The Used Ford Expedition is the superhero of the full-size SUV class. Since it replaced the Ford Bronco in the late 1990s the Expedition has been leading the way in how full-sized SUVs as viewed in it's normal mode as the Expedition and in it's secret identity as the Luxury Lincoln Navigator.
First Generation (1997 – 2002)
Originally the Ford Expedition was designed as a large SUV that was just a step above the Explorer and to replace the compact two-door Ford Bronco. Introduced in 1996 with two V-8 engines, a 4.6-liter and 5.4-liter, it paired exclusively to a four-speed automatic transmission. The standard 4.6-liter V8 engine delivered 215 hp with 290 foot-pounds of torque and the optional 5.4-liter V8 engine delivered 230 hp and 325 foot-pounds of torque. The updated 1999 models offered the same engines but boosted its power to 230 hp and 260 hp, with the smaller engine’s towing capacity at 6000 pounds and the larger engine at 8000 pounds.
It also was designed for up to three rows of seating with its 119-inch wheelbase, accommodating the driver and eight passengers, with optional captain’s chairs for the first and second rows. Ford offered two trims in the Expedition – the base XLT and the luxury Eddie Bauer trim that included leather seating, dual zone climate control, and a power moonroof. Basic standard safety features included two airbags with two-way occupant protection and three-point safety belts on all seats.
Second Generation (2003-2006)
The second-generation Expedition arrived in 2002 as a 2003 model. It came with a newly redesigned interior and exterior, with a similar face front to the third-generation Ford Explorer, making it a cleaner look. The interior got a new upgraded carpet, new door panels and aluminum trim.
The Expedition improved its ride quality with its new independent rear suspension instead of a live rear axle. The same engines and transmissions from the previous generation moved to the second generation, but the output of the 4.6-liter engine increased to 232 hp and 291 foot-pounds of torque and the new 5.4-liter engine bumped to 260 hp and 350 foot-pounds of torque. Further changes to the 5.4-liter engine pushed its output to 300 hp and 365 foot-pounds of torque. In 2005, Ford eliminated the 4.6-liter V8 engine and made the 5.4-liter engine standard.
In this generation, the Expedition offered eight trim levels. Buyers could choose variations from the two-wheel drive XLT 4.6-liter V8 standard trim all the way up to the four-wheel drive Eddie Bauer 5.4-liter V8 trim level.
A new safety feature for this generation was the option of a four airbag system that offered six-way occupant protection.
Third Generation (2007-2017)
The third generation was revealed in 2007 and was first to receive a long-wheelbase model called the Expedition EL. The new Expedition EL was 14.8 inches longer than the standard Expedition and offered more cargo space. It’s redesign in the regular trims – the XL, XLT, XLT Premium, XLT Sport, Limited and King Ranch – made for a sleek look with its hollow-bar grilles and multifaceted headlamps. It also offered a new dashboard and center stack. The 2013 discontinued the XL and XLT Sport trims and in subsequent years, Ford dropped the XLT Premium model and added a Platinum trim.
Only the 5.4-liter V8 was available and the four-speed automatic was replaced by a six-speed transmission. The towing capacity jumped up to 9,200 pounds with its 300 hp and 365 foot-pounds of torque. In the 2015 model year, Ford introduced an EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6 engine with twin turbochargers that gave out 365 hp and 420 foot-pounds of torque, with excellent acceleration and passing abilities. With this engine being more fuel efficient, Ford decided to drop the 5.4-liter V8 engine.
Fourth Generation (2018-Present)
The fourth generation Ford Expedition was brought out in November 2017 for it’s 2018 model and is in a class of its own. Its wheelbase is three inches wider and an overall length that is four inches longer. The Expedition Max adds even more with an added foot to the length of the SUV. This added space makes for a roomier ride and more cargo space.
The trim levels included in the Expedition and Expedition MAX include the base XLT, the mid-level Limited, and the luxury-level Platinum trim. XLT trim comes in rear and four-wheel drive options. Its standard features include cloth upholstery, a push-button start, a 4.3-inch LCD screen, and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The Platinum upgrades to climate-controlled and massaging leather seats, polished alloy wheels, and a forward-sensing system.
This generation is equipped with the same 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine from previous years, but has been updated to make 375 hp and 470 foot-pounds of torque, with the Platinum boosting to 400 hp and 480 foot-pounds of torque. It also has increased its towing capacity to 9,300 pounds.