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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  2002 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By nowlin20atm - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Great truck! This is the first time for me to buy a Ford, but it wont be the last. However, its a little too big for my garage.

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  ford expidition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By mo - May 30 - 2:00 am

  very nice car to drive and very nice exterior disighn

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  1999 ExpeLemon Eddie Bauer - Burned By F - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By disgruntled_at_ford - May 26 - 2:00 am

  replaced emissions sensor at 45,000, altenator at 47,000 and transmission at 84,000. never seen such horrible quality.

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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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  Wonderful experience. - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Cletus slackjawyokel - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new have had only one problem repaired under warranty. Great vehicle, great towing, good fuel economy (come on it is a behemoth it takes fuel to move it.)

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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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  Family loves it! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By John P Jr - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable ride. Great on long trips. With third seat folded down there is lots of room behind the second row. Great acceleration. Rides great on the highway and traction was good during the winter months.

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  Good troop carrier - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Tony B64. - May 17 - 2:00 am

  With a 57" tall wife, 3 large growing boys and a big, dog theres plenty of room. Agile for its size. Surprisingly better gas mileage than I expected. Dont like the cheap factory brake pads. Dusted constantly and had to replace front at 28,000 miles.

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  Ford Tough - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By GO PACK! - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I am approaching 200,000 miles... as the saying goes, "takes a licking, keeps on ticking"... thats my Ford. Tough truck. Ive put a few bucks into replacing parts here and there, but its expected at 200K miles! I highly recommend this tank.

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  Sort of Happy - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Sort Of Happy - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Love my expedition.Very disappointed in the road and wind noise for a $45K vehicle! My dealership took care of the black brake dust problem and replaced with new brakes-Ford has admitted problem, but left it up to consumer to pay for the new brakes. At 7,000 miles started having a vibration in steering wheel, got worse and now at 17,000 miles tires are cupped out! Trying to get something done about that! Tires have been rotated every 5,000 miles. I really do love everything about my expedition but these few problems. Im sure that my tire issue will be resolved too...I have an awesome dealership!