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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  2005 Expedition XLS - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Consumer - June 7 - 3:36 pm

  Generally a good full-size SUV. Plenty of room, comfortable first and third row seats. Second row seats OK but cushions are too low. Limited headroom in front row. Good all-weather SUV very good in snow. Some interior squeaks and rattles, mostly in cold weather. Poor mileage 10-12 mpg in the city. 28 gallon gas tank = $84 fill ups at $3/gallon. Wont fit in some parking garages.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Shemar 3 - June 4 - 7:28 am

  This is my second Expedition. Ive had many, many cars and honestly this vehicle gives you great value and refinements that cars costing $20,000 dont have. Power is always there. Creature comforts are nice.

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  4th One is the Best! - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Jeff Davis - May 31 - 8:38 pm

  98 ,01, 03 now 06! I wouldnt own anything else. The heated and cooled seats are awesome. The gas mileage could be better, but I think the performance would suffer too much. Very nice sound system. Good head and leg room. 3rd row power fold seat is a must if you intend to take it shopping.

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  Never ever we will buy Ford - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Alan - May 29 - 12:17 pm

  Bought it new for my wife, the list price was over $39,000. We had so many little problems thats cost a lot to be fixed. Air ride bags $800. Air conditioner. leaking water $750. Power bank (its like spark plugs) $800. Heater trap door activator $1000. Head light auto switch, rear wiper, sticky linkage cable...etc. All of that on top of bad gas mileage. I just cant help it but compare it to my trusty 1994 Honda Accord with 153,000 miles and tell my self why... why... why... you stupid had to buy a Ford?

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Mellon fry - May 29 - 5:32 am

  This is a great vehicle. I get 20 mph on the road. I am not tired after a 1000 mile trip in one day. Very reliable. Much better than the Mercedes suv that I owned.

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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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  Excellent vehicle - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By bl2004 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had the vehicle for two months now. It is roomy, responsive, and fun. Many features optional on other vehicles are standard on Expedition.

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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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  overall I really like the 2017 Expedition EL - 2017 Ford Expedition
  By Nicholas Kolias - May 24 - 7:25 pm

  Beautiful and functional truck. Some reviews state the styling is boxy and dated but I love it. The shape and lines are, in my view, timeless and classic. None of the overly contoured look on other vehicles.Engine performance is impressive. Tons of power, very peppy and good economy when you consider the size of this thing. The interior is beautiful. Nice fit and finish. Nice layout. I like the instrument cluster a lot but do wish they would update the system to allow vehicle info (like the trip and fuel economy metrics) to be displayed on the right hand screen in addition to the phone & entertainment options. Also wish the stereo system had a simple AUX in jack. Apple CarPlay and the system bluetooth work well but a 3.5mm AUX jack should also be an option. The nav system is pretty good but I still prefer Waze and hope its supported on CarPlay one day. Sync3 overall is pretty cool and easy to use. The interface is well done. The display is beautiful. Have only had the truck for one month, so cant speak to reliability or maintenance yet.

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  Treats the Family Right - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Rob - May 19 - 7:45 pm

  Solid and dependable. This is great on long trips, which is primarily what it gets used for. Gas mileage...well, its what youd expect for a V8 and what was advertised when we bought it. Plenty of power. I wish the clearance was a couple inches higher because I do take this off-road for camping. No towing issues with 17 boot and trailer. Engine is quiet. Seats 7 with reasonable comfort, though its primarily just ma, pa, & the boy with the 3rd row of seats folded down for luggage. 2nd row of seats folds flat and can fit a few 4x8 sheets of plywood. We hope they improve mileage with future models, because wed consider another.