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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  Barely Rolling Junk - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Dave - October 25 - 3:52 pm

  This is my second Expedition and by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Ive replaced all 4 rotors 3 times, both outside mirrors twice, 6 of the eight coils, backup sensors, the DVD system and winshield wiper/washer control. Gas mileage is unbelieveable, (9 city 12 highway.) The trade in for this clunker says it all 8500. The thing has depreciated $35000 in four years, yet Ive maintaned it by the book. Never again!

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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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  Never Again - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Clark - April 28 - 8:59 am

  After driving only Honda and Toyota, we chose this car for its 8 passenger seating. The car has had the A/C panel, battery, radio and alternator replaced. In addition, it has had rear liftgate window leaks repaired twice. Although the dealership has paid for all repairs, the cost of time and aggrivation have gone on and on.

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  Rattle, Rattle, Rattle and no fix - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By gomojo54 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Very poor build quality for my 2003 Eddie Bauer Expedition. Everything rattles, doors, dvd player, windows, and my brain! It is in the shop for the third time and I am completely frustrated. Ford needs to replace this Eddie Bauer with a new unit. Mine is a piece of junk.

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  Ford Never Again - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By t.jones67 - November 11 - 5:11 pm

  I drive my Ford for work. Most of my miles are highway miles. The air conditioner went out early on. At 46,600 miles the transmission is out. It is out of warranty. The dealership did pick up $1000 of the $2k bill. A transmission should not go out at 46k miles. Funny thing is I had a Taurus that the air went out early and the transmission dropped at 60k. Ford seems to have problems with these. This is the last Ford I will ever buy. If you have to have a Ford-buy the extended warranty.

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  2003 Unhappy - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By sweeney5 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  So far its spent most of the first month in the shop now Ford tell us that the clunk we hear on downshift and upshift is normal. Wed like to trade it for something else.

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  Review - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Flomart - September 21 - 6:53 pm

  Vehicle driving is comfortable, it is very good in winter conditions. However since the vehicle was purchased new, gas mileage has averaged 10 miles to the gallon. If I wasnt retired and still working the increased mileage and cost of fuel would be prohibitive.

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  Gas mileage beast - build quality ok - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Eric - July 15 - 8:06 pm

  I always wanted to own an Expo and bought a left over 2005 in December. Then gas prices took off. The truck is very comfortable, but the build quality is only "ok." I have 10,000 miles on this vehicle and things are already rattling and I have squeaks. Gas mileage is no where near EPA figures, even with gentle starts and cruising at posted speeds on the highway. Ive never seen better than 15-16 (this is a 4x4 model). At over $80 to fill it, its time for me and the Expo to part ways - it just isnt worth the expense - well squeeze into something a lot more economical.

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  2005 Expedition XLS - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Consumer - June 7 - 3:36 pm

  Generally a good full-size SUV. Plenty of room, comfortable first and third row seats. Second row seats OK but cushions are too low. Limited headroom in front row. Good all-weather SUV very good in snow. Some interior squeaks and rattles, mostly in cold weather. Poor mileage 10-12 mpg in the city. 28 gallon gas tank = $84 fill ups at $3/gallon. Wont fit in some parking garages.

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  Never ever we will buy Ford - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Alan - May 29 - 12:17 pm

  Bought it new for my wife, the list price was over $39,000. We had so many little problems thats cost a lot to be fixed. Air ride bags $800. Air conditioner. leaking water $750. Power bank (its like spark plugs) $800. Heater trap door activator $1000. Head light auto switch, rear wiper, sticky linkage cable...etc. All of that on top of bad gas mileage. I just cant help it but compare it to my trusty 1994 Honda Accord with 153,000 miles and tell my self why... why... why... you stupid had to buy a Ford?