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:

• 

  Not worth the money - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Leon Pollack - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been nothing but problems. My electrical system started failing before I reached 40,000 miles. I have a vehicle that has less than 65,000 miles and Im replacing the electrical system in the column for $1200. I ahve put more than $6000 into this vehicle over the past two years. next week im going out to buy me a Japanese (Toyota sequoia or Nissan Armarda) SUV. I ahve had it with American vehicles. I have owned all brands and now i understand why people buy foreign vehicles. I also understand why American companies give you a three year warranty, their vehicles are onbly designed to last three years.

• 

  Mine was a LEMON!!! - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Mine was crap! - October 26 - 1:00 am

  My EXPLODITION was in the shop for 28 days in one year. The dealer was of know help in getting it purchased back through the lemon law. They are programmed by FORD to do everything possible not to take these vehicles back. If you want to return it you have to get a lawyer.

• 

  4 transmissions and only 33K - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Elster - October 24 - 5:33 am

  We are currently having our 4th !!!! Transmission replaced under warranty. This vehicle is awful and unreliable. Save yourself dont buy one!

• 

  SUV that rides like a truck - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Rnak - October 4 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has been the most problematic from the start. The dealer was horrible at purchase and the service was deceptive and expensive. Buy the extended warranty it will help you out. Things that occurred three recalls, failed radiator resulted the failed electronic plugs, failed ABS sensor that resulted in the brakes prematurely wearing out thus had to buy new brakes for $650 for all new brakes not covered on warranty it is an maintenance item, and new brakes are nearly worn again dealer installed soft brake shoes. SUV bounces like a truck does not have a smooth ride. Gear shift rattles while driving.

• 

  Disappointed Customer - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Fleeced - September 11 - 2:00 am

  For a vehicle that stickered at $42,400 the quality in workmanship is lacking. The ride is extremely unimpressive. In 50,000 miles Ive been through three set of tires (even though I rotate every 5000 miles), leather is wearing excessively, vehicle vibrates over 70 MPH (dealers cant figure out problem), windshield wiper and vent window motors failed. I dont expect these problems when I purchase a vehicle that approaches 40K.

• 

  Buyers Beware - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Conradikal - September 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Ford Expedition and had nothing but problems. I had two blown head gasket one @45000 and another @60000 miles. Five times I had to return it to the dealer for A/C repair. I wrote Ford a certified letter stating the problem and they never replied. Such service. It is the most unreliable vehicle Ive owned.

• 

  What a mistake I made. - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By batrol - July 21 - 10:00 am

  No power, engine makes lots of noise, however. Gas mileage is awful considering lack of power.

• 

  Can ford do anything right??? - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By fordhater - June 26 - 2:00 am

  since new had to go back in the shop in 3 months for various repairs..since then all down hill...rpm needle jumps up to 2 at idle and they fixed it but it still does it when i stop the brake pedal will vibrate and the car will too oh but the reverse sensing sys. fails to work everytime its dirty..but now i would like to sell it and it only has 16000 miles on it and it cost me 42000 and its only worth 24000, thanks alot i really got my bang for my buck...ford look at toyota and honda, and nissan about car values for crying out loud

• 

  FirstANDLast - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By 1FamilyMan - March 25 - 2:00 am

  This was the first Ford product Ive ever purchased. The perverbial crap hit the fan soon after leaving the dealer. I was told and have read how Ford engineers had a winner with the Expedition. Great pachage I admit. But, when your wife and kids are stuck in a broken down vehicle...blood pressure boils! Its the call you didnt expect after buying a "quality" vehicle for the wife and family. Yes, we were warned of the safety trips...the problem was more severe. After 1 week, the damn truck had to be towed!!!! To the dealer it went for a new alternator. Covered by warranty, but not excusable for the money spent. You want to buy a Ford...be warned!

• 

  First and Last Ford - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By buckwet - March 7 - 2:00 am

  at 58,000 miles my transmission went out and due to the fact that i did not have my transmission fluid replaced at 30,000 miles, the extended warranty that i had purchased through the ford dealerership by a third party company UNITED AUTO CARE, the extended warranty denied my claim. Several qualified sources have indicated to me that not changing the transmission fluid at 58,000 miles will cause this problem. And of course Ford washes their hands of the problem.