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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  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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  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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  The Paint is Peeling - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By LEONARD - November 27 - 10:38 pm

  I love the exterior styling. I have the sport model. However within 500 miles the paint began to peel and the muffler began to make loud popping noises as the vehicle warmed up or cooled off.The dealership said the paint could be spot touched up and that the noise from the muffler was normal. I wanted the vehicle repainted and the muffler replaced. When I requested this I was told no on the muffler ( the noise is so loud you can hear it 20 feet away every time it is started or turned off) . In fairness to Ford the only paint peeling is on the body clad molding. It was also peeling on several other new units on 2 different lots and was verified by techs at both locations.

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  Never buy 1st year of new model - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By RED - October 31 - 9:23 pm

  Vehicle drives much better that 2001. Really like the folding automatic rear seats. Problem is that bugs are not out of the first year. Brake dust everywhere. Fix by Ford cost me $900. Mirrors broke and needed to be replaced. Whine in rear end and when one presses on the gas the air conditioning fan motor slows. Standard tires not good. Didnt look at Edmunds technical bulletins until a few miles out of warranty and dealer said tough luck. Gas mileage 13.6 MPG. In the main a nice riding truck and if you want one dont get a 2003. You will see a lot of 2003s on sale.

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  now a misfiring cylinder! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Snake34 - October 2 - 7:48 pm

  This is an add on from my last review on my Expedition. Now, less than 7k miles from the blown head gasket, at 75k I have a misfiring cylinder. One of 8 the dealership reminds me, all of which could go bad just like cylinder 3 in my current case. $252 later I am still driving my Expedition. How long do you keep it before saying/admitting it was a loss and buy something other than a Ford? Maybe Ford will help now that I have spent over $2k in repairs since purchasing 2 years ago. I doubt it.

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  Great car but dont buy! - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By sla - September 4 - 1:37 am

  Loved this vehicle until electrical problems started that dealership had trouble fixing. Then we found out the hard way that Ford Expedition and trucks in 98 and 99 have major engine defects involving the cylinder heads. Now needs new engine. Ford wont acknowledge but it is common knowledge.

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  Blown head gasket - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Snake34 - August 11 - 8:52 pm

  I purchased an expedition b/c of its great looks, size, and expected reliability. I bought it w/55k miles in 2003. Loved it and still do b/c of tough truck looks w/the sport package. Great view from the front seats, plenty of room inside, though when the 3rd seat is used there is little to no room in the back, great handling interior comforts. The ride is a little rought. However, all of that went to the wayside when the head gasket blew at 69k and ford refused to help. So $2k later, I am still driving my Expedition. So, love the vehicle but can not rationalize buying another one due to my misfortune and fords refusal to help. Where is customer service to keep customers loyal?

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  WHATS THAT LEAKING - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By THOMAS - August 2 - 1:06 am

  At about 44,900 miles noticed fluid under the truck, dealership had to rebuild the transmission. The truck does not get driven hard. Thank goodness for the extended warranty. Will be trading in because I can not trust the vehicle anymore.

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  a good big car - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Barry - July 19 - 11:29 am

  We own two Expeditions, a 99 and an 05 and there are big differences. We like the handing as far as turning radius on the 99 but like the highway feel on the 05.