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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  very happy - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Cindy Westerberg - January 7 - 2:00 am

  The car is so nice inside that I almost forget I am driving!! very comfortable, roomy, great detail in design, sheer joy to drive, can do a uturn better than my old Voyager.

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  Roomy - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By denver, co - January 6 - 4:27 pm

  We wanted a family truckster and the Expedition is just what we ordered. The power third row is great (it folds flat at the touch of a button, not like hauling the 50 pound Chevy seat in and out). The Limited has all the bells and whistles we could ever ask for. It has a great turning radius for such a big ride and it actually handles better than I expected. I chose the Expedition over the Tahoe just because of the power third row, it is all about convenience.

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  suprised me - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By mikewithsw - January 6 - 12:42 pm

  Wow! I am surprised in how much Ive come to like the Expedition. We/I wanted the new Chevrolet Tahoe. We just couldnt pass up the 0% financing. My wife didnt really care about which one we got. I feel the Expedition offers the best bang for the buck.

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  Previous Yukon Owner - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Larry Johnson - January 3 - 8:18 pm

  I was determined to buy the 2007 Yukon until I drove the 2007 Expedition. I loved my previous Yukon. The fold flat rear seat is a huge benefit for my use. I have just driven 2000 miles the week after Christmas on a trip to the Florida Keys. I was impressed with the 18.5 MPG overall fuel economy with a vehicle fully loaded with camping equipment.That trip included interstate speeds ranging steady 80 MPH to creeping backups on I95, mixed with city driving (sightseeing) and down through the Keys. The seats are comfortable (7 hour stretches), the vehicle is quiet at interstate speeds, and the radio far surpasses the 2007 Yukon. The cooled seats got a workout in the Keys and were great!

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  Sweet beast - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By MacDaddyMD - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Leaps and bounds above prior Expeditions. Easily matches comfort with Sequoia. Not as powerfiul as it oughta be, but fit, finish, styling and extras are great. Best suspension in this class. Very atractive, fun, safe and easy to drive. Highly recommended!

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  Surprised at some of the poor ratings - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By jpw1138 - December 29 - 12:57 pm

  I guess I am lucky, but the only thing I have had to repair on this vehicle since purchased new were the actuators on the power door locks. Other than that, it has never seen the shop except for routine maintenance. I am sort of sorry I paid for the extended warranty because I dont think it is likely that I will need it. Very reliable car.

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  Awesome!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By David D. - December 20 - 2:00 am

  It is amazing the improvements in 5 years. This is my second one and I love it. It is even more fun than the first

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  Excellent built vehicle. Flawless towing - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By 03fordtime - December 14 - 7:09 pm

  I am the second owner of a 2003 year Expedition. This truck is all stock except it has 20 inch rims in the summer. It tows my 30 foot boat with a weight of about 11,000lbs including trailer. Drove 13 hours with it and no problems at all. This truck really is impressive, nothing has failed on it yet at 100,000 miles. Awesome build quality. Cosmetically its great, engine runs like new. Vehicle is very safe and the stability control is an amazing feature. Could not be happier. All the friends love it too. Would recommend to anybody.

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  A Lemon - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Pedigo - December 11 - 8:32 pm

  My husband and I bought our first Expedition in 2003. It was okay. The small things went out faster than our previous car like tail light bulbs. We upgraded to the Eddie Bauer in 2005 to a 2005. We have had it for 14 months and has been in the shop 4 times. We are not happy with Ford at all. We are trying to go back to Japanese cars.

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  2007 Eddie Bauer Expedition - SWEET - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Neil - December 8 - 5:01 pm

  After 7 years it was time to trade in the 1999 Explorer which served me very well. I test drove every large SUV on the market and kept coming back to the Expedition. The 07 model was very comfortable, showed good fit and finish, and handled very well. The electric fold down 3rd row was a strong selling point. Several others just folded the seats and they have to be physically removed to open up the rear. While gas mileage is an issue this one is actually rated as well as my 1999 Explorer 6 cylinder model. Ive driven Fords for many years, gave all the others a fair look, and ultimately went back to the blue oval. Take a close look at the 2007 Expedition. Its SWEET!