MSRP: $34,845 - $50,500
Invoice: $32,060 - $45,645
MPG: 14 City / 20 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.7
Performance:8.4
Exterior:7.4
Interior:8.9
Safety:9.9
Reliability:7.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Interior can seat nine
  • Cargo space is flexible with seats that automatically fold into the floor
  • Large towing capacity
  • Poor rear visibility
  • Heavy handling

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Ford Expedition - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Ford Expedition competes effectively with Chevrolet's Tahoe and Suburban, thanks to a powerful engine and best-in-class passenger and towing capacity. However, when it comes to handling, some drivers may find the Expedition tough to live with.  

Inside the Expedition is where the best case against the Tahoe and the Suburban is made.  While GM's large SUVs have heavy third row seats that must be manually removed to maximize cargo space, the Expedition has a second and third row that fold flat into the floor at the touch of a button. Still, its massive curb weight and ponderous handling make the Expedition more of a chore than the Tahoe or Yukon in day-to day-driving. Despite the lack of driving excitement, the Expedition is a good choice for comfort, safety, and for the power of its V8 engine.

The Expedition has extended length (EL) trims, adding 15 inches and giving competitors like the Chevrolet Suburban a run for their money. While the Expedition is a viable alternative to full-size SUVs from GM, buyers should note that Chevrolet and GMC's offerings get better gas mileage, and there are hybrid versions of the Tahoe and Yukon available.

However, the Expedition has the added benefit of coming from a company that's NOT in bankruptcy. Because Ford is in a more stable position than GM, buyers can be more certain about their vehicle's depreciation and that their warranty will be honored.  Despite doing better than its domestic counterparts, Ford is still offering discounts -- especially on large vehicles like the Expedition.  Check out the latest Ford Deals to see what discounts and incentives are available.

The Expedition is the mechanical twin of the more upscale Lincoln Navigator.

  • "Simply beats a comparable [Chevrolet] Suburban at its own game." -- Motor Trend
  • "Sure, you might want to think about something that uses less fuel if all you're buying it for is getting to work and back, or picking up the kids from school and driving them to T-ball practice and gymnastics, but for those who need to tow or haul eight adults around, there's no substitute for mass." -- Automobile
  • "Ford's redesigned Expedition may have F-series roots, but it is far from trucklike in terms of civility, ride and handling." --Kansas City Star
  • "If you must have a three-ton vehicle to carry eight people and tow 9200 pounds, the Expedition is a good choice."-- Car and Driver

Expedition Performance - 8.4 (Very Good)

The Ford Expedition provides a pleasant and powerful driving experience despite its massive size. Automobile Magazine says, "The ride and lack of noise on the highway is impressive and it plugged through the snow with little trouble Sure, it's still a big huge beast and doesn't exactly handle well or slot easily into parking spaces but it does what it sets out to do quite well." Read More

Expedition Exterior - 7.4 (Good)

The Expedition's conservative design doesn't garner the same praise that competitors with more cutting-edge styling do. Automotive.com says the Expedition's combined elements "deliver a look that's both distinctive and respectable."  Read More

Expedition Interior - 8.9 (Very Good)

Automobile Magazine reports "the main thing to note about the Expedition's interior is its massive size." That size helps the 2009 Expedition take on most of the competition.  Reviewers like that the Expedition's third-row seats fold flat, while competitors have third row seats that are harder to live with. Read More

Expedition Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

Ford offers plenty of standard safety features with the Expedition. In addition, the 2009 model does well in government crash tests.  Read More

Expedition Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2009 Ford Expedition reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Ford offers a basic bumper-to-bumper warranty for the first three years/36,000 miles.  Read More

Review Last Updated: 6/24/09