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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  Love the XP - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Vancouver XP - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for 3500 km, so far so good. The back door rattles incessantly over bumps, I havent had this problem serviced yet, so I hope they can fix it. The fuel economy is abyssmal, but its a huge vehicle. The handling is surprisingly good given the size.

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  Must Drive It....... - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Dan1234 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the third Expedition I had, the 2003 is the smoothest riding truck Ive ever owned. You must drive it to see. The floor mats that come with it are very cheap for the cost of the truck and the front seats could use a little more cushion...

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  Rattle cause by BAD TIRES - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Bessie84 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY EB EXPEDITION. The tires SUCK!!! If you have rattle go to your ford dealership and get your tires tested for "road force". I was getting the rattles and I took it in to get them balanced and said I had "road force" That meant my tires were not wearing properly. So I have had 3 new set of tires in 6500 miles!!! CRAP TIRES. I am fighting with ford to get a different brand of tires...BEWARE!!!!

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  Needs refinement - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Marty Johnson - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Needs refining in some areas including interior fit and finish.

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  The real package - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By smellwhat - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I just got the "rig" i bought it to replace a 95 GMC yukon. The changes are great and the ride is excellent.

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  Marginal quality - great design - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By NAT - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I like the truck alot but at 1700 miles it shouldnt have to be in the repair shop so much. So far the front axles have been repaired to prevent a growling sound. It then developed a gear whine at 30 to 40 mph. First they replaced the transfer case which didnt fix it. Then they replaced the differential which did fix it. I hope this doesnt indicate whats in store for us in the future. Maybe an extended warranty would be a good investment. I tow a travel trailer and really like the way it handles the trailer.

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  Expedition is all good - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By mosher - December 11 - 2:00 am

  From the cooled (and heated) front leather seats to the reverse sensing system to the power fold third row seats, This thing is awesome. The four wheel drive and independent four wheel suspension make traversing rugged terrain a breeze and you can do with all the creature comforts your heart desires.

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  The best vehicle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By The high performance - December 9 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Expedition is the best truck/SUV ever.The fuel economy is the only bad thing. The Expedition can do basicly anything off-road and on-road! It has power and stability!Dont even think about the Explorer.It is too small and has a very poor engine!Trust me the 2003 Expedition is the right vehicle for everybody!Excellent safety!

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  2004 Ford Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By llcoolj1 - December 6 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is outstanding. For is killing current owners vehicle value with significant rebates, i.e., huge discounts on new Expeditions deflate the value of recently purchased ones

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  My kids call it a firetruck - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By WalyWrld1 - November 14 - 11:56 am

  My experience over the last two years with the xpy has been great. I have had no problems with it. It is a well built, very comfortable highway cruiser. Average 16.5 mpg. I have the 4.6 L V8 and it has adequate power for my use. Super truck and would buy another without hesitation.