In the realm of full-size SUVs, the Ford Expedition stands tall as a reliable workhorse. But not all model years are created identical.
This guide cuts through the noise, pinpointing the Ford Expedition’s best years and the ones you’d be wise to steer clear of.
I’ve delved deep into the data, poring over reports from NHTSA, VehicleHistory, and expert reviews to bring you the thorough picture. We’ll break down each generation, highlighting top performers, middle-of-the-road options, and the years that might leave you stranded.
Ready to uncover your perfect Expedition?
Let’s plunge in and explore the highs and lows of this legendary SUV’s journey through the years.
Table of ContentsShow
Ford Expedition Generations
The Ford Expedition burst onto the scene in 1997, marking Ford’s daring entry into the large SUV market. This robust beast quickly made a name for itself, offering a potent mix of size, power, and versatility that had family-haulers and heavy-duty users alike sitting up and taking notice.
Stepping in as the Bronco‘s larger, formidable cousin, the Expedition came out swinging with remarkable specs for its time. We’re talking powerful V8 engines – either a 4.6L or a beefier 5.4L – paired with a spacious interior and towing capabilities that could make a pickup truck blush.
Let’s break down the Expedition’s progression:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st generation (UN93) | 1997-2002 |
| 2nd generation (U222) | 2003-2006 |
| 3rd generation (U324) | 2007-2017 |
| 4th generation (U553) | 2018-Present |
Why should you care about these generations? Simple. Each one tells a tale of innovation, hiccups, and successes. Understanding this timeline is your secret weapon in hunting down the perfect Expedition for your needs and budget.
Ford Expedition Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
When it comes to picking the cream of the crop (or avoiding the lemons) in the Expedition lineup, we don’t mess around. Our ranking system is thorough, factoring in:
- What owners are saying (because who knows better than the folks behind the wheel?)
- How much you’ll shell out for annual maintenance
- Safety ratings (because your precious cargo deserves the best)
- Reliability scores from the pros at Consumer Reports
- The dreaded recall and complaint counts from NHTSA
- Ratings from industry heavyweights like Edmunds, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book
- Real-world feedback from VehicleHistory and Cars.com users
Take a look at this graph – it’s a visual banquet of all those ratings rolled into one:
Now, let’s break it down further. We’ve sorted the Expedition years into three categories: the stars, the mediocre, and the stinkers.
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st generation (UN93) | 2002 | N/A | 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 |
| 2nd generation (U222) | 2006 | N/A | 2003 2004 2005 |
| 3rd generation (U324) | 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 | 2009 2010 | 2007 2008 2011 2012 |
| 4th generation (U553) | 2022 2023 | 2019 | 2018 2020 2021 |
A swift note on those “neutral” years – they’re the Goldilocks of the bunch. Not bad enough to avoid, not great enough to seek out. Just… there.
Remember, when we’re talking recalls and complaints, more is definitely not merrier. A high count in either category sends that model year plunging down our reliability rankings faster than you can say “transmission trouble.”
Ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of each generation?
Let’s go!
Best & Worst Years for Ford Expedition 1st Generation (1997-2002)
The first-gen Expedition roared onto the scene, ready to carve out its piece of the full-size SUV pie. But like any newcomer, it had its share of teething problems.
The Best Years: 2002
If you’re eyeing a first-gen Expedition, 2002 is your ideal ticket. It’s not flawless, mind you, but it’s the best of the bunch.
Under the hood, you had options:
- A 4.6L Triton V8 pumping out 232 horses
- A burlier 5.4L Triton V8 flexing with 260 horsepower
Both came paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission – nothing elaborate, but it got the job done.
Fuel economy? Well, let’s just say it was on par with other gas-guzzling behemoths of its day: 14 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway. Not great, not terrible.
The 2002 model threw in some nice perks:
- XLT trim got you power-adjustable pedals and rear A/C
- Eddie Bauer trim upped the ante with two-tone paint and a swankier interior
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Some owners griped about brake issues and the sporadic transmission hiccup. Still, compared to its predecessors, the 2002 was a breath of fresh air.
The Worst Years: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Now, for the years you’d be prudent to skip. The 1997-2001 Expeditions? Let’s just say they had some kinks to iron out.
The 1997 model kicked things off with a bang – and not the positive kind. Owners battled:
- Spark plug blowouts in the 5.4L Triton V8
- Electrical gremlins causing total power loss
- Dashboard displays going haywire
- Transmission troubles
- Brake failures that’d make your heart skip a beat
And the hits kept coming. From ’98 through ’01, these issues lingered around like unwelcome house guests. But wait, there’s more! Fire risk became a hot topic (pun intended), with that pesky speed control deactivation switch often fingered as the culprit.
Recalls? Oh, they had plenty. From obstinate transmission cables to potential steering disconnects, these early models kept the repair shops bustling.
Want the down-and-dirty?
Check out the NHTSA reports for the 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001 models. It’s not straightforward reading, people.
Best & Worst Years for Ford Expedition 2nd Generation (2003-2006)
The second-gen Expedition rolled in with a fresh face and some advanced new tech. But did it leave its troublesome past in the rearview?
Let’s discover.
The Best Years: 2006
2006 takes the top spot for this generation, and here’s why:
Engine options? You bet:
- A 4.6L Triton SOHC V8 churning out 232 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque
- A beefier 5.4L SOHC V8 pushing 300 hp and a meaty 365 lb-ft of torque
Both came mated to a 4-speed automatic, promising fluid shifts and decent response.
Fuel economy was still nothing to write home about – 12 mpg city and 17 highway. But hey, you don’t purchase an Expedition to save on gas, right?
Trim levels ran the gamut from practical to opulent:
- XLT for the budget-conscious
- Eddie Bauer for a touch of luxury
- Limited for those who wanted it all
Safety got a boost too, with the introduction of AdvanceTrac stability control.
But it wasn’t all roses. Some owners reported premature brake wear and the sporadic electrical gremlin. Still, compared to its siblings, the 2006 was the beauty of the ball.
The Worst Years: 2003, 2004, 2005
Here’s the edited text: Now, for the years that might have you reaching for the acetaminophen:
The 2003 Expedition came out swinging – and not in a positive way. Owners faced a deluge of issues:
- Those pesky spark plug blowouts were back
- Electrical systems went haywire
- Window regulators decided to take early retirement
- Transmission failures left drivers stranded
And let’s not forget about those rusty brake lines. Nothing says “fun” like leaking brake fluid, right?
2004 and 2005 didn’t fare much better. The famous parade continued with:
- Electronic throttle control throwing tantrums
- Engines deciding to quit mid-drive
- Transmissions that couldn’t make up their mind about shifting
Want the complete horror story?
Check out the NHTSA reports for 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006. Just don’t read them before bed.
Best & Worst Years for Ford Expedition 3rd Generation (2007-2017)
The third-gen Expedition rolled onto the scene, promising big things. But did it deliver?
Let’s break it down.
The Best Years: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Looking for the cream of the crop? The 2013-2017 models are your optimal choice. Here’s why they shine:
Engine choices progressed over time:
- 2013-2014: A 5.4L V8 pumping out 310 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque
- 2015-2017: A 3.5L EcoBoost V6 flexing with 365 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque
Both were paired with a 6-speed 6R80 automatic transmission, delivering a satisfactory 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.
Trim levels? Select your choice:
- XLT for the basics
- Limited for a touch of luxury
- King Ranch for that Texas-sized opulence
- Platinum (introduced later) for those who wanted it all
Tech aficionados rejoiced with goodies like:
- SYNC 3 infotainment system
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Trailer Backup Assist (because parking a boat shouldn’t require a PhD)
These years saw fewer recalls and complaints, earning glowing stars from KBB, VehicleHistory, Cars.com, and J.D. Power. Not too bad, Ford.
The Neutral Years: 2009, 2010
The middle children of this generation, 2009 and 2010, were… adequate. Just fine.
Notable enhancements:
- 2010 saw the introduction of Ford’s MyKey system (perfect for helicopter parents)
- The trusty 5.4L V8 soldiered on
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Some 2009 owners complained about paint peeling quicker than a sunburned tourist.
The Worst Years: 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012
Now, for the years that might have you grasping for the “lemon” stamp:
2007-2008 Expeditions encountered a lengthy list of troubles:
- Spark plug blowouts (again?)
- Fuel leaks
- Brake failures
- Paint peeling like a bad sunburn
- Subframes rusting faster than you can say “tetanus”
- Dashboards having identity crises
2007 even saw a recall for fuel leaks from the fuel rail cross-over hose. Nothing says “fun road trip” like a potential fire, right?
2011-2012 models? They had their particular issues:
- The 6R80 transmission decided random downshifting was cool
- Paint on the tailgate said “I’m outta here”
- Speedometers took creative liberties with your actual speed
Want the complete horror story?
Check out the NHTSA reports for 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2012. Just don’t say I didn’t caution you.
Best & Worst Years for Ford Expedition 4th Generation (2018-2023)
The fourth-gen Expedition rolled in with substantial promises. Sleeker looks, smarter tech, and (hopefully) fewer headaches. But did it deliver?
Let’s dive in.
The Best Years: 2022, 2023
If you’re shopping the latest generation, 2022 and 2023 are your prime tickets. Here’s why:
Under the hood:
- A beefy 3.5L EcoBoost V6 offering:
- 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque in standard trim
- A pumped-up 400 hp and 480 lb-ft in higher trims
All that power’s channeled through a streamlined 10-speed 10R80 SelectShift automatic transmission.
Fuel economy? Not terrible for a large boy: 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
Trim levels to suit every preference and wallet:
- XLT for the basics
- Limited for a touch of luxury
- King Ranch for that Texas-sized opulence
- Platinum for those who want it all
Tech took a significant leap with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite, bundling goodies like:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keeping assist
- And more gizmos to keep you safe and sound
These years saw fewer snags in the works, earning accolades from critics and owners alike.
The Neutral Years: 2019
2019 sits in the middle of the pack – not terrible, not great, just… there.
It inherited the excellent stuff:
- That punchy 3.5L V6
- SYNC 3 infotainment (because who doesn’t love talking to their car?)
- Solid driver-assistance features
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Some owners griped about:
- Hard shifting (because smooth is overrated, right?)
- Cam phaser failures (cue the mysterious engine noises)
Still, it struck a reasonable balance between features and reliability.
The Worst Years: 2018, 2020, 2021
Here’s the edited text: Now, for the years that might have you reaching for the acetaminophen:
2018 kicked things off with a bang – and not the good kind:
- Recalls for fuel pump welds playing hide-and-seek
- Gear shift cables deciding to go rogue
- Auto start/stop systems throwing tantrums
- Infotainment screens going blank (because who needs navigation anyway?)
2020 kept the festivity going:
- The 10-speed transmission couldn’t decide if it wanted to shift hard, jerk, or slip (why choose one when you can have all three?)
2021 said “hold my drink” and added:
- A recall for potential engine fires when parked (because who doesn’t love a good barbecue?)
Want the complete horror story?
Check out the NHTSA reports for 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. Just don’t review them before automobile shopping.
Ford Expedition Average Resale Values
Curious about how well these big boys hold their value? Take a gander at this graph:
Conclusion
So, there you have it – the favorable, the bad, and the “maybe park this one away from buildings” of Ford Expedition history.
The cream of the crop? 2013-2017 and 2022-2023. These years offer the finest blend of contemporary features and “please don’t break down on me” reliability.
But hey, every Expedition has a tale. Maybe you’ve got one parked in your driveway right now. Love it? Despise it? Got a war story about a model year we covered?
Drop your tales in the comments below. After all, nothing beats real-world experience when it comes to picking the perfect ride.
