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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  Great 7 year old SUV - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By rbush - November 17 - 9:31 pm

  I bought this SUV new in 1999 and now have 95,000 miles on it. It has performed extremely well over the years and has been very reliable and easy to drive. It is great for towing boats and Waverunners as well as U-Hauls to take kids to college. The throttle valve assembly was replaced at 86K miles but otherwise no major repairs other than routine maintenance. I would definitely buy another if I needed a large SUV.

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  Expedition For Travel - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By MACKEY - November 11 - 7:09 pm

  While getting only about 14 MPG in city, the XLT does better than predicted on the highway, with most average rates running around 20MPG (with no air conditioning running). Expect to drop 2 MPG for the air. It is comfortable and highly maneuverable on the road.

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  Ford Never Again - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By t.jones67 - November 11 - 5:11 pm

  I drive my Ford for work. Most of my miles are highway miles. The air conditioner went out early on. At 46,600 miles the transmission is out. It is out of warranty. The dealership did pick up $1000 of the $2k bill. A transmission should not go out at 46k miles. Funny thing is I had a Taurus that the air went out early and the transmission dropped at 60k. Ford seems to have problems with these. This is the last Ford I will ever buy. If you have to have a Ford-buy the extended warranty.

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  lovin it - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By kevsilb - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a fully loaded Eddie Bauer Expedition and have already put 1000 miles on it in two weeks! It is much better than I even thought. I was between this and the Sequoia and chose the Expedition purely because of the fold flat power seat. Happy I did it and would recommend this truck over and over again.

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  2007 Expedition LTD. OWNER - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Whippet - October 19 - 9:29 pm

  Well I give Ford full points for this one. I have driven full size SUVs for 12 years and I must say this one is the most fun and best one I have owned to date. I actually look forward to jumping into it and driving off everyday. My Last SUV was a 2003 Tahoe and it was time for a change. I drove them all and Ford gets my dollar this time around. It is most definitely the best bang for your buck when it comes to buying a full size SUV. Great ride, excellent handling, and very very quiet !

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  The first to buy 07 Expedition Limited - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Blue Creek - October 14 - 10:15 pm

  This car is Sweet! I can not say enough good things about the improvement from past models. I traded my 03 Eddie Expedition With the 6 speed transmission, it feels like my old LS400 gliding into gears and very quiet. The voice nav will blow you away if you never had one. Very stylish inside and out. Im really enjoying this ride.

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  2003 Ford Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By karchal - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This is a very nice vehicle, large but very easy to drive. Has a nice soft ride. Engine is very quite. I have a 21ft bass boat which it pulls very well.

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  Finally Got It - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Tycoonmd - October 11 - 4:10 pm

  Wanted one for a long time and finally could afford it. Love the size. Im a big guy so it is very comfortable for me. Love the sound system. Subwoofer is great. DVD player is great too. Mine is loaded. Being a big guy, the A/C & heated seats take a while to feel them working but its a nice feature. Im realistic about gas mileage. Its a big truck, what do you expect? Stock tires are TERRIBLE! BEWARE! Mine cupped at 13,000 miles! Also, theres an annoying ticking noise coming from around the moonroof. Dealer said they need to schedule a day to find it. Overall, love my truck. Wish Ford would sell with suitable tires. Im upgrading to 24" rims and tires anyway.

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  Nice , but not so NICE - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By WILLIAM HARDING - October 9 - 10:00 am

  what is nice it is a good looking suv. what is not nice, More power it sure needs it. the other thing that is not so nice i dont know if it is the rims ford puts on it i dont know but every Expedition I see the front rims get so so BLACK AND DIRT LOOKING Even if you wash your suv and drive around the Block it gets BLACK FAST NOT SO NICE.

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  Awesome SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By CJ Lane - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I love my Ford Expedition. I reallylike the styling, it has a more modern styling than chevrolet or gmc. It handles great and gets very good gas mileage for a full size SUV.