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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  review - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Luka Frankovic - June 29 - 1:24 pm

  Too large side view mirrors create wind noise above 65 MPH. Poor quality of material. Plastic bumpers instead what it used to be. Poor quality of interior material. Steering is not anymore "lady friendly" like it use to be on 97 models. Lack of power(4.6 L/V8-2004 EB ). I drove car for 5 months and traded it for Armada...what a difference. I would not buy/recommend Expedition any more. People do know these days what quality is and sooner FORD leadership figures that out sales will go UP again or else.

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  Too high expectations! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Moms taxi - March 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Eddie Baurer Expedition. I was so psyched when I purchased it b/c I loved everything about the interior.- space between 2nd row captain chairs, 3rd row fold down seats, DVD. HOWEVER, I have had too many problems in the last year- new brakes at 23,000 miles, loud clicking sound going from 2WD to AWD(cant find the problem), over- hauled transmission(car was in the shop for 3 weeks I might add). Plus Ford doesnt give out loaner cars. Bummer considering all of the problems I have had in the last year. And we paid $45,000!!!

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  Buy Japanese - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By ME - March 4 - 5:10 am

  Had bought Japanese 4 times(Sentra, Sentra, Previa, Previa). Ventured & bought Ford twice (Windstar & Expedition) Uh. like...NO. If you want a reliable & high quality car, youre better off with a Japanese vehicle. Its like night & day. The quality of the interior of a Ford CANNOT compare itself to a Japanese car.

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  97 EB - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By TEAM Inc. - January 15 - 1:03 pm

  Bought new in 1996, approaching 200K. Overall reliable, engine leaks oil, 3 grand in repairs and dealer still cant figure it out. GREAT in snow, rain, sand! Lots of space for gear! Fuel economy poor, 12 /15 MPG. 5.4 liter is a must. Found it to be reasonably stable vehicle. Large tank means decent cruising range but filling up to the tune of $ 60.00 is not fun. Fortunately this is now a back up vehicle so miles and fuel are less. Overall this has been a good solid truck. As said in other reviews, it does take a licking and keep on ticking.

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  97 Eddie Bauer - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By TEAM Inc. - January 15 - 1:03 pm

  Bought new in 1996, approaching 200K. Overall reliable, engine leaks oil, 3 grand in repairs and dealer still cant figure it out. GREAT in snow, rain, sand. Lots of space for gear. Fuel economy poor, 12 /15 MPG. 5.4L is a must. Found it to be reasonably stable vehicle. Large tank means decent cruising range but filling up to the tune of $60.00 is not fun. Fortunately this is now a back up vehicle so miles and fuel are less. Overall this has been a good solid truck. As said in other reviews, it does take a licking and keep on ticking.

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  Done - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By RB - December 29 - 6:46 pm

  Gas has gotten too expensive for this truck. Also parking it in most lots is a challenge.

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  Fix Or Repair Daily - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Done w/FORD - December 9 - 11:54 am

  Bought this Expedition new in 07/1999. Rides great, lots of room, easy to drive, enough power to tow 23 boat w/ease. Electric system is absolutely horrible. All 3 wiper motors, 1 power window, and 1 heated seat have been replaced. Some fuel/air sensor on the engine was replaced. Now all of my warning lights on the dash i.e. 4x4, ABS, and airbag, have lit up. Dealer wants $270 to figure out why. Doesnt include how much to fix the problem. Ive spent more money repairing this 5 year old vehicle than I have on my 15 year old Toyota P/U. I will be trading this in for a Sequoia this week.

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  ford - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By who care - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Expedition. Our first being a 1999. Some things are better,like the third row seat. Vision is terrible when backing up or trying to find blind spots. There needs to be a cup for change. Used to use the ashtray since i did not smoke. The lighter thingy in the compartment is a waste with a second one on the side. Locks are oppisite and will take some getting use to. Seems smaller but much more safer. We really love the 1999 so this will definelty take some getting use too.!!

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  Good Family Hauler, Bad Transmission - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By boomer99 - November 17 - 1:05 pm

  We took delivery of our 2001 Expedition Eddie Bauer 4WD in December of 2000. We have four kids and a big dog so the room was great. We expected the mileage to be a few mpg higher but we average around 13 with about half city and half highway. Nice ride on smooth roads but somewhat of a wallowing pig over any type of bump or undulating road. Corners with a lot of body lean as you would expect from a vehicle with such a high center of gravity and a suspension that is a little soft for a big SUV. Some cheap interior materials. Our only complaint was a failed transmission at 35,700 miles that was not covered under warranty due to the vehicle being over 3 years old. $3000 bill was a shock!

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  first time expedition owner - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By kennythornhill - October 11 - 2:00 am

  we started having problems at 1600 miles with the hydrolic motor mount going out then there is the problem with the excessive brake dust. then at 13,000 miles the rear end had to be rebuilt and then most recently at 14,000 miles.