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:

• 

  Love it & will buy my 3rd one soon - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By southcross - August 13 - 10:55 pm

  This is my 2nd Expedition and I love these trucks. Im about to buy a 3rd one. This one has been a rock - totally dependable and solid. I feel safe on highway or in town. Had someone turn in front of me recently on a highway and the brakes did exactly what they were supposed to do - again, its solid. Put the Michelin LTX/MS tires on it and the ride is great. Ford has treated me right all along - with the 1st one and the 2nd one. It stinks on gas mileage, but it does everything I need it to do. I love this truck.

• 

  Still Going Strong! - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Mary - August 8 - 1:36 pm

  Our Ford Expedition 1998 is still going strong with over 191,000 miles. We have taken it on many family road trip and in over ten years we have had few problems with it. We do regular oil changes and check ups but not through the dealer. We used a service station with a guy we trusted to do all repairs. Our interior is really starting to show its age but the exterior looks great with little rust. I would recommend anyone buying this truck especially one that doesnt have lots of miles on it. The only problem I had was a transmission station missing a crack in the drive shaft transmission collar due to the 1998 Expedition has the two piece not integral piece in the newer models. Mary

• 

  The Best. - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By VictorV. - July 22 - 12:53 am

  Purchased with 90k.What can I say,of all the vehicles I have ever owned,this one was my favorite.I had the sport model.The most spacious and confident vehicle I have ever driven.sure it had some maintenance issues,but so does my Camry.The ac was the best at getting my rig cold in the hot summer months in Las Vegas,and the AWD was a blast to drive.Took it to Big Bear one Xmas,and it tackled the snow with ease.I would never had sold it,but for financial reasons,she had to go.I have regretted that decision ever since.One day I will buy another low mileage Expedition.

• 

  Great Truck, Extremely Comfortable - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By goldenst2 - July 11 - 9:57 am

  Bought this SUV new. Its been a great vehicle. Very comfortable and very reliable. No major repairs. Has over 102,000 miles and still original brakes. Not even a light bulb replaced. Not a good city car (just too big), but what a treat for road trips. Bought a new, smaller SUV this year and just couldnt bring ourselves to sell the Expedition. Hwy mileage not too bad driven reasonably. We average 16. Cant find a used one anywhere around where we live. If you have one, keep it! BTW, if you replace your tires do not buy the Goodyear Wrangler RT/S. Ride is terrible compared to the Continentals that came on it. Should have taken them back.

• 

  A review - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Fritz - July 2 - 10:48 am

  My Expedition is 9 years old, and I have started looking around for a replacement. What were high end features in 2000 are less than base now in most SUVs of this class. When I purchased this one I was ticked at Ford over a maintenance issue, but the GMs felt too cheap. Now, the new Expeditions feel too cheap. In 9 years I have replaced the the alternator twice, the water pump, the load leveling suspension motor, and the sunroof motor.. The reviews in 2000 indicated the electrical systems are where this vehicle would have problems, and that has proven to be pretty accurate. Back to the replacement... I love my current truck and have decided to just keep driving it.

• 

  Very dependable - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By kev - June 10 - 10:58 am

  I fell in love with the cornering, power and braking right away. Since I have had it I have put over 60,000 miles on it in a short time and have only had to replace the Alternator. Not sure why but I have had bad vibrations in it on the highways even after alignments, balancing, rotations and new tires. Also seems like it will fish tail easily in the rain if your not overly carefull. but over all the vehicle is strong running, very powerfull, takes tight corners and stops easily (for a heavy vehicle).

• 

  Best SUV for the money - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By ATL FamilyMan - May 20 - 1:39 pm

  Ive owned my 2008 Ford Expedition Limited for just about a year now and have 8k miles on it. For a fully loaded truck with all the toys got a great deal that was significantly cheaper than most competing models. Fuel-economy could be slightly better, but for a large SUV its sufficient. Dont drive it daily, its just the family shuttle bus. Extremely comfortable and handles well on highway. 6-speed transmission runs smooth, but takes a second to kick in when you really need to accelerate to pass other vehicles. Needs a little more instant HP "KICK". Cabin reasonably quiet. Kids love wireless headsets. Why pay $10-15K more for the same basic features in GM, Toyota, or Nissan models?

• 

  love it but, - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By wendy - May 19 - 3:49 pm

  I love our expedition, but I recently noticed the it stalls while driving. I was using regular octane. We have tried using premium and mid-grade and no stalls. My husband put in onetank of regular and it stalled again. USE mid or premium gas. We also had our rear main seal leaking, dealer denied it, so we found a private shop to fix it for us.

• 

  Great SUV - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Don Queen - April 27 - 3:29 pm

  After reading reviews here I decided to purchase a 2008 Eddie Bauer Expedition. I consider other SUVs including Toyota Sequoia and Chevy Tahoe but now I glad I selected the Ford.

• 

  Beastly Vehicle - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By savage74012 - April 16 - 5:40 pm

  I could not be more thrilled with this vehicle. I bought it a year ago and it has never failed me yet. the interior room is amazing, and the luxury suspension provides a perfect ride. The 5.4L V-8 engine is extremely powerful, making the vehicle surprisingly fast. If you throw your foot into it, be prepared to be thrown back into your seat. I tend to drive it rather rough, but it never fails me when i need it. havent had the chance to tow anything with it yet, but Im confident it could handle most anything. The Shifting is also exceptionally smooth. The gas mileage is poor (average 12MPG) but keep in mind that this isnt meant to be an economy vehicle. My only regret is not getting the 4WD