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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  2003 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Cary Nimnicht - April 25 - 12:00 pm

  I have had the pleasure to drive this vehicle both in the city and the highway and found it a true joy to drive. From the interior space and easy loading and unloading of passenger in all three sections to the handling and spacious seating within the interior. Whether I am taking the neighborhood kids to a ball game or loading up three couples, the leg room and comfort of the seats are always a comment I receive. I have had no mechanical problems.

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  Good and Bad - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By ageesey - April 24 - 1:43 am

  I just bought a new Expedition to replace an older 2000 model. The newer model has a bigger engine, better acceleration, but a pretty bad blind spot when merging left. There is a TON of room on the inside, can fit just about anything with the seats down, including lounge chairs.

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  I LUV THIS SUV! - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By LLcoolG - April 22 - 8:17 pm

  I have had this SUV for 2 1/2 years. I love it. As long as I can afford the gas, Ill keep it. It is so comfortable for me and my large family.

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  Still running good after 8 years - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Brian - April 16 - 11:54 pm

  I purchased this vehicle with 24K miles and have owned it for almost seven years. I currently have almost 140K miles and I have been very pleased. I originally purchased this car to tow a 5,000 lb. camper. I purchased the 5.4L engine with the tow package and lower rear end differential. The car tows well and also has a lot of space and comfort. It is great for family vacations as there is a lot of rear leg room for my teenage kids. I only have one knock and that is that the leather wore away on the steering wheel and drivers seat. I would recommend a steering wheel cover as well a seat covers to keep the interior looking fresh.

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  Second Chorus Even Better - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By TAD - April 14 - 12:25 am

  We bought our first Expedition in 1997. We never had it in the shop except for routine maintenance.Thought it was time to trade for a fresh one. This one has a ride that rivals my Continental (air suspension), gas milage is 17 locally and 19 on highway trips. So many comfort and convenience features are included, I forget it is a truck - until I was off road hunting. It is comfortably at home in that environment too. I am even more pleased than I expected to be and my wife and I rush to be the one to drive it every day. Ford has really refined this vehicle.

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  Excellent Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Natalie - April 13 - 5:47 pm

  This is my second Expedition purchase. I bought the very first model that came out many years ago. I was so impressed with this Ford vehicle that I was determined to purchase another. I enjoy this vehicle very much and I feel quite safe within its confines. This vehicle is truly a mothers dream car.

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  The Expedition - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Matt - April 13 - 4:53 pm

  So far with this SUV, I have never once broken down. Of couse you have the "here and there" replacements, but it NEVER left me stranded once! This vechicle is strong too. When driving in the snow and other road conditions, I never go stuck with the 4WD system.

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  Solid Ride - Family Truck - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Vanz73 - April 13 - 1:14 pm

  I have had my 2004 Eddie Bauer Expedition for more than a year. It is a good solid vehicle that excels in bad driving conditions. My wife remarked that it is more comfortable for her as a passenger than my 1997 Explorer (that she said "bounced her around too much"). No issues or problems in the first year (Id expect nothing less).

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  Best of class - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By cmbruce - April 12 - 4:30 pm

  We had owned a 2000 Expedition and really liked the size of the truck. It had a few drawbacks third seat, and ride comfort. Having three children we needed the room. The new Expedition is an excellent choice Ford improved the ride comfort of the truck. The air conditioned seats are a must have and the folding rear seat makes the vehicle much more user frendly.

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  Good buy - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By svofan1 - April 11 - 1:29 pm

  Just picked up my 05 Expedition EB. I am impressed. I checked others and found that one will need to spend about $5-10k more to get all the bells and whistles in this SUV. Good value for the money.