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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  What a truck - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By boaloo - April 1 - 1:09 pm

  This truck has been very good to me. I must say the only problem Ive had with it was the blown head gasket at 23,000 miles, but it was all under warranty. Other than that, its great.

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  So glad we bought another Expedition - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By sonsonly - March 27 - 6:57 pm

  I owned a 1998 Ford Expedition and decided to purchase a smaller crossover this time. After driving several crossovers, my husband and I decided that we just did not want less power in our vehicle. We then drove several large SUVs. When I decided to drive another Expedition (my husband wanted another one from the start) I fell in love. The changes Ford has made are wonderful. I am really enjoying my new Expedition. I absolutely love the power fold seats, and this was a big selling point for me. It has been a great convenience after having my old expedition. Although my children are teenagers now, this would be a great car for someone with little ones too.

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  CliFORD, the big red truck. - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By RRB - March 26 - 10:28 pm

  I bought this with 47K and now slightly over 2 years later have 110k on it. I kind of have a love hate relationship with this vehicle but the love always wins. It has the 5.8 V8 & AWD and gets lousy mileage, averaging 12.8 with the best being 17 if you are on the highway all day. It is good looking, comfortable to drive, solid as a rock, will go anywhere and every time I look at it I still like it. The negatives are the goofy computer that runs the personal settings for the mirrors and seats which work one day and not the next. The power windows are noisy and there is wind noise from the moonroof. One set of brakes, one tune up and now on the third set of tires since new.

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  Good AND BAD - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Rob K. - March 21 - 11:45 am

  POSITIVES: Great room for a family of 4 or 5. Plenty of luggage room for those long family trips. Eddie Bauers look great with the gold underpackage with pretty much any body color. NEGATIVES: Whats up with the brake dust? Wow, lets not skimp on quality brake pads. Also, middle seat in second row should recline with outside passenger seats. Third row seating leather has come unattached and not sure how to have it fixed. Looks crappy like that. Gas mileage is garbage but what can you expect from that large of a vehicle. The a/c fan inside the dash makes a light squealing sounds periodically and Im sure Ford wont hear it to fix it.

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  Very unhappy with 2005 Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By areyes1 - March 17 - 1:03 pm

  I have had a ton of problems with my 2 year old truck. Last year it went in because every time I started it, it sounded like it was going to fall apart at the hinges. Good thing its under warranty, that was $2000 worth of repair (and a week without it). It will be going in Monday because the power steering went out this week. Common for Fords I guess. This truck only has 16,000 miles though. Among smaller things The back hatch doesnt close correctly (never has) same with the rear driver side door. Windows are very slow to roll up. Oh and the wonderful 9 miles to the gallon you get if you are lucky. I cant wait to get my Yukon. I despise this truck. I have had better junkers.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By timbo2 - March 17 - 10:48 am

  Recently upgraded from 1998 XLT 4x4 Expedition that was still excellent after 129,000 miles including 4,000 yearly miles towing a 7,000# travel trailer. The new 2004 Eddie Bauer feels stronger with the extra 30 HP with 5.4L engine. This one has everything except air suspension and navigation system. So far around town averaging 16.7 mpg. Other than rear axle whine which will be fixed next week am extremely happy with this vehicle. Ford hit the spot with this one!

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  Expedition - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By elijeremy - March 14 - 9:03 pm

  The handling was much better than I expected, also it has a very smooth ride. I wish it had better fuel economy, but other than that a very great experience.

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  awesome - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By damore - March 10 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, it is awesome. Its roomy enough for my whole family but, much better looking than a caravan.

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  Best SUV on the Market - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Mark - March 9 - 6:23 pm

  I have owned this truck for 4 years now, buying it with 72000 miles and currently 120,000, absolutely no problem! I drive it 50 miles a day and its been ol reliable. I know that when I look at a new one in a few years they will be just as good.

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  Awesome. - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By dansee - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Awesome. Plenty of power and plenty of room for the family. Even has the cupholders. A mini-van on steroids.