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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  --- - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By rlopez - September 22 - 2:00 am

  The 3rd row seat doesnt fold away auto, the A/C is very cold on low, the back wiper has never worked well

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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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  review - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Benny Valenza - September 13 - 2:00 am

  mushy ride,lousy brakes, no cargo space, sways from side to side like a carnival ride, floats and bounces down the road. Expensive, quick to loose value, scratches too easy, body like a tin can, oversteers, feels like it leans too much while turning. Fast, 17MPG on highway at reasonable speed Wish I did not buy it

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  Finally Ford is doing it right!!!!!!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By ritexada - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Got me a Black and Gold 2003 Eddie Bauer Expedition. I am so proud to have made a quality purchase on this SUV. My friend has a black 2002 Tahoe, but he does not have the great features that my EXPE has, like "power folding third row", Independent rear suspension. DVD entertainment System, KEYPAD for NOT ACCIDENTALLY Locking my keys in the SUV (when will all the others catch on to this?) and many other great features. Oh yeah, 6 disk indash CD player.

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  Ford Expedition 2000 XLT 2WD - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By gvowell - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Good family car. Gas hog. Easy to get in and out of. Rides great.

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  5 years and still enjoying - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By jagrant - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought mine in 1999 and have 105K miles. Traveled many times across the U.S. and total comfort. Only have replaced battery and brakes. I change the oil ever 3K miles. Steering is a little squirrely and feels like you could loose control at times. I will NOT let my 16 year old drive this vehicle. My friend rolled hers and it held up well. The electronic handpiece for turning signals and lights have been replaced twice. A little sluggish when passing or quick acceleration compared to my other GMC truck. Overall I cant get rid of it and hope to own it to at least 200K miles.

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  my expo 2001 - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By ronjnz - September 7 - 2:00 am

  disappointed that the 4x4 is rough on some of the smallest bumps in the road. other than that it rides like a dream,luxury(leather). i wont discuss the gas mileage,but you dont buy a suv for good mileage. overall this is a very nice truck.

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  Love it!!!! - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By miozzi - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I love the way this vehicle looks, feels and drives. For an 8 passenger vehicle we expect to have to pay more in gas, but its worth it, even the kids love it. its huge, i feel totally safe in this vehicle, and for some reason driving it, comes naturally. AWESOME!!!!

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  3rd Expedition but my 17 Limited is the BEST- - 2017 Ford Expedition
  By Jeff K - August 30 - 3:15 am

  This is a review of the 2017 Limited Expedition, the spot below only showed 2016 Do your research, the Tahoe is a very good truck but they REDUCED the powertrain warranty to match Fords for 16 or 17. The older ones also didnt fold the 3rd row seats flat & had to be removed to use the space which is a p.i.t.a.! One of the major reasons I bought the Ford was the new engine. After dealing with leaking headgaskets on my 99 and a blown head gasket on my 03EB(pour&go stopped the leak) and also raining inside the truck as much as it rained OUTSIDE & various electrical issues as the result, I was really looking hard at the Tahoe due to its very good reliability record. At the end of the day though, the new Ford with its 365HP/420ftlb (or 375/470ftlb depending where you get your specs) engine & substantially lower cost made the decision for me because I have no latent loyalty to Ford or anyone else. OK, on the the truck. Ive only had this truck for a few days but this truck is nice, VERY nice! It does an excellent job of blocking road & engine noise while have terrific acceleration. You really have to drive it to believe it. I’m used to driving the old 5.4L V8 for the past 15 years and this engine is in a whole different class. The acceleration is truly phenomenal for a V6! Strong and smooth without jerking or feeling like you are straining the engine in the least, it just goes where it’s pointed….in a hurry if you kick it in the ass! The braking is strong and sure for a nearly 3 ton mass of steel. It wallows slightly at higher speeds, maybe a bit more than its competition in the Tahoe. The Limited model does not have the electrically enhanced suspension as stock so maybe that would make it more stable but its not unruly, just treat it like a big truck and youll be fine. The tech features abound with multiple 12 volt power ports (2 in the drivers compartment) and there is even a 120volt outlet in the 2nd row seating area (mounted on the rear of the drivers center console). The sound system is excellent but Ill admit to not being a true aficionado so decent sound sounds great to me. The fit & finish throughout are much better than my 03 Eddie Bauer expedition and the on-board computer allows for easy setup for your personal needs. The steering column comes with motor operated tilt & telescoping steering wheel that work in conjunction with the seat, adjustable foot controls and mirrors with memory for two drivers. The motor operated folding mirrors are a nice feature to avoid damage if driving through a tight space as are the power running boards. You can also have the running boards automatically deploy as you open each door, leave them out all the time or retracted all the time, your choice! The sunroof (moon roof) is tinted which is a nice touch that wasnt on my older model. Two days after I bought it, the morning temperature was 32 degrees and I used the remote start for the first time. It was SO nice to climb into a fully warmed, heated seat truck! Yes, you can even get a heated steering wheel but I do not have it and Im not sure if its available on the Limited as an option or not. Using the computer setup, you can setup the remote start to heat or cool the truck based on the outdoor temps or “last setting” or auto. I have not changed the factory setting for it yet so it was nice and cozy when I got in. I have several options on this truck so I’m not 100% sure what is standard and what was an option but I wanted heated and cooled seats and evidently the controls and the ducts for the air is already in place because at one point during the discussions the dealer was willing to swap out the seats for climate controlled seats (3,200 buck option) so that means the wiring is already in place as are the air ducts! Something to know if you buy a model without them! I also wanted the sunroof and hopefully this one won’t LEAK like my ‘03EB did! The power lift gate means that you can now open or close the big door from the driver’s seat. There are also trailer brake controls mounted on the dash as well as “trailer settings” within the computer setup so if you are towing a trailer, the engine will use different shift points and God knows what else….here’s two quotes from Ford: “Integrated with the anti-lock brakes and trailer sway control, the available Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (TBC)* synchronizes vehicle and trailer brakes for seamless braking, even when towing a large boat or camper-trailer. TBC controls are easy to use and well positioned, just to the right of the steering wheel.” AND “Accessed with controls on the steering wheel, the information is displayed in the gauge cluster. Input, track and save information about specific trailers and manage how you use them. A trailer name, its trailer brake control settings and mileage can all be stored. The off-road tools include displays of lateral, vertical and turning radius information and the 4x4 system and traction control status.” ENJOY!