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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  Nice, but Really Dirty Wheels - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Dave2004 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Geez what is up with the brake dust on the front wheels??? Every one I see on the road is the same way. I hope the pads last. Only takes a hundred miles to look like that. Doesnt seem to be like that on other large suvs.

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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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  Excellent Choice! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By adventurebound - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Whoa! We did our research, test drove the Tahoe, Sequoia and were SOLD on this SUV! The folding FLAT third row seats are the show stoppers. Also love that you can be comfortable ANYWHERE you sit from drivers seat to third row! Not so in the Tahoe or Sequoia...knees come up to chin in third row seat! Another biggie...safety factor..kids can exit the third row without help! Handles are very user friendly. Great family vehicle. Get a splitter from Radio Shack and 4 or more can listen to a movie while you drive to your favorite CD playing up front!! Took a 17 hour road trip and LOVED it in this SUV. It ranked up there with flying FIRST CLASS!

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  Franks Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Frank Giron - October 23 - 3:02 pm

  We purchased our Expedition at a Honda Dealership where we had taken our 2001 Honda Passport for an oil change, We had just returned from a fishing trip to the Sierras and were very disappointed with the Passports comfort zone, We purchased the Expedition with 30,000 miles on it it had been traded in by the company who initially purchased it. We installed a trailer hitch and have pulled a 26 ft travel trailer from Orange County California to Havasu, Arizona with no problems. While I would have preferred a little more horsepower I was very pleased in its performance climbing over mountain passes. It never heated up even while running the air conditioner and climbing. Comfort was great.

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  I Would Buy Another One - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Brian Souter - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I have two children and already own a F250 that has been great but needed an SUV. The Epedition was the last one me and my wife looked at and its the one we bought we love it. The ride it great and power is very smooth and quite. There is more than ample room. We have several motorcyles and a waverunner and there has been plenty of power to pull both even up hills. This is this best SUV in its class. Buy the 5.4L V8 its the only way to go with an SUV of this size.

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  Lots of changes from my 2002 Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Mark K - October 18 - 12:04 am

  Traded my beloved 2002 Expedition for a brand new 2005 last month. Lots of differences, also some similarities. So far the 2005 has run flawless. I replaced the stock wheels and tires immediately. Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revos best tire ever made for an SUV makes this truck stick like glue. The 2005 version sits lower than the 2002, something that on one hand is disappointing, but it is easier to get into and out of. The 300HP V8 moves this SUV without breaking a sweat. My 2002 had the 4.6L V8 and while it was a solid running engine, when fully loaded it didnt have nearly the pep the 2005 has. Well see how durable the new engine is over time. Styling is very clean.

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  Love our Expedition !! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By 98 expedition - October 13 - 9:05 pm

  This is a great family vechile ! we have had our expedition for 4 years now at 182,000 miles and its still going strong ! hardly ever has given us any problems since we have had it ! been the most reliable vechile that we have owned ! will continue to drive it an will rebuild it when it is that time ! cant go wrong with a 98 expedition !

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  One happy customer - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Ed - October 5 - 2:34 pm

  Buying a "King ranch" was not my original objective, but it has exceeded all my expectations for an SUV. Lots of room, great leather seats, comfortable ride, lots of power, but keep that speed down to enjoy some decent fuel economy for an SUV. It will haul anything with little or no effort. Launch the boat and retrieve it as easy as pulling out of a parking space. This is an excellent cruising machine for those with large families or if you need room for stuff.

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  VERY SATISFIED - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By MIKE - October 4 - 12:59 pm

  Bought it new for my wife. She owns a business that requires hauling heavy AV equipment and much travel. It has been a great vehicle. Needed its first tune- up at 96,000 miles. It is very comfortable and the leather seats have held up well. We have taken many vacations with it and the entire family (of four) loves the ride. Just had to replace the alternator and battery (at 117,000 miles). The paint job (Metallic Spruce Green) looks great for a vehicle that has never been garaged. Only problem has been with the odometer. Since about 5,000 miles, it comes on and goes off and when trying to keep track of the business mileage, this becomes a nuisance.

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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.