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 exp - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By clyde817 - November 7 - 11:26 am

  Love the truck, it is the best possible truck to buy. Had a Jeep Gand Cherokee and that does not even compare to the Expedition

• 

  As good as I expected - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By George Heimur - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I researched all of the SUVs and this one is the largest and most luxurious. Cheaper than others with more and better features. Bought on 4/30/2004. 2 small problems, One with an interior light and the other with the power seat getting stuck on occasion. Dealer has ordered part. Everything else is great. Mileage is what I expected about 12 around town and have seen 15.5 on the Highway. Car has 1800 miles on it and Mileage should improve especially on a long trip, Truck feels heavy Duty and luxurious

• 

  Like no other - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Overjoyed - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for a year and absolutely love it, still. With two kids its perfect for traveling. I looked at Toyota, Land Rover,GMC, Acura but pound for pound you cant beat Ford. I have all options except Nav & Autotrac. My only complaints are the bottom of the drivers seat wears on the edge from getting in/out of the truck and the brake dust (plan to get ceramic pads to take care of this) Mileage is only about 13.4 city and 14.5 highway but I didnt get this vehicle for the mileage. I will be pulling a boat in April and cant wait. Also plan on buying another in June 05 with Nav to replace it just for the heck of it.

• 

  Ghostly Roar...... - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By anjanette - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Since the 1st week of ownership I have been complaining of a roar. Well, this last 3 weeks I have been dealing with local dealership and the Regional Ford Rep....Very dissatified. No fix for problem now, Ford "is working on the problem". They want me to be patient and wait until the fix. I have to ride with the vehicle in A4wd- -gas guzzler--awlful noise is now apparent in A4wd. Nothing I can do but be a puppet on a string!!!!!!! This problem can be present in ALL 4WD EXPEDITIONS AS WELL AS NAVIGATORS FOR 2003!!!! Also, they changed brake pads due to asbestos, the wheels stay BLACK due to tremendous brake dust!

• 

  Eddie Bauer review - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By JayM - November 4 - 5:41 pm

  The AC seats are a neat gimmick. Lots of interior space. Blinds spots are large, but side view mirrors are very helpful.

• 

  Last Ford Ill Own - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By skatterthemonkey - November 3 - 2:00 am

  This is the first vehicle Ive ever bought an extended warranty for (gut feeling?). Two weeks after the purchase , the head gaskets had to be replaced. 30,000 miles later, this vehicle has had over $5,000 of work done on it- second set of head gaskets, auto transmission seals, you name it. Frankly, I cant believe what a POS this truck is. Like the title says, this will be the last Ford product I ever own.

• 

  My Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By cecil ward - November 1 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is comfortable and great to drive. You are not tired and stiff like a lot of vehicles. The stability, handling and power of the expedition is excellent. The gas mileage is great, 22 hwy. and 16 city. That is great mileage for a big powerful and comfortable vehicle like the expedition.

• 

  exp - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By grow - November 1 - 2:00 am

  luv it! Dependable and roomy. No problems. Tires are expensive, but only need then every few years.

• 

  SUPER SUV! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Huey - October 31 - 1:00 am

  This was the best SUV we test drove, in fact, when in the Lincoln Navigator, then into the Expedition, you could tell no difference. I love the 3rd seat comfort, most 3rd seats in the Expedtions rivals, are very flimsy, and not comfortable, it is very comfortable for even the pickyist of adults. The power under the hood is exceptional, and with loads of features to make you feel comfortable, and secure. The gas mileage is beter than most we are getting about 20 on highway , and around 18 to 16 city, (getting better than our taurus!) I love (as is we have hit winter) that its not long at all after you have started the car, that the heater is warm!

• 

  2003 Expedition FX4 - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Jason Williams - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Best full Size SUV there is. Feels great to drive with positive handling and a solid ride. FX4 package gives the Expedition a distinctive look and gets admiring looks wherever we go. Great off-road vehicle as well with hatloads of towing capacity.