Hello everyone. I would like to hear some of your experiences and first off, why did you choose an Expedition over an F150 or a suburban etc. I would like to see what advantages helped in making your decision and what do you use it for mostly.
Why an Expedition?
- Thread starter Quique309
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ExplorerTom
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I know this is in the 3rd gen forum and I'm a 1st gen owner, but here goes:
1. It's a Ford. I like Fords. I've had a few GM products in my life and never really liked them all that much.
2. It's based on the F-150. Replacement parts galore! Although I was hoping for better aftermarket support because it's based on the F-150. Turns out the 10th gen F-150 doesn't have much aftermarket support.
3. Enclosed cargo area- good for taking my dogs camping with the family. I don't need an open bed pickup truck.
4. Just always liked Expeditions- 1st gens especially.
5. I was initially shopping for a 3rd/4th gen Explorer and decided to step up to a full-size. Slightly cheaper price point, slight hit to MPGs but significantly larger interior.
6. Shorter (length) than an F-150- easier to park.
1. It's a Ford. I like Fords. I've had a few GM products in my life and never really liked them all that much.
2. It's based on the F-150. Replacement parts galore! Although I was hoping for better aftermarket support because it's based on the F-150. Turns out the 10th gen F-150 doesn't have much aftermarket support.
3. Enclosed cargo area- good for taking my dogs camping with the family. I don't need an open bed pickup truck.
4. Just always liked Expeditions- 1st gens especially.
5. I was initially shopping for a 3rd/4th gen Explorer and decided to step up to a full-size. Slightly cheaper price point, slight hit to MPGs but significantly larger interior.
6. Shorter (length) than an F-150- easier to park.
Hello ExplorerTom, I too seem to prefer Ford over GM since I owned a Town Car many years ago. The 4.6l v8 proved it's reliability to me over the years and that's one of the reasons that drew my attention to the Expedition with a bigger version of that engine.
I too appreciate that it's based on the F150 and is body on frame. I too expected more aftermarket support. I have really like the 3rd gen but i can always appreciate a clean looking 1st gen!
I too appreciate that it's based on the F150 and is body on frame. I too expected more aftermarket support. I have really like the 3rd gen but i can always appreciate a clean looking 1st gen!
2007Limited
Full Access Members
I wasn't in the market for a SUV, but came across a deal that I couldn't pass up. Since getting my 07 Expedition, I've grown very fond of it. The ride is firm but smooth. The 5.4 is plenty powerful for me (pulls my boat with ease.) I like the styling and the gas mileage is better than the 1995 F150 (with a 302) that I was driving.
FisherPete
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I have a 3800 pound boat. I wanted enough space for 5 or 6 people and secure area for gear in my tow rig. I had great experience with my Explorer. At the time, I tried a Suburban, but needed a shorter turning radius to back my boat into my driveway. Also, the Suburban seemed to have a lot of loose plastic crap decorating the interior. My first Expy ('99) lasted plenty-o-miles without problems, so when it came time for replacement, I jumped on a '12 so I could still have the 5.4 and load leveling suspension. Happy I did ... the little turbo hasn't captured my trust yet.
ManUpOrShutUp
Full Access Members
I needed something big w/ an enclosed cargo area as we travel with our dogs several days per week. That left me the Sequoia, Expedition and Suburban. I ruled out the Suburban pretty quickly due to the loose steering and bouncy ride. I ruled out the Sequoia primarily due to cost. If I went with a Sequoia I would have had to roll back to an '08 or '07 to be at the same price point as an '11 Expedition.
GAINMOB
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Wife had company discount... $43k truck for $28k...couldn't pass that up
Mr. 10K
Mr. 10K
DF5.4
Full Access Members
Room for a family of 4 (now plus friends) plus the dog to ride comfortably
Ability to tow a travel trailer. (about 7000lbs)
Styling.
It's a Ford.
I'm on my second Expedition. I replaced the 07 with a 15 EL (more room for stuff when traveling)
Ability to tow a travel trailer. (about 7000lbs)
Styling.
It's a Ford.
I'm on my second Expedition. I replaced the 07 with a 15 EL (more room for stuff when traveling)
Gamecock
Full Access Members
I did a lot of shopping. My wife's Hyundai Sonata was coming up on lease so I needed a replacement. She didn't mind taking my `03 Sport Trac (we still have with 225K miles on it, its like a Timex). I shopped for F150's but my folk's offered up the Expo. The price was way better, I knew the history/maintenance done, and my Dad takes real good care of his vehicles.
It also makes sense with 2 boys in baseball (8 & 12), me coaching, and all the crap we have to haul. Having the Expo everything is covered and locked up too. Plenty of room for vacations with the family and the dogs. Its worked out well so far other than the minor issues I've hit (AC/Heated Seats out, Alternator Pulley Bearing on its way out). From reviews I've read they ride better than the Tahoes, etc too. Not as powerful, but perfect for me. I don't commute far for work (14 miles one way) so gas mileage isn't a big deal.
It also makes sense with 2 boys in baseball (8 & 12), me coaching, and all the crap we have to haul. Having the Expo everything is covered and locked up too. Plenty of room for vacations with the family and the dogs. Its worked out well so far other than the minor issues I've hit (AC/Heated Seats out, Alternator Pulley Bearing on its way out). From reviews I've read they ride better than the Tahoes, etc too. Not as powerful, but perfect for me. I don't commute far for work (14 miles one way) so gas mileage isn't a big deal.
-GM twins have solid rear axles => cramped 3rd row.
-Sequoia was very few and most were out of budget (newest version)
-Armada was a good second place and nissan did excellent job for their first full-size suv. In the end, the little details coupled with a 5 speed auto (vs six on the 3rd gens) and tons of 5.6 engine horror stories kept it in second place.
We had the Navigator on our list (05-06 and 07-14) but the premium, some of the interior styling cues, and most were captains chair in the middle ultimately had this one crossed off our list.
After 10 months of searching, we found the Expedition we wanted (minus a few small details we could live with out). Its funny that we had traveled up to 100 miles to see other Expeditions and we bought ours from a smaller dealer a mile away
Current status:
-Sequoia was very few and most were out of budget (newest version)
-Armada was a good second place and nissan did excellent job for their first full-size suv. In the end, the little details coupled with a 5 speed auto (vs six on the 3rd gens) and tons of 5.6 engine horror stories kept it in second place.
We had the Navigator on our list (05-06 and 07-14) but the premium, some of the interior styling cues, and most were captains chair in the middle ultimately had this one crossed off our list.
After 10 months of searching, we found the Expedition we wanted (minus a few small details we could live with out). Its funny that we had traveled up to 100 miles to see other Expeditions and we bought ours from a smaller dealer a mile away
Current status:
98eb5.4
Full Access Members
daughter bought a 98eb4x4 cheap as a first vehicle with 370k original klicks (so i'm told from the second owner)
she drove it ~ 5 years & ~ 110k klicks with no major issues & provided excellent service
she then went new so expy became mine which i will be keeping & looking for another,
parts are a dream new or used including major components and independent rear suspension options is a huge plus/bonus to me
she drove it ~ 5 years & ~ 110k klicks with no major issues & provided excellent service
she then went new so expy became mine which i will be keeping & looking for another,
parts are a dream new or used including major components and independent rear suspension options is a huge plus/bonus to me
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tpndrcn
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We had an 05' Supercrew and acquired a small utility trailer so decided that we could live without the pickup and with our 4th child it just seemed to make sense to get a Expedition EL.
So we got an 08 EL and couldn't love it more. The independent rear suspension makes it seem like you're on a cloud. Also right away we noticed how incredibly quiet it is inside the cabin. It's very easy for kids to get in and out of and plenty of cargo space! We even used it on the 4th of July once when bugs were bad and just folder down the third row and "camped out!" Highly recommended!
So we got an 08 EL and couldn't love it more. The independent rear suspension makes it seem like you're on a cloud. Also right away we noticed how incredibly quiet it is inside the cabin. It's very easy for kids to get in and out of and plenty of cargo space! We even used it on the 4th of July once when bugs were bad and just folder down the third row and "camped out!" Highly recommended!
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HTR21
Active Member
Was actually looking at new F150's with camper top and carpeted bedliner for hauling the dogs. Why not haul the dogs in air conditioned comfort?
inmanlanier
Full Access Members
Bought a 2012 EL XLT 3 years ago with 24K miles. Needs? 4500# boat (dry) - with trailer, full tank of gas and full load of gear approaching 7000#. Have a bud who has had an excursion, then a 2011 Expedition and loved the Expedition. As others have stated, GMs engineering lags Fords. The price was a good bit cheaper used than a comparable used Chevy. Have had no regrets - it's towed a bunch (including my son's 6500# camper), quiet and very smooth on the highway. For taking passengers or gear it has unbelievable space (we call it the behemoth). Only issue was leaking struts discovered right out of warranty - Ford wouldn't do squat (no longer a loyalty company) so I put Bilsteins in (lifetime warranty). Will do it again, but hope to keep this a long time.
SWWAFordGuy
Active Member
My first 'real' vehicle was a Ford Bronco II. Loved it but there really wasn't a lot of play in the driver's seat as it didn't move a lot forward or back and passengers and cargo were a bit limited. Then along came marriage and a child so that was traded in for an Explorer. Really liked the Explorer but it was limited with cargo space and passengers but not at bad as the Bronco II. When Ford offered the Expedition I was like 'yeah, I have to look at those.'
Found one at auction from a rental car company, I know, one never knows how abused it could be. But, they had all the rental and maintenance records. Turns out it never really rented because of its size and the location it offered at. Not a lot of travelers wanted a large SUV in a city like Seattle due to narrow streets, traffic or whatever. So anyway, I became the proud owner of an Expedition and love every minute of it. Plenty of space for passengers and cargo. No open bed that can get rained on and in, tinted windows in the rear, rear A/C, a lift gate that keeps the rain off you when loading and unloading and plenty of power to get you through snow, heavy rain and off pavement. Looked at potential replacements for it but if its not an Expy, I'm not interested.
Found one at auction from a rental car company, I know, one never knows how abused it could be. But, they had all the rental and maintenance records. Turns out it never really rented because of its size and the location it offered at. Not a lot of travelers wanted a large SUV in a city like Seattle due to narrow streets, traffic or whatever. So anyway, I became the proud owner of an Expedition and love every minute of it. Plenty of space for passengers and cargo. No open bed that can get rained on and in, tinted windows in the rear, rear A/C, a lift gate that keeps the rain off you when loading and unloading and plenty of power to get you through snow, heavy rain and off pavement. Looked at potential replacements for it but if its not an Expy, I'm not interested.
The Swagonmaster
Well-Known Member
Had to upgrade from the 2000 Explorer EB w/5.0 when we traded our popular trailer. 2007 Expedition Limited is total luxury for pulling our new (to us) 23ft travel trailer.
powerboatr
Full Access Members
always had crew cab pickups, got older and wanted a bit of better ride, plus lots of room for the dogs,
if excursions were still made...no brainer
i have found that having room for five more people in the back is nice on pasta sundays.
ride is so much better than the 150 crew cab it replaced and mpg is better even with the 3.73 rear and same engine.
wish they had thrown in more the f150 safety stuff, this is a family truckster.
and finally the deal...16 expy was more car for the money compared to the 16 f150
if excursions were still made...no brainer
i have found that having room for five more people in the back is nice on pasta sundays.
ride is so much better than the 150 crew cab it replaced and mpg is better even with the 3.73 rear and same engine.
wish they had thrown in more the f150 safety stuff, this is a family truckster.
and finally the deal...16 expy was more car for the money compared to the 16 f150
espeed
Member
I had a '13 Expy and sold it. BIG mistake. Had a succession of 2 more vehicles-both GM's--and
purchased a '16 Limited last December. Green Gem with the 22's. I looked and drove everything from Jeep Cherokees, Caddy Escalades, Tahoes, Durangos, Yukons, Acadias, and Toyota 4Runners. Bought the Ford because of the tow rating, Indy rear and it just drives better than all of the others. Price was also much easier. Best of all--I can see out of it in all directions! I have installed a K & N cold air pipe/filter system--these cold air systems really do make a difference--especially when towing a 7500# trailer.
If you haven't driven the 15/16/17 with the 3.5, go and drive one. Big difference in torque and all around smoothness. I will keep this one.
purchased a '16 Limited last December. Green Gem with the 22's. I looked and drove everything from Jeep Cherokees, Caddy Escalades, Tahoes, Durangos, Yukons, Acadias, and Toyota 4Runners. Bought the Ford because of the tow rating, Indy rear and it just drives better than all of the others. Price was also much easier. Best of all--I can see out of it in all directions! I have installed a K & N cold air pipe/filter system--these cold air systems really do make a difference--especially when towing a 7500# trailer.
If you haven't driven the 15/16/17 with the 3.5, go and drive one. Big difference in torque and all around smoothness. I will keep this one.
Rougerocco
Member
Had a 2000 Expedition, lost it in divorce. Got a 2004 Excursion diesel, 250K miles later just sold it and got a 2010 Expedition. I guess I like big Ford SUV's!!
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