Which generation is best

[jacksonh18]

I own an explorer and would like to buy an expedition. I am mechanically inclined and decided I will buy a mechanics special. I'm hoping to pick something up cheap and fix it.
Which explorer has the fewest issues and gets the best gas mileage? Is there a generation/engine or trani to avoid?

 

[GAINMOB]

i dont think any years do...I've seen the good and bad in all years...depends on how it was maintained

 

[Canadian Expy]

Agree ^^^^

Comes down to what you like, and maybe what your plans are for it

 

[superexpy]

One! Because I have a one......

 

[GaryH2]

I've had a 4.6L Gen I and now have a Gen III EL. Both 4x4.

I think the first gen are easier to work on (at least suspension is), but 3rd gen probably gets a little better MPG with the 6 speed trans, offers the EL version and the 5.4 makes more power (stock). Personally, I think the later Gen I (2000-2002) looks best but my current Gen III EL is easier to drive.

Of course MPG is relative with these guys.

 

[tojohnso]

My vote is the gen 3 Expedition - preferably the EL. The ride is awesome. Major difference between it and the 1st gen ('99) I had. I would stay away from the '07 and '08 years - maybe early '09 as well. I found a number of reports of 5.4 engine issues that wane in the later years.

 

[FordGirl1983]

That's a tough one there. I've currently own a first gen but like the 3rd the best umm 1st arrrg. Like I said, that's a tough one lol.

 

[FordGirl1983]

I love the EL too.

 

[Lightnig]

my question is, the best for what?

Best price? First gen

Best (and most) features, bells, and whistles? Latest gen

Best balance of features and cost? probably second gen



Depends on what you are looking for...

 

[metaldrgn]

If you're looking for a mechanics special, I would recommend a 2nd gen and up. The first gens are a nightmare to work on engine/transmission wise. The second gen seem easier but I haven't had to mess with too much engine stuff yet.

 

[FordandPolaris]

I would stay away from any 2nd gen with the 3v motors. Bad plugs and a cam phaser issue that never seems to go away. I am partial to first gens because they are more trucky if that makes sense. My first gen has been much more resilient than my folks 2004. But obviously that isn't a very big sample size


Sent from the Pocket Computer

 

[Mediamonkey11]

To be honest, I don't know why people complain about the spark plugs so much on the 1st gens. I was all prepared for the job to take 4+ hours but I'm too stubborn to pay a mechanic so I did it myself, took a whole 45 minutes changing all plugs and boots. Personally I feel like the only real huge advantage the 2nd+ gens have over the 1st are the ride difference, and the fold flat 3rd row. Other than that, the differences are what you'd expect on a newer vehicle and not worth the price hike as 1st gens are dirt cheap in comparison.

 

[metaldrgn]

I'm talking about more than plugs and coils. I could actually get an arm up besides the transmission. Way more than the first gen. Although more salvage yards are going to carry parts for 1st gens than 2nd gens but it depends where you live and there's always eBay.

Just from what I've seen it's more mechanic friendly but not nearly as friendly as a Chevy.