Ford Expedition Generations Ranked From Worst To Best

The Ford Expedition has been in production since 1996, serving as the successor to the widely popular Bronco SUV (before the Bronco itself was revived in recent times). This full-size SUV is heavily based on the popular Ford F-150 pickup truck, with both models sharing some body and mechanical components, along with some minor styling elements. While Ford experts and owners may be divided on opinion as to the best versus the worst generations of the Expedition, we have done our best to review all possible information regarding which Ford Expedition generations are favored over others. This includes a range of sources, such as owner’s groups, various forums, NHTSA recalls, and information from websites like Car Complaints.

Featured here are what we believe to be the best Ford Expedition models by year and generation.

4 First Generation (1997–2002)

The very first iteration, and some of the oldest examples of the Ford Expedition, are considered the worst versions of the Ford Expedition models. Along with an exterior design that has not aged well, the first-generation Expedition is significantly let down by appearance and build quality – both inside and mechanically speaking. This Expedition wasn’t alone, as other 1990s Ford products also suffered. As the year 2000 neared, the Ford Motor Company was forced to implement a lot of cost-cutting measures – which, unfortunately, were easy to pick up within their vehicles at the time.

The 1st generation Expedition featured a very dull interior design, combined with the use of cheap, hard plastics throughout. Interior features, from the switchgear and dashboard design, were clearly borrowed from other Ford trucks and passenger vehicle models – leaving little to distinguish the Expedition. While the V8 engines offered within the Expedition range are considered robust, these engines do not score highly regarding average fuel economy. After all, these 90s-era Ford SUVs are widely known as gas guzzlers for good reason. The V8 engines were also prone to multiple mechanical issues; the most notable of all the possible ways they could fail included the spark plugs being blown out of their sockets.

The first-generation Expedition may have been groundbreaking for the SUV market and Ford at its release. However, compared to other used examples and more modern Expedition model years, it falls way behind in multiple departments.

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3 Third Generation (2007–2017)

The third-generation Ford Expedition was one of Ford’s longest-running production models; including various midlife updates, this generation was produced from the 2007 to 2017 model years. This Expedition also introduced the extended wheelbase Expedition EL (now referred to as the Expedition Max) body style.

In an effort to chase improved efficiency, Ford introduced the 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine to replace the thirstier 5.4-liter Triton V8. While the EcoBoost offered more power and torque than the V8, it also introduced a range of problems. Owners on websites such as Car Complaints report multiple reliability issues affecting the first model year of the Expedition equipped with the EcoBoost V6 engine. These include sudden loss of power and spark plug failure, to name a few.

Comparing the turbocharged V6 to the raw nature of the V8, many preferred the V8 – with a large displacement engine with eight cylinders, a desirable combination among those eyeing a full-size American SUV in this segment. The then-radical EcoBoost V6 engine equipped on a large SUV like the third-generation Ford Expedition may have been great for better fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions figures, but some long-term fans of the Expedition decried the departure of the classic, all-American V8 engine under the large front hood.

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2 Second Generation (2003–2006)

One of the better older Ford Expedition model years is the second-generation Expedition, produced for the 2003 to 2006 model years. Compared to the first generation, these models did a better job at hiding their F-150 pickup truck roots. A major Ford Expedition body style change that applied was a more SUV-focused design. This generation was one of the first American-built SUVs to feature a then-modern fully independent rear suspension system, compared to the traditional solid live rear-axle setup utilized by the first generation and other heavy-duty models. Skeptics feared the Expedition going for an independent suspension setup would limit its off-road capabilities, but this would not be the case, as it offered ample ground clearance and suspension travel from the factory, comparable with other full-size SUVs in this segment. This allowed for a better ride, as well as more stable handling at speed.

The design for this full-size SUV was very similar to another solid and similarly popular Ford SUV product, the Explorer (then in its third generation).

2nd-generation Expedition models also came with advanced safety features, such as a tire pressure monitoring system, AdvanceTrac electronic stability control (later updated to include anti-rollover stability control), four-way anti-lock brakes, and optional side curtain airbags. This allowed the Expedition to tout safety as one of its selling points, especially in the SUV segment where aids in reducing the likeliness of rollover accidents are a key item.

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1 Fourth Generation (2018–)

The best Ford Expedition model years lie among the latest versions of Ford’s large SUV model. The 4th-generation Expedition (and extended-wheelbase Expedition EL/Max) was released for the 2018 model year. This generation continues to be made on Ford Trucks’ production line based in Louisville, Kentucky. For the 2024 model year, the Ford Expedition rivals models such as GM’s Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban, Nissan Armada, Lexus GX/LX, and GMC Yukon.

Modernizing the Expedition for the current era, all Ford Expedition models here feature multiple aluminum body panels that enable these Ford SUVs to be lighter than preceding generations. A ten-speed automatic transmission was also introduced, paired with the latest version of the 3.5L turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine, which can produce rated horsepower figures between 375 to 440 hp – depending on the trim and EcoBoost engine selected. On top of this, these Expedition models have an impressive rated towing capacity – the standard Expedition can tow up to 9,300 pounds, while the extended wheelbase Expedition Max can tow up to 9,000 pounds.

All fourth-gen models come generously equipped, from the entry-level XL to the most expensive King Ranch and Platinum trim levels. These include electric folding third-row seats, optional second-row captain’s chairs, Ford’s Sync4 infotainment system, and more. Top-spec Expedition Platinum models also benefit from the inclusion of Ford’s self-driving technology, BlueCruise, making this full-size SUV ideal to easily cover highway miles.