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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  2003 XLT Popular 5.4L - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By jhuben - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Very positive impression so far. Fit and finish are quite good and we have had zero defects. The rack and pinion steering coupled with firm springs translates into precise steering with minimal body lean in turns. Ride is firm but not harsh. We have 5.4L engine - this engine pulls smoothly from low RPM. Not a lot of throttle is needed to pull away from stop signs. The transmission shifts smoothly. The interior is, as expected for a vehicle of this size, very roomy. Lots of pockets & storage. 3rd row seats are comfortable and can hold adults for long trips. Folding 3rd row quite handy.

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  Red Expy - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By brads03expy - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Very nice truck. Beats our 98 Explorer we replaced all to heck. Cant believe how nice it drives!

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  04 Expedition Eddy Bauer - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By 11th Ford Product - May 6 - 10:00 am

  New Vehicle. The brake dust is terrible. You would think Ford would offer an attractive "Chrome" wheel for their top of the line Bauer model. The gas milage could be better though the power is ok. My 99 Mountaineer had a much nicer message center. This is a nice truck but the design people missed the mark on the message center and wheels.

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  2004 Expedition is a great value - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Natiman - March 30 - 2:00 am

  If your goal in life is to break the 1/4 mile super stock record, this is not the truck for you. What this V8 has is low end musle, brute force, stump pulling tourqe. Expect no better than 14 mpg average, highway drivers may get as much as 18mpg. Standard equipment on the XLT 5.4 4X4 includes rear A/C and heat, 125 watt sound and enough seating options for any family.

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  Better Reliability then any Toyota! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By LBISAILLON - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Edmunds - Lauds the Toyota Sequoia and states that they beat Ford and GM. Thats horse you know what. I had a 1997 Ford Expedition, Eddie Bauer model that I put 185K miles on and it was the best vehicle that I have ever owned period. Ive owned Toyota and Honda cars and thought they were unreliable. Dont believe Edmunds review about the Toyota Sequoia. Why would I pay more for a Japanese vehicle that you could not prove to me was more reliable.

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  Expedition Rocks! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Homegrown808 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Expedition for only 8 months now and I love it! I like its solid feel and roominess. Living in Hawaii, my family and I have been up to the mountains and down to the sea with complete satisfaction! Plan to keep it for a long time!

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  Expedition review - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By john doe - February 28 - 10:00 am

  We bought the new Expidition after getting sick of our Hummer. Although it isnt as fast it gets twice the gass mileage and rides nearly the same. We got a totally base Expition for $25,000. Less than half of our hummer. The Hummer isnt worht the money and the expition is just a basic navigator, it rides just as well.

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  Best Bang for your Buck - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By robby - February 28 - 10:00 am

  If your looking at the Explorer, Envoy, or the Trailblazer STOP. After looking at those cars I stumbled upon the newly designed Expedition. I climbed in, test drove it and never bothered going back to looking at those smaller SUVs. All the comfort and space for an extra couple of thousand. I dont think I can out grow it any time soon!

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  Not BAD!! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By TCOX - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I look at all of the SUVs and settled on the Ford. Not bad I have been please Im currently looking to upgrade to the Eddie Bauer.

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  Navigation not so good. - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By NAV man - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Problems with navigation system. The hardware is exceptional, the software package is poor. There are large gaps in its maps, for WY in NAV sys only covers one city completely. I say that tongue and cheek because there are probably black holes with that location as well. The neighborhood I live in has been around for over 25 years but there are parts the software considers us off roading. There are other software packages with complete maps, eg LEXUS. Also, most dealerships dont load the software until you pay for the vehicle so you cannot see the gaps. In its defense: software works great for maps it has but who whats to be lost with a clueless NAV sys.