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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  2004 expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Mandy Lou - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The only thing I dont like about this model is the steering. It likes to go all over the road unless you have a deathgrip on it. Even small holes or bumps in the road can effect it.

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  Third Expedition a disapointment! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Mark Haarbauer - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The brake dirt on front wheels should have been fixed along time ago! The sunroof sounds like a wind tunnel and has been in for unsuccessful repairs. The instument panel is hard to read and the warning panel is in bad area. This is my third and last expedition. The other two were good cars(1997 & 2000). This thing does not tow like the others either!

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  A/C gone bad - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By A/C gone bad - May 2 - 10:00 am

  A/C quits blowing after several hours of continous use. After taking into the dealer the third time, they say they cant fix it because they dont know how! The Ford engineers are working on it. Thanks for telling me the first time I brought it in! Paint flaking off the front. Lock bar inside drivers door has broke three times.

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  Well designed, but poorly constructed - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By J040227 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this vehicule as a replacement for our Explorer since to accomodate our growing family. The vehicle interior is very well designed to accept the whole family and the load that comes with it. Its comfortable and has very good handling. BUT quality of the vehicle is mediocre: tinted windows appear somewhat dirty; windows are noisy when sliding up or down, various noises, windshield wipers that wont wipe, etc. Some problems have been fixed, and for the others, well, neither Ford nor dealer wants to help despite obvious problems confirmed by 3rd- party.

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  Brake Problems Galore - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Not Again - March 9 - 10:07 am

  We love the Expeditions looks and capabilities. However, weve had nothing but problems since purchasing. The brakes and/or rotors need replaced every 6 months. Neither the dealer or Ford will admit theres a problem. And no, its not the driving style as weve never experienced problems like this with other SUVs or cars. Never again with a Ford.

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  ongoing project - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Susanne563 - March 7 - 9:46 am

  We bought this truck because we needed a vehicle to easily tow a boat and a trailer. We only have 74,000 miles on it and so fat the suspension had to be repaired 2 times, the torque converter, the instrument cluster, the mirror, the window, the stereo and now the transmission again and the head gasket nothing -- but problems. I would not recommend this truck to anyone a true lemon. We only put 22,000 miles on this truck the head gasket should not go this early. Always did the recommended service and oil change. Ford needs to seriously improve quality.

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  So So Expedition - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By JK - March 6 - 9:17 am

  I bought my Expedition because I got a great deal on it. Interior is reasonably comfortable, however the exterior styling is poor. I previously owned a Yukon XL which got better mileage, had a more luxurious interior and had a better exterior appearance. I have a two year lease on my Expedition and will lease a Yukon XL Denali when my current lease expires.

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  Mechanical Failure - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Norm - February 18 - 1:24 pm

  My Expedition is almost 6 years old with 71,000 miles. With just less than 36,000 the engine needed replacement. Last July 2005 with 67,000 it needed a transfer case. This past week in February 2006 the transfer case needed replacement with only 5,000 since July. At the same time Ford needed to replace the rear end. Quality is Not Job One. I would not recommend this vehicle.

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  Wheres the Quality and Reliability? - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By UnhappyOwner - February 1 - 12:29 pm

  I traded in my 1997 Expedition for a new 2004 Eddie Bauer Expedition because of all of the improvements. While the new features and styling are great the build quality and reliability are terrible! In 2 years the differential has been rebuilt twice, the battery failed, one window motor failed, comfort seats (heat & a/c) failed, passenger mirror motor failed and has more rattles that a daycare. Now Ive been told that the front brake rotors need to replaced because they are too thin at 20K! I called Ford and they said that they were not under warranty but the replacements had been "redesigned" to resolve this problem. They admitted that this was a design defect but it would not be covered or pro-rated.

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  Seat Skirt problem on drivers side seat - 2014 Ford Expedition
  By Patrick O’Keefe - January 21 - 4:07 am

  I have had my Expedition since 2/28/15 and I had problems with drivers side seat skirt where the bracket has broken twice. The first time was at 7000 miles and second time at 44000 after being repaired. I also went the dealership and voiced my concerns at 37500 oil change service that seat skirt was separating from seat. The dealership took pictures and I was told they would investigate the original work order on the repair and they would contact Ford. I never heard back from Villa Ford in Orange, CA. I returned to inquiry on their finding to only find that service person was I longer with them. I asked for Ford’s CSR number to Lodge a formal complaint. The weak bracket that holds the seat skirt looks not strong enough the the cover of the power seat and this is on a $50k truck. I had the exact same problem on my 2008 Eddie Bauer Expedition. Both are third generation Expeditions 2008-2017 models. Ford has ruled that there nothing they can do financially and rejected my request of this serial defect. This bracket is designed to failed my opinion and very poor craftsmanship for the interior of a $50K truck. You can understand once but this is the third time between my two vehicles. I never had this problem with my first 2002 Expedition which was part of the first generation. The bracket seems to fail if you slide across the seat as exiting the vehicle. The part is not made sturdy enough to hold a person weight. The dealership tried to tell me I had to step out of the vehicle by using the retractable side steps to avoid this from happening again. I follow the advice of the service department, but upon my visit back in March for my 37500 oil change service I noticed that the Villa Ford lot employee sold out across the seat just like 99% of the population would when e outing the vehicle. The employee delivering me my car is exiting the car incorrectly by Villa Ford own advice. If you can’t controll your own employees how can you blame the customer when your team is contributing to the stress to seat skirt. How can you control any valet, car wash or dealership to exiting the car without sliding out across the skirt? Ford has given me no choice but the not buy a Ford anymore for the poor quality and design of the seat skirt. I dont think I should pay $700 every other year to repair a product that not designed not to break. I have pictures but I didn’t see an option to add them. Disappointing outcome. Beware.