The Ford Expedition was created to pick up where the original Bronco left off, but it became the quintessential family hauler with a third row of seats, plenty of passenger space, and a smooth ride, thanks to its the independent rear suspension—which you can’t get on the solid-axle Chevrolet Tahoe or GMC Yukon. Something else you can get on the modern Expedition but not the GM twins? Adjustable pedals. While the previous generations of GM full-size SUVs used to offer this feature, it stopped in 2021 with the fifth generation of those vehicles.
All generations of the Ford Expedition are closely related to the Ford F-150 full-size truck, so we see similar styling cues and lots of the same technology in the two vehicles. The base drivetrain for Expedition is rear-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive is available. Since 2007, the Expedition has offered standard and extended-wheelbase models, first calling the latter the Expedition EL, then switching to Expedition MAX in 2018. Regardless of the name, they free up passenger and cargo space
This full-size SUV has always kept in step with modern technology, adding the likes of satellite radio, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 360-degree cameras, and hands-free driving capabilities. Though you wouldn’t necessarily call Expedition a luxury vehicle, the top-trimmed models certainly offer luxury amenities, such as a Bang & Olufsen sound system, a 15.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, massaging seats, and special leather seating surfaces.
The Expedition doesn’t offer a hybrid like the F-150, but changes are coming for 2025, and it is expected that a PowerBoost hybrid will finally be offered.
Ford Expedition: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ford Expedition Pros and Cons
- Ford Expedition Generations
- Ford Expedition Fourth Generation (2018–present)
- Ford Expedition Third Generation (2007–2017)
- Ford Expedition Second Generation (2003–2006)
- Ford Expedition First Generation (1997–2002)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Ford Expedition years are the best?
The current generation has far fewer customer complaints than the previous generations according to CarComplaints.com, but Consumer Reports repeatedly gives this generation poor predictive reliability, so we’d go back a generation. Overall, the third-generation Explorer has far fewer complaints and recalls than the current one. In fact, 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014 have zero recalls.
What are the worst Ford Expedition years?
Beyond the current generation’s poor predictive reliability ratings from Consumer Reports, the second-generation models have lots of complaints logged by both CarComplaints.com and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The 2003 model logs more than 1,000 complaints between the two sites, and that vehicle has six recalls. The most frequently reported problem concerns spark plugs blowing out of the head. However, CarComplaints.com com dubs 2004 the worst model year because of engine problems.
Is a used Ford Expedition a good deal?
Full-size SUVs are expensive, and the most-recent Ford Expeditions are holding their value fairly well, so you’ll have to look back at least three years to start finding any kind of a deal. At the 2022 model year, you can get a top Platinum trim for $30,000 less than the original MSRP, and we think that’s a good deal. If you go back to 2010 to 2014 models, Kelley Blue Book reports the national average transaction price is between $6,000 and $10,000—and we also think that’s a good deal for a vehicle that’s holding up well and has zero recalls.
Ford Expedition Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lots of interior space
- Strong powertrain
- Comfortable seats
Cons:
- Loud on the highway
- Tough to drive in tight spaces
- Max horsepower is dependent on premium fuel
Ford Expedition Generations
Ford Expedition Fourth Generation (2018–present)
Still based on the Ford F-150 truck, the fourth-generation Ford Expedition moved to the T3 platform, which uses a new four-wheel independent suspension design. This Expedition still features a body-on-frame architecture but now uses high-strength ,lightweight material consisting of boron steel and aluminum.
It’s an eight-passenger, three-row SUV, while a seven-passenger seating option is available. There were three trim levels at launch: Ford Expedition XLT, Limited, and Platinum. The extended-wheelbase model is now called the Ford Expedition MAX.
In addition to increased ground clearance and extensive interior and exterior design tweaks, the fourth-generation Expedition also got a serious tech upgrade. New available features include a 360-degree camera, park assist, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Ford Sync3.
There’s also an electronic locking rear differential available for the four-wheel drive (4WD) system, and it get a Terrain Management System adapted from the Ford Raptor, which has seven drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruds, and Sand. Another new big bit of tech is the semi-autonomous ProTrailer Backup Assist system, which allows the Expedition to reverse itself with a trailer coupled. The driver controls the system with a dial, and the Expedition steers and limits its reversing speed.
Though the EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6 was carried over from the previously generation, it gets a power boost, now delivering 375 horsepower. It can also tow a maximum of 9,300 pounds when fitted with the heavy-duty trailer tow package. The old six-speed transmission was replaced by a new 10-speed automatic.
The Expedition King Ranch trim returned for 2020 as the range topper, and we saw a base Ford Expedition XL STX five-seat model in 2021, but it was 2022 that heralded the mid-cycle refresh. This included revised front styling, a new interior, digital gauge cluster, larger 12- or 15-inch infotainment screens, Sync4, available GPS navigation, an optional Bluecruise hands-free driving system, a new off-road oriented Expedition Timberline trim with all-terrain tires, and a Ford Expedition Limited Stealth Performance Package that included a high-output of the turbo V6 engine.
With all its modern technology, the current Expedition won’t necessarily come cheap, but it can be a very good deal if you go for an early example, as the average price for the top-end 2018 Expedition is $25,000. Later models are pricier, but you’ll still see at least $10,000 off the original MSRP. Listings show vehicles for sale in this generation ranging from $16,000 to $65,000, and Classic.com says the average transaction price it sees for this generation is around $37,000.
Ford Expedition Third Generation (2007–2017)
The third generation of the Ford Expedition saw big changes, including the addition of the EL trim with an extended wheelbase. It was still based on the F-150 and, as the truck had switched to the new T platform, so did the SUV. This T1 platform replaced the one going back to the original model, and it incorporated four-wheel independent, long-travel suspension with all-new, five-link rear suspension and new rear lower control arms for improved damping.
The exterior has more of an F-150 vibe, with its similar blocky headlamps. Inside were redesigned seats, a new dashboard, a new center console, updated electronics, and a more powerful air conditioning system. This generation also added DVD-based navigation, an MP3 player input jack, and Sirius Satellite Radio. To help make the interior quieter, the Expedition received a SoundScreen laminated acoustic and solar-tinted windshield, as well as thicker laminated side-window glass. There were three Expedition trim levels available at launch: XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited.
The third-gen Expedition carried over the 5.4-liter V8, but it added a new six-speed automatic transmission. This generation could tow up to 9,200 pounds when properly equipped.
In 2008, the Expedition added available power running boards and a rearview camera, and the King Ranch trim was reintroduced to the lineup. The following year saw some tech upgrades, including the availability of Ford Sync, an LCD touch screen on the console on navigation-equipped models, and Bluetooth phone compatibility. In 2011, Ford added a base XL trim (which was dropped in 2014) and replaced the Eddie Bauer model with a new XLT Premium trim.
The third-gen Ford Expedition was significantly refreshed in 2013, with new suspension options, styling upgrades, and a 365hp, 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6, which replaced the old V8. The Expedition also added a new Ford Expedition Platinum trim, and the infotainment system was upgraded to Ford’s latest MyFord Touch with a standard eight-inch screen. New optional equipment included blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and infotainment apps that helped with towing and off-roading. The ControlTrac four-wheel drive system gained new off-road electronic systems, including Hill Ascent Assist, Hill Descent Control, and Ford Truck Apps that showed off-road orientation and systems in real time. The final two years of this generation had no major changes, except that Ford upgraded its infotainment system to Sync 3.
With 10 years under its belt, this generation has a wide used price range from salvage finds priced at $900, to $35,000 for a 2017 Limited trim with less than 100,000 miles. Classic.com said the average transaction price for vehicles in this generation was about $17,000.
Ford Expedition Second Generation (2003–2006)
The second-generation Ford Expedition still shared a platform with the Ford F-150, and one of the biggest innovations was the new four-wheel, independent, long-travel suspension system. This made the Expedition the first full-size SUV with fully independent suspension. The worry at the time was that the Expedition’s towing capacity would be affected but, because of the hydroformed fully boxed frame, towing capacity actually increased by 800 pounds to 8,900 pounds, while payload also increased to 1,614 pounds.
To help with towing, this generation of Expedition also got new steering, braking and electronic systems to help the full-size SUV better control hefty trailers. The V8 engines were carried over from the previous generation but were tweaked to improve mpg.
As a part of the new generation, the exterior of the Expedition featured a new grille, headlights, front and rear fascia, tail lamps, and liftgate. The interior got a new dash, door panels, and carpeting. Trims available at launch included the XLT, the FX4, and Eddie Bauer.
Another big innovation for this generation was the fold-flat, stow away third-row seats, while power folding third-row seats were an option. Other options included a CD-based navigation system, rear-seat DVD entertainment, parking sensors, power adjustable pedals, and a power moonroof. In terms of advanced safety technology, this generation Expedition introduced AdvanceTrac electronic stability control with traction control as an option. In 2005, this system expanded to include roll stability control.
There were no design changes in 2004, but it’s worth noting that this model year added a new XLT Sport trim and renamed the FX4 trim to NBX. In 2005, the Expedition got new roof rails, a new Limited trim that replaced the Eddie Bauer Premier, and a top-end King Ranch trim. The 4.6-liter V8 was dropped, and the 5.4-liter Triton V8 became the standard, and only, engine.
Kelley Blue Book said the national average fair purchase price for vehicles in this generation ranges from $2,000 to $6,000, and the listings we saw ranged from $500 for a salvage resell to $14,000 for a low-mileage model in excellent condition.
Ford Expedition First Generation (1997–2002)
The first-generation Ford Expedition replaced the discontinued two-door Ford Bronco. Like the Bronco, it was based on the Ford F-150, but had four doors and offered the likes of optional three-row seating for up to nine passengers, first-row captain’s chairs, leather seats, illuminated running boards, heated sideview mirrors, power moon roof, and dual-zone climate control. Similarly to the F-150, the base trim was an XLT.
Because it was based on the F-150, the Expedition featured a body-on-frame construction, and was also was available with automatic full-time ControlTrac four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case and center multi-disc differential. It also introduced an optional, electronically controlled pneumatic air suspension system, which could raise and lower the vehicle depending on road and load conditions.
This generation was rear-wheel drive as standard, while four-wheel drive was available. It offered two V8 engines of 4.6 and a 5.4 liters, and the only transmission was a four-speed automatic.
This Expedition got a mid-cycle refresh in 1999, comprising a new grille and new front bumper that incorporated the fog lamps into the lower valance on the exterior, along with a new dashboard, gauge cluster, radio, and HVAC controls inside. This was also the year Expedition got a digital odometer for the first time. and the V8 engines got a little more power.
Kelley Blue Book stated that the national average transaction price for a vehicle of this generation ranged from $2,000 and $3,000, and we saw listings from $1,000 for a high-mileage model in fair condition to $19,000 for an Eddie Bauer with the flagship engine in excellent condition.
