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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  5.4l Engine Head Blues - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By FordNoMore - January 1 - 4:20 pm

  Have been stranded three times in 82k miles. Once with a ghost problem with the front wheels grinding and stopping the truck while coasting. Pulled over in Nashville and of course the problem went away. Never came back. Second experience was with the transmission getting stuck in Drive and had to be towed. The linkage needed replacing. Third, at 80k, a spark plug blew out of the head. Come to find out this is a known problem at Ford since they engineered and sell a repair kit to add a coil to allow the plug to be reinstalled. Kit only works if minimal head material gets blown out. My problem took too much material so head needs replacing. Dont just do one head because the other has the same flaw.

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  Love it Triton 5.4 - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Expedition 300hp - December 27 - 2:19 am

  Great! SUV nice to have on family vacations. Great to have sunroof package because of nice views of mountains. Very Innovative truck. Upgraded from my 2002 Chevy LT Tahoe. Its like Chevy never changed their interior design. But my 05 Expedition can be my house and great RCS package. Great tow-package for boats.

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  My experience - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Robert - December 25 - 2:25 am

  Overall, I have been pleased with this truck. Pros: carries everything, comfortable. Cons: poor gas mileage, third row seats dont fold flat. The biggest negative comes when you go to get the truck fixed. Ford seems to hide parts in hard-to-find places. Replacing the $50 front heater core requires $600 of labor to remove all the other parts that block it.

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  My First Ford ---From a MBZ buyer - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Marlena - December 22 - 6:03 am

  My last vehicle was a Land Rover Discovery. I was actually looking for a Hybrid and went to look at the Escape. The Hybrid tacks on an additional $10K, and I want to help the environment, but is it all up to me? I wont save $10K in fuel, and the Expedition came close in price, with so much more luxury. I drove it and decided, I always do for other, and do without. As a boomer, I decided it is time to spoil me for a change. It drives like a dream. You sit in comfort and luxury. And I dont have kids, but the DVD PLAYER in the back will be perfect for when I take my Mom to Las Vegas. She can watch a movie and stop asking "are we there yet?" Sometimes the Seniors are worse than the kids. Enjoy!

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  owner - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By mary ann clark - December 20 - 6:29 am

  Coil pack design will give you years of frustration. Where one coil works in most cars, Ford put coil packs on each cylinder increasing repair cost from $300 dollars per car to $2,400. Any the coil packs will need replacing more often than other vehicles and Ford will not pay for the increased cost ... so watch out

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  Love my second Expedition! - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Carrie - December 18 - 5:41 pm

  I had my first Expedition for 7 years and 100,000 miles and I loved it. When it came time for a new car, I considered and tested others but came back to the Expedition. The turning radius is amazing (especially for its size) comfort and smoothness of the ride are fantastic. I have all the bells and whistles of the Navigator but not the high price tag. Couldnt be happier with my new Expedition!

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  you gotta get one - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By crtmvp - December 12 - 10:00 am

  nothing in the market compares to this

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  The Behemouth - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By kzmt4me - December 3 - 10:00 am

  This is by far one of the best vehicles Ive ever owned. It has excellent handling for a large SUV and great responsiveness. Most of the features are self explanatory and in the appropriate spots for easy access. There is lots of room for storage in the glove box & the center console. We recently took a trip and after 11 hrs on the road, we were still up for going to the park. No more road fatigue from long trips. My family will have to yell at me from now on as the sound system is awesome!

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  Good but could be better - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Kenneth Edwards - December 1 - 9:56 pm

  Good family SUV but brakes and tires are awful. Expensive upkeep.

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  2003 Is a major improvement - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By mhhurst - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I just traded in my 1999 XLT for a 2003 EB and I am extremely impressed with the overhaul. The fold down seat option is outstanding. The 4 wheel independent suspension in the 2003 has done more then give the 2003 a more car like ride. The leg room for the 3rd row is on par to most back seats in midsized sedans. The 300 watt, sub- woofer stereo that comes with the EB is one of the best factory installs Ive ever heard. Ford has also done a nice job in cutting down the road noise, at highway speeds, it is considerably quieter in the 2003 over previous years. For you gadget freaks, check out the heated/air conditioned seats.