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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  great purchase! - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By jbs - August 23 - 6:43 pm

  The only thing missing with this car is the extra room in the very back. It is the most comfortable car I have ever driven. Every seat is comfortable. I do hope they come out with an extended length and improve the gas mileage on all SUVs. With four children we need the space!

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  Its Been Great - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By wwtexas - August 21 - 5:37 pm

  I purchased an Eddie Bauer Expedition in April of 2003. It has over 76,000 miles and and has had only minor maintenance issues. Cant complain. It still rides and drives like it did when I first bought it. Gas mileage is the only draw-back.

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  Happy Owner - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By mike - August 16 - 6:45 pm

  Bought a 2005 Eddie Bauer to replace a 1998 XLT. What great changes during the last 7 years. I love the the interior and exterior designs and the ride is wonderful.

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  Myop - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Msexplorer - August 16 - 3:20 am

  I would recommend this SUV to mothers, especially those who have larger families. You can transport 8 individuals with ease, but that would leave you little baggage space. Some of my favorite features are the dashboard alerts. I am forewarned of low fuel, an unbalanced tire pressure, or even low coolant. In addition, the backup safety feature (which can be turned off) comes in handy and provides reassurance that you are not going to hit a child or object.

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  consumer - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By jam500 - August 15 - 10:31 pm

  excellent ride i am 6ft 8inches tall and i need the room for me and the grandkids.

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  Been very good to me - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By DF - August 12 - 6:09 pm

  My expedition has been a very reliable and outstanding vehicle for me. I have had little to no problems short of basic maintenance. I will own another one of these fine vehicles.

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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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  lowered its standards - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By No service - August 11 - 1:07 pm

  Ford has dramatically lowered its standard and decreased its quality! The Expedition will look nice and all, but its mechanical build is just nonsense. Almost 600 miles on it in the shop for 4 day now and waiting to see if they can stop it from vibrating at 70mph. Also cold start very rough, they say I may need to wait until the next computer flash? Three new tires on the first visit back hatch is not alighned. Same as my last Ford, Never again!

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  Expedition - Comfort, Ergonomics & Value - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By tobermori - August 9 - 12:03 am

  Great truck. No racer, as you would expect, but I tow our 20 boat up 6 degree inclines in the Blue Ridge Mountains with no problems at all, and I have the 4.6 Triton! Comfortable on the highway. The XLT Sport is a great deal. XLT with bonuses! You have to have Continental tires on this SUV they improve handling and quieten the ride.

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  2003 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4WD - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By wbaries - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Completely new underneath, great styling and improvements, inside and out. Great handling and cornering. Plenty of space inside, especially with the power fold rear seat down.