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:

• 

  Great SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Gary E. Wood - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I traded a 2002 Explorer for a 2004 Expedition. It was a great decision. The Expedition is more solid, more powerful and more fun to drive. Plus, it looks great.

• 

  Spoiled by my Expedition... - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By ladytrisha - July 24 - 8:07 am

  Ive owned several vehicles from fast, sporty cars such as a Firebird, a convertible Trans Am, and a convertible SS Camaro...down to an everyday grocery getter you guessed it...the Ford Taurus. Ive also owned a Ford F-350 Super Duty Diesel Lariat. I really loved that truck! I never thought Id find another vehicle that I liked as well as our truck until I purchased my Expedition. I absolutely love it. It has that sporty look I love & all the room & comfort we could ask for. When we need the extra room in the back for hauling something large we just take out the third row seat. When our kids have friends over and we go somewhere we have plenty of room and seatbelts for everyone.

• 

  Great Comfort - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Kevin - July 22 - 10:46 am

  Great comfort! Mostly freeway driving, better than expected gas mileage 18 mpg. Great ride, better than my wifes Cadillac. Plenty of room for the kids and their teammates on way to games. Unbelievable turning radius. Parking no problem. No blind spots, great visibility all around vehicle. Once you get it rolling good top end power. When towing cant hardly tell there is a trailer on back.

• 

  WATCH OUT! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By baby - July 21 - 11:31 pm

  After having my Expedition for 1 year I was driving down the road and it went completely dead. I almost got hit from behind. I went to start it up while in my garage and it wouldnt start. I have had this vehicle towed 2 times. I am scared of it. After driving down the freeway and having it just go completely dead with no power I am going to trade it in on a foreign suv. I cannot see out of the right back side you are almost completely blind while you are driving it. It is really fun to drive and I hate to trade it in but I do not think it is dependable. The gas mileage is terrible it cost me $54.00 to put premium in it. I have to fill up every week and half. Don’t work. Stay at home.

• 

  Could Be Better Customer Service - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By SulleySundance - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I had a Chevy Suburban for 10 years and loved it. Purchased a nearly new 2000 Ford Expedition, and missed the cargo room and the third passenger seating right away! We test drove and searched for the right vehicle for 5 months!! I was going back to the Chevy Suburban or Tahoe and realized the brakes have not been impvoved, as the Ford Brakes stop on a dime! No spongy feel! I also liked the idea of having my cargo room when needed, and my third passenger seating for my family who are 62" and need the leg and head room to ride comfortably! Excellent selling point for Ford as Chevy has yet to address those issues.

• 

  AWD Eddie Bauer 4X4 - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By GLScott - July 20 - 12:57 pm

  Big powerful SUV that can tow a boat and take the kids to school. A bit tall for kids in car seats (hard to buckle standing outside the SUV) but teens have no problem. Handles well in snow, rain and dry. No problem passing or getting up to highway speed. AWD hurts fuel mileage but 4X4 is nice for deep snow and any off road drive. Running boards and lower ground clearance are not well suited for serious 4X4 off roading. Should use running boards when exiting the SUV or pant legs can get mud/dirt on them.

• 

  Great, Better than Suburban/Yukon/Denali - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Bob Franco - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Very fun to drive, I like it alot better than my 1998 Expedition that I traded in.

• 

  Gas mileage beast - build quality ok - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Eric - July 15 - 8:06 pm

  I always wanted to own an Expo and bought a left over 2005 in December. Then gas prices took off. The truck is very comfortable, but the build quality is only "ok." I have 10,000 miles on this vehicle and things are already rattling and I have squeaks. Gas mileage is no where near EPA figures, even with gentle starts and cruising at posted speeds on the highway. Ive never seen better than 15-16 (this is a 4x4 model). At over $80 to fill it, its time for me and the Expo to part ways - it just isnt worth the expense - well squeeze into something a lot more economical.

• 

  New and Improved! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Expedition Momma - July 13 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Eddie Bauer Expedition has a significantly softer ride with the new suspension. It still has a "big truck" feel but its much better. With all of the features this rig has, it seems uneccessary to drop $10-$15K more for a Lincoln Navigator (the other car we were considering). The Expedition is nothing flashy, but is a good solid SUV that will last us for many years.

• 

  An excellent SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By teldoc - July 12 - 1:45 pm

  We have owned Tahoes, Expeditions, Land Cruisers and currently also have an LR3. Our 04 Eddie Bauer Expedition has been an excellent performer. Its comfortable to drive and the ride is way nicer than the previous suspension set up. The additional power offered by 05s would be welcome but the 2 valve motors are adequate. This SUV just eats up the miles on road trips. Ours has been extremely reliable. We have 56,000 miles and I took it to Firestone telling them to replace the brakes...I get a call an hour later saying theres 50% pad left and the rotors look fine.