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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  No 3 spark plug on the triton engine - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Lion - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Our expedition was an ok SUV. Breaks were exspensive to replace and the engine light loved to come on and cost us money to get the SUV annalyzed only to find out they had no idea what was wrong. The car would run ruff and sputter after the rain and than dry out and the light would go off. We had it checked again before our family vacation and were told there was nothing wrong. Well the spark plug blew out on the Penn turnpike in route to our vacation destination. We found out it would be at least 3330.00 to fix it but it would take well over a week. We over payed for an Explorer and picked up the Expedition on the way back. Build a better product.

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  Dissappointed - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Sydnee - September 25 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle used and purchased the extended warrenty which paid for itself in no time. Weve had to replace the brake pads twice because of leaking rear seals, the rear axle, and the transfer case motor. The heated drivers seat broke. Now the alternator needs replaced and now the engine makes a funny clicking noise until it warms up. I think of my 16 year old Honda as more dependable and it has certainly cost us less in repairs over the last two years.They thought perhaps a $700 tune up would fix its problems. That was just two months ago. Ive had it, were car shopping!

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  Rattle Trap - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By aquanut - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Good power, handling. Good tow vehicle. Interior is functional with nice extras. All passenger doors rattle. Wind noise is heard at highway speeds. Excessive brake dust on front wheels. Annoying windshield solvent low indicator goes on when tank is only about half empty.

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  Fool Me Once Ford, NEVER AGAIN! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By MarkWilliams - September 20 - 2:00 am

  The vehile rattles like a box of bolts. The A/C makes a serious grinding when starting vehicle and Transmission makes a sound like youve run over something when youve slowed down and speed back up, 2nd to 3rd gear. Truck spent 14 days at dealership in 1st month. I dont trust it, would never buy a FORD again.

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  Fix My Ford - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By DBA - August 9 - 2:00 am

  Purchased brand new and has been in the Ford shop on the average twice a month. I have 85,000 miles on it and putting on the 5th set of tires. There are rotated every 3000 miles at the oil change. It has had one electical problem after another. The leather started looking worn after the first year. We have only Ford cars and trucks and this Expidition has by far been the worst.

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  Another Tranny Story - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Ford Phobic - June 28 - 2:00 am

  But this one used, had 27K miles on it. After racking up an additional 35K in less than two years, the transmission gave in and was replaced. Thank God we had an extended warranty! Hopefully we can go another 60K before it breaks down again.

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  Fun / But - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By dlhickman - May 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun vehicle to drive, but watch out for the mechanical. The direct ignition system is prone to failure w/these coils running 100+ -- replacement of the eight could set you back 1200-1500

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  Air Conditioner Stinks - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By 32ndwave - May 22 - 2:00 am

  My 3rd Ford truck, 2nd Expedition. Ive taken to dealer for A/C stink 4x in 8 mos w/o resolve. Stinks everytime I drive. Its terrible!!! Brake dust real bad, too. And, no power recline on drivers seat. Not worth the $40K paid. Improvements over last model, but there are other better alternatives, maybe not as big, but better.

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  Ford lost a repeat customer - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By jimmck - May 4 - 2:00 am

  2nd Expedition for this family. First was a 99 XLT - no major problems (windshield wiper issue - and rear wiper motor went - thats it) in 66K miles. 02 Eddie Bauer (subject of this review): After 44K miles: Rear sensing system failed. Drivers heated seat element failed. Minor build issues (annoying) - headlight/foglamp switch fell apart, read quarte pop-out windows always noisy when operating. Transmission FAILED at 44K miles. Ford/dealer not standing behind their product means that I will look at the competition when the lease expires. Ford / dealer - you lost a repear customer.

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  I hate it, husband loves it - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By maiya - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Am I the only one that hates driving this vehicle? I feel like Im driving a school bus because its so huge, and when I go to pump gas, it kills me. I long for the compact car where I can jump in and get my moneys worth. Also, I know cars depreciate but I didnt think it would be 18,000 less in 2 years. I finally convince my husband to trade-in to a car that we can both love and save money on. After this car,..Im looking into a hybrid. Overall, I wish I saved my money and bought a Lexus. Worth the price and depreciate less.