The Ford Expedition is a popular full-size SUV built by the Ford Motor Company. Introduced in 1996 for the 1997 model year as a replacement for the Ford Bronco, the Expedition is Ford’s largest–and last–truck-based, off-road, and tow-capable SUV. Based heavily on the iconic Ford F-150 pickup truck, the Ford Explorer features a V8 engine and the same transmission, electronics, chassis control system, and towing system as the full-size half-ton pickup. The popular full-size SUV has gone through three generations (1997-2002, 2003-2006, 2007-present) over the course of its 18 years on the market and Ford recently announced its next generation will be unveiled in 2016. “Special Service Vehicle” Expedition models are also available from Ford for law enforcement agencies, EMS agencies, and fire departments. As of 2013, over 2 million Ford Expeditions have been sold domestically. Read on for a look into some of the most popular Ford Expedition models ever, in order of model year.
5. 2000 Ford Expedition
One of the most popular first-generation Ford Expedition models, the 2000 model featured a four-speed 4R100 automatic transmission and a 4.6 liter V8 engine with 230 horsepower. Available features on the 2000 model Expeditions were expanded to include a hidden radio antenna, Gentex auto dimming rear view mirrors, lane departure indicators, ultrasonic rear park assist with backup sensors, and Arizona beige running boards to complement exterior body trim on the Eddie Bauer models.
4. 2003 Ford Expedition
The redesigned second generation Ford Expedition–launched for the 2003 model year–featured a new four-wheel independent long-travel suspension system, an improved underbody obstacle clearance, an increased towing capacity, a hydroformed fully boxed frame, improved noise reduction, all-new steering, braking, and electronic systems, and a thorough exterior and interior redesign. With a four-speed 4R70W automatic transmission and 4.6 liter V8 engine, the 2003 Expedition was capable of 232 horsepower.
3. 2013 Ford Expedition
The 2013 model year Ford Expedition was part of the SUV’s third and latest generation, a heavily updated version of the second generation with a number of mechanical improvements–most notably an all-new high-strength hydroformed fully boxed Ford T Platform. The 2013 model featured a TowCommand trailer brake controller system, a new internal shift control module, 10 equipment levels, three new colors, a six-speed 6R80 intelligent automatic transmission, and a 5.4 liter V8 engine with 310 horsepower.
2. 2014 Ford Expedition
Featuring the same transmission and engine as the 2013 Ford Expedition, the 2014 Ford Expedition features no major cosmetic changes and is offered in only three trims–XLT, Limited, and King Ranch. However, the 2014 model year offered optional packages including a Sirius XM feature with Navlink and HD radio and a new and quieter mechanical Nivomat adaptive hydraulic load-leveling suspension system. This popular model continues to offer top-end towing capacity with a braked trailer towing capacity of 9,200 pounds.
1. 2015 Ford Expedition
Introduced in February of this year, the 2015 Ford Expedition is the newest Ford Expedition model with a price tag of $43,390 to $60,600. The mid life cycle update features a new Platinum trim option, an optional revised four-wheel independent suspension system with continuously-controlled dampening, a blind-spot information system, and a 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 engine with 365 horsepower. Although Ford has suffered from a recent drop in sales, the Expedition model still remains one of the company’s most popular and profitable models.
Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
