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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  Runs fine and strong at 75k miles! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By circleh - January 30 - 2:46 pm

  This truck works fine. We have had it six years since new, great towing vehicle and people mover, mileage not too bad as it got older/broken it. I get around 19 or so on highway and 14- 15 in town - not bad for a really big heavy vehicle that is this strong. Replaced an axle seal and air compressor, and normal wear items. Im keeping mine, no need to trade it.

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  Great Luxury SUV - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Tom - January 23 - 11:00 pm

  I owned a 2000 Expedition, then a Lincoln Town Car, then a 2004 Ford Explorer and am now very happy to be back in a 2007 Eddie Bauer 4x4 Expedition. The comfort, quietness, and ride exceeds the Lincoln and the utility far exceeds the Explorer. The engine and new 6-speed automatic are smooth as silk but strong as an ox. I really love the 4x4 AWD mode...adds a lot of stability when the roads are slick. Handling is superb...better than most cars Ive owned. I must say this new Expedition is the best vehicle I have ever driven...outside my sons Honda S-2000!

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  99 one owner.... - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By UPCRAWFISH - January 20 - 11:46 am

  Generally good vehicle. No issues until past month.. Disc brakes started squeal. Time to change pads.. Get in and find that the caliper pistons, 1 is broken and not applying pads and 2nd is cracked. (Original - PLASTIC piston) A $100 job for pads turned into $500 for pads/calipers(2), rotors. While under the car, found one of the link for anti-sway bar broke/missing - 2nd cracked... ADD $165...

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  FX4 - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By FX4 Fan - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Traded a 99 GMC Yukon for our 2003 FX4. Great ride, seats 8, tons of air bags, LATCH system, fold flat seats, pull up middle seat for the baby.

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  As GOOD As An American SUV Can Get! - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Arif - January 19 - 11:26 pm

  We ALWAYS wanted a full-size SUV and of course it was the mileage problem that stopped us from doing so. Having made up our minds to go ahead, 2007 was ideal as the the New Expy was out. We had a lot of SUVs to choose from which made buying one not only tough but almost impossible because the magic dies out if youre unable to choose the right one quickly enough. Stuck between the Armada and the Tahoe, we gave EXPY as look. It was love at first sight. We booked it after few reviews here and there, comparisons and a test drive. Ours is like one of the only ten in the whole country (UAE-1st consignment) and the only one in black. I already feel like a celebrity LOL. It is surely the best in its class!

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  They got almost everything right. - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By wood - January 15 - 7:40 pm

  I purchased the Limited edition with every option and was the first to receive at the dealership in December. The car has come a long way from the previous edition. The interior just as many amenities as my $90,000 Mercedes. DVD entertainment with wireless headphones is great for the kids. Plenty of space. Electric 3rd row folding seats and electric tailgate are more important to me than I thought. Seats are very comfortable. Engine is smooth shifting. Plenty of cupholders and interior space. On 20 inch wheels it rides fantastic at 75 mph. The only thing I still would want is more hp under the hood. Something closer to 400 would have put this on par with anything out there.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Ken - January 15 - 2:14 pm

  A great suv. If you read some of the reviews many people find the gas usage high. DUH its an suv. It does a great job at hauling people in comfort. Awesome get up and go for such a heavy truck. Tows well, I like the fact that I can flip in and out of 4x4, awd or 2 wheel drive. I like that the center seat pulls forward. Its a great SUV.

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  impressed - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Bob Brown - January 13 - 4:21 pm

  Really surprised at the huge improvement from my 2005 Expedition The ride is like a very high priced limo. Extra space is fantastic. Wish it had video back up system, but the beep, beep is certainly nice. Integration with the navigation system is superb (radio-stereo-iPod-video) much less confusing than my last car. Without a doubt the best vehicle Fford as ever produced. Have to wait and see on reliability.

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  Love My Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Pdupp - January 9 - 11:40 am

  Bought my 2003 Expedition Certified Pre-Owned in 2004 with ~31,000 miles on it. It felt, drove, and seemed just like new. Havent had any problems with it. Love it still as of January 2007!

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  Driving 07 Expedition in winter mountia - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By RWC, Phoenix - January 7 - 12:24 pm

  First trip was to Kaibab forest cabin northwest of Flagstaff for Christmas/New Year 2007. Four days of cold and 1.5 ft of snow. Truck drove faultlessly over back/forest roads in 4WD auto. Heater and all auto defrosters excellent. Independent rear suspension excellent on rough roads. Excellent driving and handling from and to Phoenix on freeways with full load. Mileage up from Phoenix 16.24mpg down from Flagstaff 17.3 mpg. Nice creature comforts: satellite radio, and DVD for grandson.