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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  An Excellent Change - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Gloria Cuellar - April 10 - 10:00 am

  I had never driven an SUV,until I test drove an Navigator and then an expedition.As you see I chose an expedition and I love it.Driving difference between Navigator and Expedition ,NONE.

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  Great Family Rig - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Family Rig - April 8 - 10:38 pm

  Our Expedition has exceeded my expectations. I commuted 172 miles round-trip for over 1 1/2 years and the comfort is indescribable. Additionally I drove from CA - New Mexico more than once without worry with the entertainment system it kept the kids from fighting and getting restless during the long ride. I never have to worry about having enough room for our luggage and toys, it all fits. The roof rack provides an extra place to transport belongings as well. I love my Expedition, except the gas mileage.

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  Problems Problems - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By pcof - March 31 - 10:59 am

  Tranny blow out at only 37,000 miles. Ford no help! This is the second Ford we have owned with this problem. 1st was a 95 3/4 ton turbo diesel. Tranny and torque converter blew at 8000 miles, under warranty, but nothing but problems after. Total lemon. Traded in in 1997, leased an Expedition for 2 years, multiple recalls then stupidly purchased this one in 1999. Nothing but recalls and problems again. Ford does not stand behind their cars! Will never purchase another Ford again. This car likes to float all over the road, unreliable, faulty parts etc. Never again!

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  Excellent Surprise - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Tom Dillard - March 27 - 10:11 pm

  This vehicle has been an excellent surprise. It is comfortable is every seating position, quiet and totally reliable. The surprise is that it consistently gets over 20 mpg in highway travel. As a daily driver in town it drops to 16+. The secret is in keeping the tires at 34 or 35 psi. The ride is not soft, but the handling is responsive. I also find that, though no dragster, it is not a slouch. I get to check it out in the home city of the X5 that is rated so highly. This machine is more comfortable, has more room, hauls and pulls more and has more power than the X5. Now, if it would just keep the resale value....

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  4th One still love it - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Ford Guy - March 25 - 10:03 pm

  The car is great my 4th one and its still great. The radio is not a big sound system cause in the 3rd row my kids are always saying turn it up. But Ford is still number ONE!

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  love my Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Kevin - March 25 - 12:04 pm

  Great truck with room for 8 and plenty of power. Excellent fit and finish. Love the power 3rd seat and dvd entertainment center.

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  Best ca I ever owned. - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Daniel from S.A. TX - March 23 - 11:45 am

  I got this Expedition with 83k on it, now it has almost 200k and I am looking forward to 300k. Really comfy we have looked at newer cars and just cant trade it away. Great car.

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  LOVE this car - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Kenneth Conrad - March 21 - 10:00 am

  It was either this or the Suburban. But almost all of our friends own a Suburban, and the style is ho-hum. But the Expedition is fantastic -- great bold exterior. We originally selected this car because of the independent rear suspension. Even though its still an SUV, it doesnt feel as much like a truck as the Suburban. The 5.4L is a must. The power-fold and roominess of the 3rd row are excellent. It is missing the power recline, but the memory option is great for 2 drivers. The backup alert is also a must -- already saved my wife from running over 5 people who werent smart enough to wait for her to back out. And best of all, it probably saved my marriage ;)

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  Love It! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By sanddollar1 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I especially like the larger mirrors- handy when towing our Holiday Rambler or my boat. The 4WD with the advancetrac is surefooted on the way to the slopes, something our autoride-equipped Suburban was not. Much better interior quality than my sisters 2000 EB Expy 4X4

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  Average as Usual - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Another Ford Owner - March 20 - 12:50 pm

  Very nice design but I learned never to purchase the first year after a remodel. Have had several things replaced that I would not expect to have replaced on a new vehicle. Dealer is so-so with their support. Would not replace the brake pads, but they replace the rotors once and resurfaced the rotors the second time. The problem was with the pads and after 25,000 miles, I replace the rotors and pads with Brembo rotors and ceramic pads. What a change. The brake dust is gone. Repaired a short in the system, front headlight seal was bad, replaced the steering wheel due to poor leather, the front seat replaced due to the wear of the leather. All in all, will trade in for a new one.