The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV produced by Ford Motor Company since the 1997 model year. Introduced as the replacement for the 1978–1996 Ford Bronco, the Expedition again maintained commonality with the F-150, shifting its form factor to a truck-based five-door station wagon. Initially competing between the Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Suburban (and their GMC Yukon counterparts), the Expedition also serves a competitor against the Toyota Sequoia, Nissan Armada, and the Jeep (Grand) Wagoneer. From 2000 to 2006, the Expedition was slotted below the Ford Excursion in size (based on the Ford F-250 Super Duty). Currently in its fifth generation (introduced for 2025), the Expedition is produced in two wheelbases, with both versions offering seating for up to eight passengers.
For its first two generations, the Ford Expedition shared the Ford P platform with the Ford F-150, shifting to the Ford T platform, which it uses today. Since its second generation (introduced for 2003), the Expedition has differed from the F-150 in its use of independent suspension for all four wheels, becoming the first full-size SUV to do so. Since 1998, the Expedition has shared its platform with the Lincoln Navigator, the first full-size luxury SUV.
Ford currently assembles the Expedition at its Kentucky Truck Assembly facility (Louisville, Kentucky) alongside the Lincoln Navigator and Super Duty trucks (F-250 to F-600). Prior to 2009, the model line was assembled by the Michigan Assembly Plant (Wayne, Michigan).
Background The Expedition nameplate first made its debut in 1992 on a Ford F-150 concept vehicle; in 1995, the nameplate returned as a trim level package for the three-door Ford Explorer Sport (replacing the Eddie Bauer option package). The option was offered solely for 1995 and dropped in anticipation of the full-size SUV line.
The Expedition offered up to nine-passenger seating prior to 2007 (with a front bench seat option in the first row); 2007–present model year Expeditions have bucket seats in the first row and seats eight passengers. From its introduction in 1996 to 2014, it was powered by a standard Triton V8 engine when, for the 2015 model year, it was replaced with a more compact, yet more efficient and powerful 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine. It is similar to the Lincoln Navigator, especially in Limited (2005–2024) or King Ranch (2005–2017; 2020–present) high-end trims; both of which were introduced in 2004 for the 2005 model year. With the 2011 model year, the base model was designated XL, an upgraded XLT, and a new XLT Premium that replaced the Eddie Bauer trim (1997–2010) which was phased out from the entire Ford vehicle lineup. As of 2010, over 1,545,241 Expeditions (both standard and EL/Max) had been sold. A modified Special Service Vehicle version is available for law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and emergency medical services.
The Expedition is also known for being one of the longest-lasting vehicles on the road. With 5% of vehicles over 200,000 miles, it landed the #4 spot in a 2016 study by iSeeCars.com listing the top 10 longest-lasting vehicles. The Expedition was also the last Ford vehicle to retain its older design found in the early to mid 2000's, meaning, all the way up to 2017, it kept its triangular-styled tail-lamps and rounded-rectangular shaped headlamps along with the overall boxy shape of the body.
First generation (1997)
Known internally at Ford as the UN93, the first generation Expedition was developed under the UN93 program from 1993 to 1996, headed by chief engineer Dale Claudepierre at a cost of US$1.3 billion. Initial planning began in 1991 parallel to PN96 F-Series development, prior to the UN93 program fully being approved in 1993. Styling approval was completed in early 1993 ( years ahead of 1996 production) under design chief Bob Aikins, with the UN93 design being frozen by September 1993, at 34 months prior to the start of production in July 1996.
The all-new full-size SUV was unveiled on May 9, 1996, and launched on October 2, 1996, as a 1997 model. It replaced the aging two-door Ford Bronco. The XLT was the base model. The Expedition featured optional three row seating, first-row captain's chair seating, available second row captains chair seating, leather seating surfaces, illuminated running boards, heated side view mirrors, power moon roof, dual zone climate control and Ford's Mach audio sound system with rear subwoofer. Many of these features were standard on the Eddie Bauer version.
Expedition was available with automatic full-time ControlTrac four-wheel drive with two-speed dual range BorgWarner 4406 transfer case and a center multi-disc differential. ControlTrac was introduced in 1995 and included four selectable modes: Two High, Auto, Four High (lock) and Four Low (lock). Two High mode and Auto mode with auto-lock was not available.Motor vehicle models allbusiness.com
A short- and long-arm (SLA) independent front suspension with speed-sensitive power-assisted steering was combined with a multi-link rear live axle. Optional equipment included off-road under-body skid-plate protection, Traction-Lok rear limited-slip differential, and a heavy-duty trailer towing package.
Optional was an electronically controlled pneumatic air suspension system that would raise and lower the vehicle depending on road and load conditions. The system also included a kneel-down mode for easier ingress and egress, as well as loading cargo,
Standard was the 4.6L Triton V8 with the 5.4L version optional. The first-generation Expedition was rated as a Low Emission Vehicle (LEV). The latter engine combined with the heavy-duty trailer towing package and appropriate axle ratio can achieve a towing capacity of .
Powertrain
Engine nameConfigurationModel YearOutputTransmission Power Torque Ford Triton 2-valve V8 SOHC 16V V8 1997–1998 4-speed 4R70W automatic (1997–2002)4-speed E4OD automatic (1997–1998)4-speed 4R100 automatic (1998–2002)
Transfer case (4×4):2-speed BorgWarner 4406;High range 1:1, low range: 2.64:1 Ford Triton 2-valve V8 SOHC 16V V8 Ford Triton 2-valve V8 SOHC 16V V8 2001–2002 Ford Triton 2-valve V8 SOHC 16V V81999–2002
Safety and security
A two air bag supplementary restraint system (SRS) with 2-way occupant protection was standard. The air bags would adjust deployment force depending on crash severity. Features included SecuriLock with smart key and engine immobilizer, security approach lamps, four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS), side-intrusion door beams, post-crash fuel pump shut-off, and three-point safety belts for all rows of seating with tension and locking retractors.
An optional four air bag SRS with 4-way occupant protection was available for the 2000–2002 model years. This included seat-mounted side torso side air bags.
The 2001 model introduced a BeltMinder system to detect when the driver did not have their safety belt secured.
NHTSA NCAP crash scores: 1997–2000 2001–2002 Frontal Driver: Frontal Driver: Frontal Passenger: Frontal Passenger: Side Driver: Not tested Side Driver: Not tested Side Rear Passenger: Not tested Side Rear Passenger: Not tested Rollover Resistance (RWD): Not tested Rollover Resistance (RWD): Rollover Resistance (4WD): Not tested Rollover Resistance (4WD):
Model year changes
1998 No major cosmetic or mechanical changes. A new exterior color was added: Wedgewood Blue. Limited availability for 4.6L Windsor versus Romeo engine. This limited run was available only for Expeditions equipped with the Ultimate Tow Package.
1999
The 1999 model year received a facelift similar to that of the contemporary Ford F-150. Included in the update was a new front grille which now dropped lower in the center, as well as a new front bumper that incorporated the fog lamps into the lower valance and larger center air intake. Both the 4.6L and 5.4L V8 engines received updates including increased power and torque. The Two-High mode for automatic full-time ControlTrac four-wheel-drive equipped models was dropped, leaving only Auto, Four High (lock), and Four Low (lock) modes. The dashboard also received an updated radio and air conditioning controls and revised gauge cluster and a digital odometer for the first time.
2000 Available features on 2000 models included a hidden radio antenna (integrated into the rear quarter panel window glass), Gentex auto dimming electrochromatic rearview mirrors, lane departure indicators on side view mirrors (before on the glass portion of the mirror). The lower front bumper valance and illuminated running boards were changed over to Arizona beige to complement the standard Arizona beige exterior body trim on Eddie Bauer models. Estate Green Clearcoat Metallic replaces Spruce Green Clearcoat Metallic, and Arizona Beige Metallic replaces Harvest Gold Clearcoat Metallic in the color palette.
2001 New trim packages included the XLT model. XLT versions could be optioned with the XLT No Boundaries package that included monochromatic black paintwork with chrome grille and special alloy wheels. Eddie Bauer versions could be optioned with the Eddie Bauer Premier package that included either monochromatic Arizona beige or solid black paintwork with painted alloy wheels and upgraded leather seating. A reverse sensing system was made optional.
2002 No major cosmetic or mechanical changes. Last year model for the UN93. This was also the last model year for XLT No Boundaries and Eddie Bauer Premier trims.
Ford SVT Thunder Ford's Special Vehicle Team proposed a high-performance variant called Thunder for the 2000 model year. It was equipped with the 5.4 L V8 from the SVT Lightning pickup and had a top speed of . However, since this generation of the Expedition had only two model years left, it was never put into production.
Second generation (2003)
The redesigned second-generation Expedition was developed under the U222 program code name from 1996 to 2002, under Ford chief vehicle engineer Steve von Foerster and chief program engineer John Krafcik from 1998 to 2002. Design work began in 1997, with a proposal by Tyler Blake being chosen by management and frozen for production in 1999. UN93-body mules were spotted testing in 2000, with full prototypes running from late 2000. The new Expedition was unveiled at the 2002 North American International Auto Show, in January. It was launched in May 2002 for the 2003 model year and featured a new four-wheel independent long-travel suspension system, becoming the first full-size sport utility vehicle to use a fully independent suspension.
The new independent rear suspension (IRS) was perceived as being controversial by some at the time of its introduction. A misconception was that the Expedition's towing and off-road capabilities would be reduced, in comparison to the previous generation's rear live axle. Nevertheless, underbody obstacle clearance improved by half an inch, and up to two inches under the axle differentials. The new suspension reduces rear unsprung mass by , and allows for a full of suspension travel (how much the wheels can travel up or down) improving its ability to traverse uneven terrain for improved control and ride quality. The four-wheel independent long-travel suspension itself is a purpose-built version of race suspensions found on off-road desert race vehicles.
The Expedition also gained a hydroformed fully boxed frame providing a 70 percent improvement in torsional stiffness. Towing capacity increased by for a maximum towing capacity of when properly equipped with the appropriate axle ratio and heavy-duty trailer towing package. Payload capacity was increased to a maximum of . Models equipped with the heavy-duty trailer towing package received a heavy duty 9.75" rear differential and axle combination compared to the 8.8" of the standard version.