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:

• 

  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.!!

• 

  ford review - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By cruzen - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Best vehicle that I have ever owned. Only 700 miles and I look forward to driving it everyday. handles great and is very comfortable. all the options make me feel like im in another social class level. we had the capatin chairs put in the second row so we have all kinds of room. I recommend it to all my freinds.

• 

  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!

• 

  Knock on Wood-Great Truck - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By JoeJJ - November 16 - 8:40 pm

  I bought this SUV with 55K on it. Currently have 91K on it with no major problems. Only repair thus far has been broken tie rod end which is scary because I drove it home 30 miles when the wheel started shimmeeing. After crawling under front end, the only thing holding the tie rod up was the rubber cover. $50 repair. Has decent power and is a bit heavy and rolly but I feel safe in it. It does suck gas like the tank has a hole in it. My friend has a Tahoe and he gets 16-18 mph, I only get 12-14 mph. I do think mine rides and drives better and is more stylish. All in all, a very good truck thus far, knock on wood. If they could only get 20 mph. :)

• 

  200 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 2WD - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By 1FordMan - November 14 - 3:54 pm

  I purchased this vehicle for my wife in the fall of 2002.I have replaced the tires, brakes and oil. I have not experienced any problems at all with this vehicle.

• 

  best yet - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By bobbyll - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned 7 suvs and this is by far the best. It has features found nowhere else except in the Navigator and gets great gas mileage for a 5400 pound vehicle.

• 

  First SUV owned - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By NICE SUV by db - November 9 - 11:42 am

  This is the largest vehicle I have owned and my wife and I really love it! Before purchasing it, I read reviews like these and with Ford trucks word- of-mouth reputation, I purchased one. I havent regretted it. I use it mostly on long trips. It is fun to drive and I feel safer on the road. Mine is a 2-wheel drive, but it handles great in rain or snow covered roads. Replaced the drivers heated seat element already and the passenger side is getting weaker. $600. dealer cost for one seat repair! Out of warranty, but the dealer paid half. Replaced the brakes, but no mechanical problems yet. Would buy another one!

• 

  160K miles and still going strong! - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By pillarcustom - November 7 - 11:00 pm

  Very little maintenance has occurred in 8 years of ownership. Great truck with only minor problems after 8 years and 160,000 miles of wear and tear. Locking systems has several problems and rear speaker is shot, but otherwise in great shape. Strongly recommend the 97 for purchase as a used vehicle.

• 

  Love it - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By musikmika - November 7 - 3:44 pm

  Wonderful all around vehicle. Would not take anything else, especially after driving a Chevy for the last 4 years...this is truly a dream.

• 

  hand down the best - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By waso - November 7 - 1:31 pm

  I researched all large SUVs before this purchase and for the quality and price you cant beat it. A smooth ride great power and bold yet elegant look the Ford Expedition should definitely be your next purchase!!!!