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:
Showing 921 through 930 of 1,452.00-
Big Red Ford - 2003 Ford Expedition
By Quicksilver101 - October 4 - 2:00 amThis 2-wd SUV has done just what we bought it for: Haul kids, dogs, luggage and groceries long distances in safety and comfort. It has been without fault mechanically. The 4.6 liter V-8 has provided adequate power and reasonable mileage (close to 20 mpg on long trips -- 15 around town). We like the way the truck looks, and its interior design has proved to be very functional and flexible, made of materials that are wearing well. Finally, it has great brakes, super visibility, and the IRS make this large machine both comfortable and secure on the road. Would we buy another? Yes.
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No 3 spark plug on the triton engine - 1999 Ford Expedition
By Lion - October 2 - 2:00 amOur 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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Another Great Expy - 2004 Ford Expedition
By happyF150Guy - October 2 - 2:00 amThis our 2nd Expy, we replaced our 2000 with the 04. We chose the captain chairs for the 2nd row this time and love it. The kids love the extra floorspace for their backpacks etc... The 04 rides much smoother and much more quiet. I wasnt too eager to get another one but my wife liked the 2000 and Im glad she convinced me. The 04 is awesome. Its comfortable, it drives better and has more options. It seems to have more power but thats probably more to do with us getting the 373 gears this time. Well pay for it milage :)
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owner/consumer - 2004 Ford Expedition
By rosalba bazan - October 1 - 2:00 ami have driven an expedition since the 1st yr they were out and i love it wont trade it for anyhting else
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Terrific Rocky Mountain Vehicle - 2001 Ford Expedition
By wyomingoil - September 30 - 2:00 amI have thoroughly enjoyed my 2001 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4WD. We live in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and the weather can get pretty nasty. I have never felt unsafe driving on any road condition incuding deep snow over thick ice. I love the way it looks and drives. It has all the bells and whistles (except the back-up warning sensor, which I will get next time). It is very roomy for kids, grandkids, and dogs...all at once! I would highly recommend an Expedition as a much better-looking alternative to a minivan.
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Please fix the A/C - 2004 Ford Expedition
By rossjmak4 - September 28 - 2:00 amThere is something not too good about the A/C on these things. I live in AZ and it just doesnt perfore well in the heat. Tried service, but told A/C was redesigned to limit engine drag. Too bad, cuz the best thing I can say about the A/C is that it SUCKS! Other than that rest of vehicle is great, thus the higher ratings.
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Room for 9 - 2004 Ford Expedition
By Tharpomaximus - September 27 - 2:00 amDrives great and plenty of room for passengers. A lot of standard features in the base model. Much more flexible seating than the Suburban or Yukon. Wife loves it.
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DEPENDABILITY AND COMFORT - 2004 Ford Expedition
By RON/DEB - September 26 - 10:00 amWE JUST TRAILERED OUR MOTORCYCLE TO CONN FOR A 2 WEEK VAC AND WITHOUT A DOUBT,DRIVING IN OUR EDDIE BAUER EXPEDITION WAS A BLAST.
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Dissappointed - 1999 Ford Expedition
By Sydnee - September 25 - 2:00 amWe 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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Wasatch Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
By The Boones - September 25 - 2:00 amMy Friend has less interior creature comforts on his 2002 Navigator,
