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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  Expedition review. - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Matthew D - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable for short and long trips. New vehicle style improved over previous style. Doesnt drive as big as it looks. Mileage could be improved some.

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  One Great SUV! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By hhickm1 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  One of the best purchases I have ever made, next to the house. There is plenty of room and it truly does seat 8 people comfortably. The amount of space in the back with the seats folded down is great! I can put my Expy in the garage, albeit with the sideview mirrors folded into the truck. I have a 2.5 year old daughter and she loves it too! She can see out as we are driving, she always wants to ride in the truck!

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  experienced owner - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By RICHARD PATE - May 12 - 5:14 pm

  My second Expedition and it is better than the last one. The whole family loves it on the road. Smooth and comfortable with all the extras and conveniences. Gas mileage is expected to reach 19 or 20, equaling my previous one. It is better on gas and cheaper on insurance than the 2004 Tahoe I traded and very much more comfortable.

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  Love my 2003 Eddie Bauer Expo - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Kelly1608 - May 9 - 8:40 am

  Ive owned my truck for about 5 months and put about 6000 miles on it, and I really like the way it drives and performs. I tow a 20 foot boat with no problems. This is a first year early model and I have no complaints about build quality.

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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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  Great buy for the family and off roading - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Ford Steve - April 30 - 5:41 pm

  I have owned this car for about 5 years and i am very satisfied with the car. the family is comfortable on long trips and has enough room for trips to the Home Depot. we have dirt bikes and tow a 4x10 trailer with no problem. As we connect the trailer the back end goes down about three inches, but within seconds the airbag suspension turns on and lifts it up to normal height and it even helps climb the dirt roads. I have only had two problems so far. My head gasket had to be replaced at about 50,000 miles and my heater core had to be replaced at about 70,000 miles. And it was not a happy time because my Ford dealer has terrible service. Other than those two things the car is a great car.

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  Im Lovin It - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Im Lovin It - April 23 - 1:54 am

  I am a single mother working mother of two, and I have never been so happy with a vehicle since my first child. The comfort and reliability it has given me is outstanding. I love her so much I have given her a name ... "White Goldie". I know she takes a lot of gas, but she makes it up in the end with everything else.

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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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  Superb minivan-and-suv - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By familydude - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Better than Sequoia in initial quality (see JD Powers ratings). Only full size SUV with 5 star crash ratings & safety canopy. Cool folding seats. Very quiet & luxirous ride -- better than some overpriced cars. Lousy mileage. Had 1 rattle that got fixed promptly. Ford wants to charge extra for a better alarm -- hate the upselling for a $43,000-MSRP vehicle !!

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  Glad to be back. - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By D - April 18 - 3:33 pm

  This is our third Expedition, and we are glad to be back. All have been excellent SUVs. Kids grew up and we went to a 4 door car. Had to borrow a friends Expedition to go to a football game and we knew then that it was time to come back!