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 981 through 990 of 1,452.00-
Replaced my Windstar - 2003 Ford Expedition
By AJinDAYTON - May 7 - 2:00 am6000 miles, looks great, accelerates & handles well, brakes are fantastic, nice turning radius, Advance Trac is super in snow and ice, 15.5 mpg combined, good interior layout, great highway cruiser. Tows well-11 mpg w/4000# boat. Reliability-Rear axle seal leak/fixed; front tire wear/realigned, Axle whine 52-62 mph/not fixed-Ford service bulletin to replace driveshaft-no fix, Dealers been great-Fords another story - say they are working on it, 4 months no fix in sight.
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Ford lost a repeat customer - 2002 Ford Expedition
By jimmck - May 4 - 2:00 am2nd Expedition for this family. First was a 99 XLT - no major problems (windshield wiper issue - and rear wiper motor went - thats it) in 66K miles. 02 Eddie Bauer (subject of this review): After 44K miles: Rear sensing system failed. Drivers heated seat element failed. Minor build issues (annoying) - headlight/foglamp switch fell apart, read quarte pop-out windows always noisy when operating. Transmission FAILED at 44K miles. Ford/dealer not standing behind their product means that I will look at the competition when the lease expires. Ford / dealer - you lost a repear customer.
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not happy in cali - 2003 Ford Expedition
By mary coates - May 3 - 2:00 ami used to own the 2002 expedition and it was much roomier in the seats and the 2003 are much small and really drives like a truck and to be honest i cant wait until i can trade it in.
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Another Great Vehicle - 2003 Ford Expedition
By Gordon Smith - April 29 - 2:00 amI was iffy when it came to buying a ford. I test drove the Chevy Tahoe and the Expidition both the same day. I have always been a Chevy fan (#3) from childhood. However, after completely being critical of the ford - we bought it!!! My family and I love our expidition.
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VERY UNHAPPY!!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
By Rand007 - April 26 - 2:00 amFor the money this vehicle is very disappointing. Not enough power. Poor mileage, BUT better than my 98 Expy. Does not offroad as well as previous model (less clearance). Brake dust is BAD! RATTLES LIKE CRAZY! Been in the shop 11 days within the first 11 months. Its in the shop today for the THIRD rear differential AND to re-tighten all the rattling doors. Going to hire a lawyer and sue under the Virginia Lemon Law which protects consumers VERY well. Last Ford I will EVER buy. Every Ford I own ends up in the shop. Toyotas and Honda have never had 1 problem, NOT ONE! Quality is job one? Right!
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The best SUV on the market - 2004 Ford Expedition
By kjfp - April 25 - 10:00 amI love everything about the Ford Expedition from funcionality to style to color choices. There is plenty of head and leg room. The power fold seats are a superb idea.
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Excellent Suv - 2000 Ford Expedition
By EdClarkson - April 25 - 2:00 amNo problems, rides nice and smooth. Installed extras in my SUV which it made alot better to drive in,
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Great for High Mileage - 1998 Ford Expedition
By Exp Owner - April 22 - 2:00 amI have been averaging 30K-40K a year. Besides routine maintence I have had no problems. I currently have 164K with original everthing. I am currently having small wear and tear problems, but nothing major.
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Good SUV - 1997 Ford Expedition
By COramprat - April 21 - 2:00 amI have had my Expedition for 3 years now and havent have any major problems. I bought it used with 67K miles and have just turned 140K. We have been from our home in south Louisiana to northern Tennessee and it is my wife daily driver to work. To date I have replaced the shift cable and recently have had some emissions problems but other than that its a good vehicle.
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I hate it, husband loves it - 2002 Ford Expedition
By maiya - April 21 - 2:00 amAm I the only one that hates driving this vehicle? I feel like Im driving a school bus because its so huge, and when I go to pump gas, it kills me. I long for the compact car where I can jump in and get my moneys worth. Also, I know cars depreciate but I didnt think it would be 18,000 less in 2 years. I finally convince my husband to trade-in to a car that we can both love and save money on. After this car,..Im looking into a hybrid. Overall, I wish I saved my money and bought a Lexus. Worth the price and depreciate less.
