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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  More suv than expected - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Ronnie Moses - March 20 - 8:59 am

  I am an old school suv/truck guy (Bronco) and have never been an independent suspension fan, but this Expedition has pleasantly surprised me. I ordered the offroad suspension package and love the ride and drive of my Expedition. Overall this thing is like a Swiss army knife, you can do almost anything with it and it actually does go offroad pretty good too. The Ford Expedition is one awesome 4 wheel drive suv.

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  TeeCees Truck - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By T. Alvarez - March 14 - 9:53 am

  I love my Expedition. I had been driving a Ford F250 or F350 for over 15 years when I decided I wanted something a little more like a car. I could not have picked a nicer, sweeter vehicle. I bought a 2 horse Sundowner trailer to pull behind it. It makes for a really nice rig.

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  Never Again! - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Sad American - March 14 - 7:12 am

  The vehicle vibrates while in motion, from about 25 mph and up. You can really feel it in the steering wheel. The mechanic told me he didnt notice anything. That must be what they tell them to say. Steering is very unpredictable and at highway speeds is impossible to keep on a straight line. Hit a series of bumps and you feel as if the truck is going to go out of control. The one bright spot is the engine, very powerful. Interior is the usual cheap stuff found in American vehicles and it rattles. I bought a Ford because I wanted to help out an American Company in trouble. Now I know why theyre in trouble.

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  2000 Ford Expedition EB, Triton Engine - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Cyndi - March 13 - 10:00 am

  GREAT auto! Truly a pleasure to drive - - in town or on the highway! If I were in the market for a new SUV, this would absolutely be the one for me.

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  1998 Expedition XLT - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By millerford - March 10 - 8:16 pm

  This suv is a great starter vehicle. This is the first vehicle I have ever purchased and being new to the driving world, being brought in with a 1998 Ford Expedition was the best way to enter. I have owned my Expo for a few months and its been nothing but a joy. Even with the Triton 4.6 V-8 it still gets the job done and well I might add. I can haul all my friends around and not fret about their safety because this thing is so large. I have nothing but positive things to say about Ford and my truck. The only thing that doesnt work on my truck is the 6-disk CD changer due to a bad reader. Hmmm, this is a feature GM didnt offer back in 98 go figure, theyre always behind on everything.

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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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  Eddie Bauer Expedition - Great Vehicle! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By rsilva - February 20 - 2:03 pm

  My 2003 Ford Eddie Bauer Expedition is the most comfortable vehicle Ive ever owned (out of 20+ vehicles lifetime purchases). The ride is smooth, power & acceleration is plentiful, and comfort/amenities are a treat. I put all 33k miles on it since purchased new and Ive never had maintenance problems. After recent tire replacement with Michelin, the ride even got better ... its a keeper!

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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.