a problem. I love my truck. It turns on a dime, and is a good truck

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  My perfect truck - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Josh@Heather - August 7 - 5:21 pm

  My wife and I just got married then shortly after we foud out we are going to be having a baby so we decided that it was time for a new vehicle. We looked around drove a couple things and compared how much truck we could get for out hard earned dollars. We had an Explorer together and it was ten years old and ran excellent and drove like a dream but we had to sell it and I was so heart broken. So we found this Expedition, we drove it and we fell in love with it, and even tho the baby isnt here yet I know that that truck will be the safest biggest SUV that my wife can drive comfortably. And she addores it. Well anyways it is safe and comfortable and very spacious and the features are great

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  Nice - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Stephanie - August 5 - 12:45 pm

  Its very nice inside and out. Ive had more than 1 Toyota and the last one i had was a 4x4 4-Runner. This expedition drives smoother than that. I was skeptical about getting another vehicle other than a Toyota but once I drove this i was happy.

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  I love my Expedition - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Miss Mary - August 4 - 9:25 pm

  I love my Expedition. It runs good, could have a little bit more power. Its a beautiful ride that I feel so safe in. It goes in the snow so great! It had high mileage when I bought it and at 148000 miles it is still going strong! I am the 2nd owner and the only thing I have had done to it is put new tires on it and a new alternator. But over all I would buy another Ford Expedition. My husband has been wanting me to trade my expedition in on another expedition or something else, and I say "No Way"! Buy a Ford Expedition you wont regret it, I promise.

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  Front Seats E. Bauer - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By backache - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle is great. Much better than old design, Bur front seat is not designed coeerctly for a tall driver. Have had nothing but lower back pain since I bought it. My old E Bauer was very nice. I wish I had the old seat back. Take a long test drive before you buy.

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  REAR AXLE PROBLEM - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Ford Misery - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Beware! Drive your 2003 Expedition at 79 or 80 miles an hour and listen. You will hear a high pitch whine from the rear-end. I have had three, yes, three axles. All have had this problem. My new truck is still in the shop while Ford tries to find a fix. All of the 2003s at the dealership had the problem. They were trying to find one that did not make the noise. Drive yours and listen. Lets all make Ford fix this problem.

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  Great truck! - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By misskayla - July 31 - 12:50 am

  I love my truck. Its a smooth ride, comfortable/roomy. I brought it in 2004 and it came without a CD changer, but I installed one in there. Could do better on gas. Considering I drive state to state, its approching 135,000 miles and I never had a problem with it beside changing my oil and I did replace the alternator a year ago.