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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  Love it in Texas - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By red wolf - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Impressed with the new design and available features. 4x4 suspension is great. Very smooth highway ride and comfortable for long trips. Plenty of room. Recommend the 5.4L engine if at all possible, I test drove both and found that the 4.6 doesnt provide enough power for this big vehicle. Overall, very satisfied.

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  04 Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By sstaylor - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Ford has done a good job on the interior and the exterior design. Handling is much improved over the 98 and 01 I previously drove, especially the steering. There is much less of what I would describe as a "whip-crack" motion in the 04, when taking curves or changing lanes. Braking is still great, but Ford needs to fix the brake dust issue. The new interior design is comfortable and easy to use. The front seats are more comfortable, and storage is better, as the CD Changer is in the dash. I do miss the inbound storage pockets. You cant use the DVD system and the sat. radio at the same time (bad on long drives). For extreme temp. areas, consider the climate seats.

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  My Fourth Expy - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Xarmas - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This is my fourth Expedition since 1997. All of the previous Exps I have had were subject to severe service and were completely reliable. The chassis and frame are much stiffer offering a bank vault solid body feel. The fit and finish of body panels and interior appointments is excellent. I highly recommend the larger 5.4 liter engine with the 3.73 limited slip axle ratio and the HD trailer tow package.

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  love my expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By dinna - August 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my second expedition. Had previously leased an XLT, but the Eddie Bauer is far superior. Less roll, better handling and you gotta love those heated seats during our cold winters. I have 48000 miles and have only had to replace the brakes. The car has great get up and go getting up to highway speeds. Gas mileage is not great, but Id rather be spending money at the pumps than in a small car. Well drive this car into the ground.

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  Ford Man - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By bviks - August 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Eddie Bauer version of this truck and I am more than pleased with the perfformance and the quality. The only negitive that I find with this car is the fuel economy.

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  Great Luxury SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Steven, Kansas City - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my 2004 E.B. Expedition for a month, but all I can say is what a great, luxurious and smooth riding large SUV. Who needs to pay the extra 15-20K for a Navigator. This one has it all. Very well done interior which looks great in the E.B. 2-tone tan colors. The ride is fantastic, like a luxury car. Very quiet. I am Averaging 15 MPG around town, which I dont think is too bad for a 6,000 pound vehicle. Cant wait to use the 4WD this winter and to tow my boat to the lake this summer. I definately recommend this vehicle to anyone needing to haul family, friends or things.

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  awesome - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By dondon37 - August 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful vehicle!

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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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  THE BEST TRUCK FOR THE BUCK!!! - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By CRENSHAW-323 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The truck is great. Great power in the 5.4 motor. leather seats are the best.Got to have it on chrome rims. Ford rules. Gets all the girls. A real mans Suv. Lets be real, why pay 55,000 or more for the more expensive trucks when we know all automobiles breakdown and have problems.

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  Nice SUV!!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By bwwray - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a good truck for the money, compared to other makers. Nice interior design and easy accessibility. Responsive steering and smooth ride.