Ford Expedition, experiences?

[Scott R]

My wife drives a 2013, to date we've had one problem, it was a leaky shock on the drivers side front. Other than that it's been perfect. (only 11k miles on it) I love the air conditioned seats and the kid loves the rear seat TV's. Wasn't cheap but it's great for hauling my boat.

[kaisen]

If you're intent on a 2003-2006, I'd buy a Navigator with the ZF 6 speed instead of the old Ford-built 4 speed A4OD-E in the Expedition of those same years. Huge difference.

Also, the early (03-08) 3v 5.4L was notorious for failed cam phasers that made the engine sound like a diesel at under 1500rpm. You'd know in the first minute at idle. Need to remove front accessories, replace both phasers (L, R) and timing chains. Most 03-06 have had this done by now. Perhaps several times.

If it has four corner load leveling, make sure you inspect the air compressor and all four air reservoirs for leaks and operation. Check by putting it in four-low and see if it raises, then immediately into 2wd then park to see if it kneels.

[dad911]

Originally Posted by dad911

2005 expedition here, 88k miles, only problem was a broken exhaust manifold.

Approx 10k of mileage has been towing an open or enclosed trailer, and it has made 2 non-stop round trips in the last year from NJ-Key West without issue.

Brakes also last at least twice as long as my prior suburban & tahoe.

Well, Since this last post, I dumped it this spring at about 130k miles. Since then, in addition to the above exhaust manifold cracking a second time.....new transmission, Brake lines rusted out last year, pedal went to floor and scared the crap out of me. Last straw was trans line rusting out this spring, stranded 300 miles from home. And when they repaired the trans line, I was told the brackets for radiator and cooler were ready to break.

Kaisen has some good advice, I guess my cam phasers were shot too, sounded like valve tap for the last 40k miles or so.... I was expecting the engine to blow....

[v2rocket_aka944]

Thanks for your comments, dad911.
Do you live in an area where they salt the roads in winter? Would you have expected such rust issues in another vehicle with those conditions?

I have heard that the transmission in the Expedition is much sturdier than that of the similar-year Explorers. And the 2v motors wouldn't have the cam phaser problem so maybe thats my best option.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Just curious, why not an Armada? We had a 2005 from 60-120k and it was flawless. Far better than the Expedition in every way, we test drove multiple examples of both.

[v2rocket_aka944]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Just curious, why not an Armada? We had a 2005 from 60-120k and it was flawless. Far better than the Expedition in every way, we test drove multiple examples of both.

Don't really like the look of them and am a little concerned about parts cost (being that its nowhere near as common a vehicle)

[onewhippedpuppy]

Quote de onewhippedpuppy

Just curious, why not an Armada? We had a 2005 from 60-120k and it was flawless. Far better than the Expedition in every way, we test drove multiple examples of both.

Don't really like the look of them and am a little concerned about parts cost (being that its nowhere near as common a vehicle)

Looks I get. But parts cost? It's a Nissan for God's sake, not a Maserati.

If you can get over the looks, go drive one. Surprisingly nimble and tight, fantastic engine and transmission combo. Exponentially better than the dog 5.4 bolted into the Expedition that handles like a boat. Massive 2nd row, very usable 3rd row, more standard features, one handle flip forward 2nd row seats so easy that my 4 year old could operate them, great space behind the 3rd row. I set out to buy an Expedition, once we drove the Armada it wasn't even close.

[v2rocket_aka944]

What are your thoughts on interior quality? I see nothing bot dogging reviews about the Armada interior.

[Kistle]

Just sold a 2003 Expy that we bought new. Current drive a 2011 4Runner also bought new. Here are the +/- from my experience:

Expy
Great power (5.4L 4WD)
Fantastic, plush ride (for a full-size SUV) from independent rear suspension
Transfer Case leaked - repaired under warranty. No problems since
Spark plug replacement risk (did mine at 120K and no problems)
Wind noise from body plastic and mirrors HIGHLY annoying
Aluminum lift gate paint peels off and looks horrible
Interior leather is very durable
Rest of interior is simple and functional, but far from "luxurious" (mine was XLT)
12.8 MPG overall
Put 156K on it and it was still dead reliable when I sold it
Overall, FANTASTIC vehicle that I loved driving

4Runner
Looks great
Horribly underpowered/under torqued (particularly at anything less than 3/4 throttle)
18 mpg (not that great considering the lack of power)
HATE, HATE, HATE the indecisive 5 speed Auto trans. It shifts up and down at unexpected times, hard downshifts, shuddering upshifts, whines like a supercharger (Dealer says all "normal").
Suspension is great, if a little stiff for street driving. Would be great off-road, I think, but ours doesn't see much (once per year in Colorado)
Tons of great mods available, if mostly cosmetic
Interior painted plastic scratches easily
Interior buttons are large and clunky, but have grown on me
Overall, I really, really like the truck, but the transmission (at least in mine) might be enough to cause me to dump it. I hate it that much.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by v2rocket_aka944

What are your thoughts on interior quality? I see nothing bot dogging reviews about the Armada interior.

Maybe compared to a Lexus. Compared to a Ford I'd rate it as better, especially that era of Ford. Interior plastics are probably a wash, both use hard plastics in non-touch surfaces. The Armada cloth interior wears like iron, it's a unique material and really scrubs clean with a damp rag. Ours at 120k had no rattles, it was nice and tight. Functionally it blows the Ford away, I still remember the multi-lever cumbersome second row folding mechanism in the Expeditions that we looked at, complete with sharp hooks and bars under the seat to snag on kids. If you actually want to use the 3rd row, that's a big deal. The Armada had a single lever on the top edge of the seatback that in one motion caused the seat to fold and flip forward, and the underside was protected by a hard plastic cover. 2nd row legroom is huge. Features are better in the Armada as well, some things like parking sensors are standard, where you have to get a higher option package on the Ford for them to even be an option.

Bottom line, at 120k ours looked like new after using it as a family car with three young kids. That's only one data point, but we were very happy. I felt it was the best choice in the segment regardless of price, and would buy one again in a heartbeat. Just so you know, the QX56 gives you the same basic goodness in a more luxurious package, and the QX and Armada LE give you the option of captain's chairs in the second row. Just go look at and drive one, it will be worth your while.

[dad911]

Originally Posted by v2rocket_aka944

Thanks for your comments, dad911.
Do you live in an area where they salt the roads in winter? Would you have expected such rust issues in another vehicle with those conditions?

I have heard that the transmission in the Expedition is much sturdier than that of the similar-year Explorers. And the 2v motors wouldn't have the cam phaser problem so maybe thats my best option.

Yes, NJ, However we have a similar year and mileage MDX that has needed nothing but regular service. No rust.

[JAR0023]

Originally Posted by v2rocket_aka944

Bumping this up, looking at 03-10 Expeditions with 5.4L engine.

Not interested in GM products here (terrible interiors) and definitely not interested in Chrysler products (terrible everythings). Toyotas are out of my price range, though nice. Not interested in Armadas.

Don't really like the interiors of the 07+ Expeditions so I am focusing on the 2003-2006 models. Please share your experiences with ride quality, reliability, overall satisfaction, and maybe even MPG (expectations on MPG are low).

I have a 2004 Expedition. XLT, 4x4, 5.4, Leather. 125k miles. Other that a few items it's been very reliable. Owned it since mid 05 @ 15k miles. Did about 15k or so a year until about four years ago and now it sees about 5-6k miles a year; mostly hauling kids or pulling a trailer. It's long been paid for and cheap to insure so it's sits until I need it. Always starts, always goes.

For the 03-04s there was a batch of soft (poor heat treat) ring and pinions. I had mine replaced under warranty. If not replaced it will get loud at some specific MPH. Should be pretty obvious on a test drive.

I replaced the alternator around 110k miles. It's right up front, took all of 15 minutes to change.

Spark plugs can be a pain to replace, often breaking off in the head. If they haven't been done budget closer to $750 for a pro or expect to spend money on the tool. It was widespread enough that several vendors make a tool just for removing these plugs.

Big brakes compared to other vehicle of the time. First set of pads lasted me until 90k miles when I changed them just because. Still had life left in them. Keep the tires rotated and they'll last better than most big vehicles. I got over 70k (crazy number) from the OEM General tires. Need to change the second set due to age and dry-rot not b/c of treadlife.

Rack and pinion steering and independent rear suspension. They ride and steer better than most of that period. Ahead for their time and most other makes are doing this now.

05 brought about the 3 valve heads for the 5.4 and a decent (60ish hp) bump in power.

I did have a TPMS sensor finally quit. One in ten years isn't all that bad. Gonna cost about $60 for a new one locally. I"m almost ready for tires so I'll have it installed at the same time.

Everything still works, squeaks and rattles are minimal. I get 15 mpg whether filled with Girl Scouts, towing a boat or filled with hunting gear. If mine were smashed tomorrow I might end up with the same thing. -J


ETA - My mother bought an 06 2wd. She drives like the grandmother she is and gets right at 17mpg.

[911SauCy]

My personal experience.

Look to be doing the mommy work in the most uneconomical way possible.

Vast majority of 10+year old examples are just garbage...they don't age well. And the exhaust, the exhaust loves to get louder with age.

Gotta be reliable as heck tho...they run like Energizer bunnies even after abuse from all the cop shops

[v2rocket_aka944]

What do you mean mommy work?

[MBAtarga]

Ours is a 2001 EB edition. Orig owner. Has had a few issues over time and replaced the engine this past year at 190k which was told is unusual. Just replaced alternator last month. Had a few issues over the years - rear axle seal, otherwise normal maint - ball joints, brakes, etc. 5.4L - 13 mpg