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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  Reliable - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Gregory - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely no breakdowns or fixes in 35000 miles. My family enjoys the roomy interior on long trips. Great in the snow. Rough ride though with solid rear axle. Second seat is easy to work. Third row seat comes in handy at times.

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  The first, but not the last - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By billell - May 10 - 2:00 am

  No major problems in the three years that Ive owned this vehicle. Placed an order for a 2003 today and hopefully, will be driving that one by the end of this month

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  Good Vehicle - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By penrose - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Have had the vehicle for about 8 months, bought used with 27,000 miles. Now have 34,000 and I like it very much. Very comfortable, good power (5.4), looks nice. Lately it unfortunately has been at the shop. Had a fan belt pulley repaced, radio had short in it, power drivers window broke, and now it has been in shop for 3 days because of a bad smell coming from A/C area. Technicians are stumped. Other than that I like the vehicle.

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  Glad I didnt buy a Suburban - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By SUVLUVR - April 23 - 2:00 am

  After 2.5 years and 52,000 miles with my Expedition, I have no regrets. Love the looks of the Eddie Bauer as well as the standard features. This vehicle seems to be just the right size - a little smaller than a Suburban (easier to park), a little bigger than a Tahoe/Yukon (more cargo/passenger space). It has more second seat leg room than the Suburban. Its a great tow vehicle with more than adequate power. I wish a power passenger seat was available. Road noise on concrete pavement is a bit intrusive as the original equipment Goodyear RTS tires wear down. The ride is a bit jiggly (it has the 4-corner leveling system), but the handling is very car-like.

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  TheTank - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Wifes Expedition - April 7 - 3:00 am

  When I bought this vehicle I though that the interiors will hold up better. I will suggest that if you plan to buy one these tanks that you buy the factorys extended warranty, as repair for these car are expensive. There has been problems with the engines in the past. Such as Blown head gasket and transmissions going bad as early as 16,000 miles of use.

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  1999 Expedition - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Cornhusker172 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  No problems in 3 years of hard driving. Lots of romm and space for most any need.

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  affordable expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By RSAYERS - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Great price, after rebates and advertised price I got it for under 23k less tax and liscence. Great for large families, hauls 9 people. Many standard features on base model. Super alternative to minivan when hauling a trailer is required.

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  seems to be a great vehicle - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By cjbseven - April 3 - 2:00 am

  havent had it long but it seems like the best vehicle we could have purchased for the price

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  KING of the road - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By corkyk - April 1 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 expedition eddie bauer is a good car. Other than a few interior mistakes there are no problems. Gas milage is what you would expect in a large suv, and shouldnt matter in the buying process. When the dvd screen is down, forget about using the rear view mirror. When the sunroof is open all the way the noise level is a little high.

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  id buy one - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By bud in a ford - April 1 - 2:00 am

  the only problem i have is that i cant change my own spark plugs and do some other typically "simple" services to this vehicle that i can do to some of my other older cars.