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 Eddie Bauer - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By lpu73@aol.com - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Compared this to the Chevy, Toyota and GMC SUVs of similar size. The excellent third row leg room was important to us with tall sons. We went with the captains chairs in the second row. Easy of entry is great. Sound system is just ok. DVD is nice for the long trips. We liked the Toyota Sequoia but no captains chairs so leg room in third row was poor. Gas milage about 13 in city so far. All in all very happy.

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  it "lugs" and its tinny - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By donvinnie - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I like almost everything about it except the 4.6 "lugs". It sounds like its straining just to go up a slight hill, and it sounds tinny when you shut doors. Not solid sounding at all.

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  Luxury on Wheels - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Expy Owner - December 7 - 11:21 am

  We were the first to buy our 07 Expedition, right off the truck. It has every upgrade imaginable and we love it. It has a better turn radius than the smaller SUV I just traded in and is very easy to drive for being such a roomy vehicle. My husband is 64" and fits comfortably in the third row. And with the button in the back to make the seats automatically go down, it makes shopping or hauling things a breeze. We also have the power liftgate and adjustable pedals which works good for us because there is such a big difference in height when we take turns driving it. Have fun driving this car! :)

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  Eddie Bauer Expedition - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By aalvear - December 4 - 9:11 pm

  Enjoying our Expedition. Smooth ride and easy to drive. Visibility is excellent considering its height. Safer than most vehicles on the road, but uses more gas than most. Getting 14.2 miles in the city, but drive 6 miles to work so not worried about gas prices. Stereo (6-disc) and DVD great for road trips. Controls for electronics on steering wheel volume, disc/station selection, fan control, etc. Third row seat more comfortable than competitors. Also 3rd row folds down when cargo space is needed, unlike other competitors which require removal. Safety was a factor in purchase. Overall great vehicle for the price.

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  Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Stan - December 1 - 10:05 am

  I was looking for a large SUV with a flat cargo bed without any gaps such as the 2005 Tahoe. The brochure of the 2007 Expedition showed such a cargo area, but when the truck arrived, I found a large gap on the floor between the second row seats and the rest of the back when everything was folded down. I was about to void the purchase agreement, when the dealer agreed to have a custom flap fabricated to cover this gap. I am shocked that Ford would misrepresent the product in their brochure. Hence the poor rating for interior design.

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  Ford XLS 2004 - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By LawUser - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Took the truck with a lease and traded my 91 Bronco in for it with 2500 down. Got kinda hammered with the payments but I needed soemthing new and something that had lots of space inside since I have a large family of 5 to move around. Truck runs really well and handles snow as well as can be expected. It sometimes wants to bring the backend around when turning in the snow but I think this is due to the length and me driving a Bronco for all the years I did. Just gotta get used to it. Gas mileage is pretty low, 28 gallon tank and I get about 260 miles to the tank. Better than my Bronco so I enjoy it. LOL Overall a nice truck

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  Exceptional Value - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Guy Glennon - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I test drive and have owned several different trucks from the Dodge Ram Hemi Crew Cab to the Chevy Trail Blazer LTZ North Face- I recently traded them both in for the Ford Expediton XLT 5.4L- I have never been so satisfied with the ride quality, quiet ride, comfortable seats, cargo room, transmission performance, squeek free interior and highway speed ride. I recently towed a 5300 lb trailer (6X12) and I did not know it was there. Braking performance is excellent and it cuts through the snow with ease. I bought my wife the new VW SUV in december, whcich is an excellent performer for a mid/lux/ SUV- but the fords ride quality can compete!!!

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  expect high maintenance $$$ - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By FormerFordFan-2 - November 26 - 2:00 am

  While my 1999 was under warranty I was forced to visit the dealer 4 times for repairs. But it was after the warranty period expired that things really started to go wrong. To date I have spent over $9,000 in repairs since the warranty expired. I am convinced that Ford sold me a defective vehicle and are continuing to sell this same vehicle still today. Sure the new one looks different, buts that’s just marketing hype. This vehicle hasn’t changed since 1999 just ask any honest engineer or maintenance technician at Ford and they will tell you that the only changes have been cosmetic.

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  Sweet - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Lunaticz - November 19 - 10:00 am

  cant compare to anything out in the market even if fords do suck the expedition seems like it is not connected to the ford company because it is one of a kind, i was more of a yukon person but the 2003 eddie bauer was top of the line even a little better than the escalade even though the escalade looks nicer but the expo is tight

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  Love my Expedition - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Charlie - November 19 - 6:22 am

  Very comfortable and safe. Fuel economy is much better than reports. As much as 20 mpg on the highway (under 70 mph). Wish the back up sensors were a little more sensitive.