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 Ive ever owned - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By CodyG - January 25 - 10:16 am

  Ive been driving SUVs since 1973. My first was a GMC Jimmy. All have been 4x4 since then and Ive had seven in all since 73, mostly GM products. This Ford Expedition has absolutely topped em all. It is very comfortable, handles great and turns much better than my last SUV Tahoe. Third third row seat ROCKS. The independent suspension is da bomb shizzle! I now have 110,000 miles with only one minor problem ... the rear AC went out. Other than that this SUV has given NO problems.

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  Number 1 SUV made! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By tj - January 24 - 4:07 pm

  We love our truck. Fits the whole family and the dog. Fun to drive!

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  This is a big step up... - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By FlaGator - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This truck is a lot better than its predecessor. The improved styling is really nice. The interior comfort has really been increased and it is a lot more functional.

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  So Far ... Good Vehicle - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By gp63 - January 23 - 11:34 pm

  I purchased this vehicle new in 1999. The reason I purchased it was because it was a vehicle I could use to haul the entire family and it had 4WD. It has lived up to my expectations. I have found it easy to drive not at all tiring, and it has only had limited issues since I purchased it. It does have/had two problems which seem to be the norm for FORD: 1) front brakes do not last past the first 10K miles and 2) the accelerator develops a slight stick when accelerating, which will require a few hundred dollars to have the accelerator et al. replaced. There was a minor issue with the rear wiper, which was fixed when they replaced the motor. I would definitely consider buying another.

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  EXPEDITION - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By MSBHAVE - January 21 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY THIRD EXPEDITION AND THEY JUST KEEP GETTING BETTER AND BETTER.

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  2005 Eddie Bauer - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By rs - January 21 - 5:10 am

  Great improvement over previous 99 Eddie Bauer owned. Ride is a bit stiffer, but feels like a sportier drive. Handling and turning radius is excellent for a vehicle of this size. The new 5.4 3V is much torquier than the old engines and can pull a moderate hill at 1200 RPM without downshifts. Mileage is not bad on the highway we get 19-20 mpg on trips if we keep at 70 or below. Tows our 23 boat/trailer at 7,000 lbs. with ease getting about 12-14 mpg highway. Other than a window rattle which the dealer fixed with a new weather strip, no problems, and very reliable so far at 15k. Great truck!

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  Seat Skirt problem on drivers side seat - 2014 Ford Expedition
  By Patrick O’Keefe - January 21 - 4:07 am

  I have had my Expedition since 2/28/15 and I had problems with drivers side seat skirt where the bracket has broken twice. The first time was at 7000 miles and second time at 44000 after being repaired. I also went the dealership and voiced my concerns at 37500 oil change service that seat skirt was separating from seat. The dealership took pictures and I was told they would investigate the original work order on the repair and they would contact Ford. I never heard back from Villa Ford in Orange, CA. I returned to inquiry on their finding to only find that service person was I longer with them. I asked for Ford’s CSR number to Lodge a formal complaint. The weak bracket that holds the seat skirt looks not strong enough the the cover of the power seat and this is on a $50k truck. I had the exact same problem on my 2008 Eddie Bauer Expedition. Both are third generation Expeditions 2008-2017 models. Ford has ruled that there nothing they can do financially and rejected my request of this serial defect. This bracket is designed to failed my opinion and very poor craftsmanship for the interior of a $50K truck. You can understand once but this is the third time between my two vehicles. I never had this problem with my first 2002 Expedition which was part of the first generation. The bracket seems to fail if you slide across the seat as exiting the vehicle. The part is not made sturdy enough to hold a person weight. The dealership tried to tell me I had to step out of the vehicle by using the retractable side steps to avoid this from happening again. I follow the advice of the service department, but upon my visit back in March for my 37500 oil change service I noticed that the Villa Ford lot employee sold out across the seat just like 99% of the population would when e outing the vehicle. The employee delivering me my car is exiting the car incorrectly by Villa Ford own advice. If you can’t controll your own employees how can you blame the customer when your team is contributing to the stress to seat skirt. How can you control any valet, car wash or dealership to exiting the car without sliding out across the skirt? Ford has given me no choice but the not buy a Ford anymore for the poor quality and design of the seat skirt. I dont think I should pay $700 every other year to repair a product that not designed not to break. I have pictures but I didn’t see an option to add them. Disappointing outcome. Beware.

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  Expedition is a Lemon - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Expedition a Lemon - January 19 - 3:43 pm

  I loved this car the first four months I owned it. Then it started having nothing but problems. I have not driven it in two months and it is only five months old! Size and design is great but reliability is awful. I do love the bench in the front to seat nine. It makes the driver and passenger seats larger and more comfortable for long trips. Rear seat is also large and can actually seat adults. Inside looks so much more updated than the Suburban models. Flat fold seat is great -- and I did not get the power option. Seats flip down easily. My children can do it. Turning radius is great for such a large car, much better than my smaller Durango. Just be careful you dont buy a lemon.

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  not bad.... - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By me - January 18 - 8:38 pm

  Vehicle has done what I bought it for except for that tire incident and replacing transmission gasket it hasnt required any major fixing ("knock on wood"). I would consider buying another when a hybrid version comes out.

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  Flaws - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By tg4906 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  You have to be a truly brand loyal to overlook some of the flaws inherent in this vehicle. The engine is underpowered and continually goes in and out of overdrive. At highway speeds, there is a noise across the roof like a thin piece of sheelmetal with something heavy rolling across it. The child locks to come on by itself - poor positioning. The dealer offered to replace it for $220. The check engine light also came on for the first time for routine maintenance - $400. The dealer also told me to expect the average routine maintenance to cost around $200.