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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 up to nine adults, the Expedition has been on the short list 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, spacious, ergonomically sound cabin and set atop a sturdy ladder frame.
The latest generation of the Expedition doesn't feel as cumbersome to drive as its extravagant dimensions and hefty weight suggest. That said, you'll be reminded of just how full-size the Expedition is at the gas pump, particularly if you are an aggressive driver. However, in spite of its thirst for regular unleaded, a steady stream of improvements has allowed the Expedition to remain appealing enough to make it into well over a million driveways since its 1997 introduction.
Current Ford Expedition
The current Ford Expedition is offered in two lengths: standard and EL. The EL has a 12-inch longer wheelbase and nearly 15 inches of additional overall length. The biggest reason to consider the EL is the massive cargo space behind the third-row seat, which is more than twice that of the standard Expedition. The EL also features longer rear doors that ease entry into the third row.
The Expedition is available in four trim levels: base XL, midrange XLT, upscale Limited and top-of-the-line King Ranch. The well-equipped XL has air-conditioning, full power accessories and a CD audio system. The XLT's highlights include front/rear park assist, power-adjustable pedals, the voice-operated Sync system and an upgraded stereo with satellite radio. The Limited trim level gets monochromatic paint, 20-inch polished wheels, a back-up camera, a power liftgate and a truly luxurious interior. The King Ranch adds unique wheels and leather upholstery as well as wood accents. Option highlights (depending on trim level) include 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 is surprisingly pleasant to drive, thanks to precise steering, a smooth engine and a ride quality that feels more like a big car than a big SUV. All Expeditions are powered by a 5.4-liter V8 that produces 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. As with most full-size SUVs, the Expedition is offered with a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. 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. Since then, only minor changes have occurred. However, whereas previous-generation Expeditions could hold up to nine passengers, the current generation holds only eight, due to standard front bucket seats.
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.
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.
