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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  Best suv for room - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Jesse Ochoa - February 16 - 10:49 pm

  We almost picked up an Escalade until I sat in the back seats. I am only 59" and my head touched in the 3rd seat. We owned a 04 Expedition and thought we were going to upgrade but decided on the 06 Eddie Bauer. We are very happy with it,

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  Over all it is Good - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Michael Pinson - February 14 - 11:38 pm

  Poor gas mileage ... only 12MPG city not 14. Has minor starting problems. Overall it is better than other SUVs for the money. Great leg and head room for tall people.

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  Lemon - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Beth Haun - February 10 - 8:27 pm

  I traded my 99 Eddie Bauer Expedition for this one and within a 4 month period my 2005 had been in the shop more times than my 1999 model had been over a period of 6 years. Ive had problems with the gas pedal, electric seats, a piece of interior molding fell off by itself, and numerous rattles in the dash that the dealership employees cant seem to hear but everyone else that rides with me can. With only 8500 miles and 8 months of wear, the value has gone from the $37K that we paid to $22K (what the dealership will give for it now). Ive contacted Ford Motor Company about a buy back or replacement but that was a big waste of time. I wont be buying another Ford!

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  If you want size - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Bond Trader - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Great car/truck. Have put on 4,500 miles both in-town and on the road. Not one problem, fun to drive. Great room for a large family of big people. i am 64, 300 lbs and find it the most comfortable ride i have experienced in 20 years (of course I wasnt 300 lbs all those years either).

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  Great SUV - despite shortcomings - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Don in CA - February 6 - 12:28 am

  I love this vehicle! Spent a lot of time researching, even spent a year with a Jeep Grand Cherokee Hemi before dumping that in favor of the roomier Expedition Limited. During the buying processes I couldnt get the salesman to talk about or demo the navigation system - there was a reason for that - its disgusting. Save yourself $2k and get an aftermarket Nav like the Pioneer. I also ordered the Bluetooth from the Ford accessory book but the dealer put in a third party system that doesnt match anything! Great vehicle but what Ford really needs to do is pay attention to how Toyota and Chrysler deliver the details and most of all how they provide service.

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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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  Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Cindy - February 1 - 9:42 am

  I love my Expedition but shortly after I bought it, gas went sky high. That was a minus but the space and comfort for my family made the purchase very worthwhile.

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  Ford Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Mark Bliss - January 30 - 8:11 pm

  This vehicle fits my life perfectly. One of my favorite features is the power third row seat. Some days I have all the back seats folded down hauling gear. Other days, I need the third row seat for clients or friends. I drive about 40,000 miles per year, mostly highway. Its a comfortable ride. It is my second Expedition and probably not my last.

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  King Ranch - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Mike - January 29 - 1:53 am

  Nice truck overall.

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  Ford - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Texas True - January 25 - 7:19 pm

  Reliable car designed for comfort. It is a great way to have a luxury car and durable truck all in one. Great amount of room for large families.