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Ford Expedition

2003 Expedition: the first full-size SUV with four-wheel independent suspension.1

Researched November 2, 2026 from 31 sources

At a glance

0250500
215–440 hpPower
07.515
4.9–10.6 s0–60 mph
0100200
163–200 km/hTop speed
0400800
393–691 N·mTorque
01,5003,000
2,446–2,849 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.46712

Engine
4.6/5.4 L Triton V8s; from 2015, 3.5 L twin-turbo EcoBoost V619
Layout
Front engine; RWD or 4WD; early ControlTrac with low range1
Gearbox
4-speed automatic; 6-speed from 2007; 10-speed from 20185610
Built at
Kentucky Truck Assembly, USA; formerly Michigan Assembly Plant, USA114

The story

Created to replace the two-door Bronco, the 1997 Expedition offered three rows on F-150 foundations. Its 2003 redesign paired independent rear suspension with a third row that folded into the floor.123

1996: 1997 Expedition replaces the Bronco19962003: Independent rear suspension, flat floor20032005: Three-valve Triton reaches 300 hp20052007: EL replaces the Excursion20072008: Funkmaster Flex goes red and black20082015: EcoBoost V6 replaces the V820152018: Aluminum body, 10 speeds and Max20182022: Stealth Performance: 60 mph in 4.920222025: Fifth generation, 24-inch display2025 Ford Bronco (full-size): 1978–1996Ford Bronco (full-size)Ford Expedition (first generation) (UN93): 1997–2002UN93Ford Excursion (UW137): 2000–2005UW137Ford Expedition (second generation) (U222): 2003–2006U222Ford Expedition (2018 redesign): 2018–Ford Expedition (fifth generation): 2025–present 19801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones126101317
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1978–1996Ford Bronco (full-size)
1997–2002Ford Expedition (first generation) (UN93)
2000–2005Ford Excursion (UW137)
2003–2006Ford Expedition (second generation) (U222)
2018–Ford Expedition (2018 redesign)
2025–presentFord Expedition (fifth generation)
19961997 Expedition replaces the Bronco
2003Independent rear suspension, flat floor
2005Three-valve Triton reaches 300 hp
2007EL replaces the Excursion
2008Funkmaster Flex goes red and black
2015EcoBoost V6 replaces the V8
2018Aluminum body, 10 speeds and Max
2022Stealth Performance: 60 mph in 4.9
2025Fifth generation, 24-inch display
  1. 1996

    1997 Expedition replaces the Bronco

    Ford launches its F-150-based SUV in October 1996, offering an optional third row.14

  2. 2003

    Independent rear suspension, flat floor

    Independent rear suspension drops the floor by 9 inches for a folding third row; towing reaches 4,037 kg with the right axle ratio and heavy-duty tow package.56

  3. 2005

    Three-valve Triton reaches 300 hp

    The 5.4 L V8 gains variable valve timing and 300 hp; the 4.6 L disappears as Limited and King Ranch join the range.16

  4. 2007

    EL replaces the Excursion

    The extended-wheelbase EL takes over from the Excursion in a smaller package; a six-speed automatic replaces the four-speed.57

  5. 2008

    Funkmaster Flex goes red and black

    The limited edition wears Colorado Red-and-Black paint and orange pinstripes, with a numbered dash plaque signed by Funkmaster Flex.8

  6. 2015

    EcoBoost V6 replaces the V8

    The twin-turbo 3.5 L EcoBoost V6 replaces the 5.4 L V8, sending 365 hp and 569 Nm through a six-speed automatic.9

  7. 2018

    Aluminum body, 10 speeds and Max

    An aluminum-intensive body saves up to 136 kg; Max stretches the wheelbase by nearly a foot, and a 10-speed automatic joins the range.10

  8. 2022

    Stealth Performance: 60 mph in 4.9

    New Timberline and Limited Stealth Performance versions pack 440 hp; the latter tests at 4.9 seconds to 60 mph with rollout.1112

  9. 2025

    Fifth generation, 24-inch display

    A panoramic display and available 40/20/40 third row reshape the family cabin; the new Split Gate combines an upper liftgate and lower tailgate.113

Every generation

  • Ford Bronco (full-size)
    Ford Bronco (full-size)1978–1996
  • Ford Expedition (first generation)
    UN931997–2002
  • Ford Excursion
    UW1372000–2005
  • Ford Expedition (second generation)
    U2222003–2006
  • Ford Expedition (2018 redesign)
    Ford Expedition (2018 redesign)
  • Ford Expedition (fifth generation)
    Ford Expedition (fifth generation)2025–present

Power over the years

From 215 hp to 440 hp in 25 years.

0200400600 200020052010201520202025 hp 1997 · 215 hp · 4.6 L Triton V81997 · 230 hp · 5.4 L Triton V81999 · 260 hp · 5.4 L Triton V82005 · 300 hp · 5.4 L three-valve Triton V82015 · 365 hp · 3.5 L EcoBoost V62018 · 375 hp · XLT 3.5 L twin-turbo V62020 · 400 hp · Platinum2022 · 380 hp · XL, STX and XLT2022 · 400 hp · Limited, King Ranch and Platinum2022 · 440 hp · Timberline / Stealth Performance2025 · 400 hp · Active / King Ranch / Platinum2025 · 440 hp · Tremor / Platinum High Output 440 hp Timberline / Stealth Performance 215 hp 4.6 L Triton V8
16910111315
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
19972154.6 L Triton V8
19972305.4 L Triton V8
19992605.4 L Triton V8
20053005.4 L three-valve Triton V8
20153653.5 L EcoBoost V6
2018375XLT 3.5 L twin-turbo V6
2020400Platinum
2022380XL, STX and XLT
2022400Limited, King Ranch and Platinum
2022440Timberline / Stealth Performance
2025400Active / King Ranch / Platinum
2025440Tremor / Platinum High Output

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • XLT (first generation)

    Standard

    XLT (first generation)

    1997–2002

  • Active

    Standard

    Active

    2025

    400 hp
  • Eddie Bauer (first generation)

    Standard

    Eddie Bauer (first generation)

    1997–2002

  • Limited

    Standard

    Limited

    2005–2024

  • Standard

    King Ranch

    2005–2017; 2020–present

  • Platinum

    Standard

    Platinum

  • Special

    FX4 / NBX (second generation)

  • Special

    XLT FX4 Off-Road

    2018

    375 hp

  • Performance

    Timberline

    2022

    440 hp

  • Performance

    Tremor

    2025

    440 hp

  • Performance

    Limited Stealth Performance

    2022

    440 hp
  • Funkmaster Flex Edition

    Limited

    Funkmaster Flex Edition

    2008

How to spot one

Look for

  • 2017 models: boxy body, triangular taillights and rounded rectangular headlights.1
  • 2018-era Max: a stretched body compared with the regular Expedition.10
  • 2025 models: daytime running lights outline the divided headlamp units.16
  • 2025 models: lift-up upper hatch and a lower tailgate that folds down.13

Year by year

  1. 1999–2002

    Grille dips lower at its center; fog lamps move into the lower bumper valance beside a larger central air intake.1

  2. 2004

    XLT Sport gains Dark Shadow gray exterior trim; FX4 is renamed NBX.6

  3. 2007

    Fresh front and rear styling; the new EL body and wheelbase are both longer than on the regular Expedition.5

  4. 2015

    New headlights, less chrome at the nose and a revised liftgate mark the facelift.9

  5. 2022

    New nose, tail and dashboard; center touchscreens are 12.0 inches, or a vertical 15.5 inches on Platinum.11

  6. 2025

    Daytime running lights outline divided headlights; the rear gains a lift-up upper hatch over a fold-down lower tailgate.1316

Don’t confuse it with

  • Ford Excursion

    Check the rear: the Excursion has side-hinged lower cargo doors beneath a full-width flip-up glass panel.2

Against its rivals

  • Expedition vs Chevrolet Suburban K1500LS (1996)

    113–0 km/h lower is better

    Expedition216 ft
    Chevrolet Suburban K1500LS (1996)240 ft
    4
  • GMC Yukon XL SLT

    Expedition vs GMC Yukon XL SLT

    Lane-change speed

    Expedition91.7 km/h
    GMC Yukon XL SLT85.1 km/h
    3
  • Toyota Sequoia Limited

    Expedition vs Toyota Sequoia Limited

    Tow rating (tested)

    Expedition3,924 kg
    Toyota Sequoia Limited2,812 kg
    3
  • Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 (2021)

    Expedition vs Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 (2021)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Expedition6.2 s
    Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 (2021)7.4 s
    15

Prices

Value today $2.3K–$6.0K114

Price when newAuction saleValue todayPrices on a log scale
$1K$10K$100K 200020052010201520202025 Value today: $2,300–$6,000 1997 · $30,510 · US base, XLT 4WD2003 · $31,495 · US base, rear-wheel drive2007 · $43,395 · US base, EL Limited 4x42015 · $47,965 · US base, 4WD2018 · $55,900 · US base, XLT 4x42022 · $72,245 · US base, Timberline 4WD2022 · $81,780 · US base, Limited Stealth Perf. 4x42025 · $63,995 · US base, Active2025 · $76,425 · US base, Platinum2025 · $85,650 · US base, King Ranch 1997 · $30,510 · US XLT 4WD base, 1997 model year 2024 · $16,000 · 2002 XLT, under 5k miles, BaT2024 · $43,250 · 2016 EL Limited 4x4, 7k miles, BaT2025 · $7,600 · 2007 EL XLT ex-surveillance, 29k miles, BaT2026 · $14,750 · 1997 Eddie Bauer 4×4, 88k miles, BaT2026 · $36,000 · 2016 Platinum 4×4, 15k miles, BaT2026 · $1,800 · 1997 Eddie Bauer 4×4, 323k miles, BaT2026 · $59,500 · 2024 Max King Ranch, 24k miles, BaT2026 · $7,300 · 1998 Eddie Bauer 4x4, 91k miles, BaT2026 · $64,000 · 2025 Platinum 4x4, 7k miles, BaT2026 · $15,750 · 2010 Eddie Bauer 4x4, 63k miles, BaT2026 · $12,000 · 2003 XLT 4x4, 57k miles, BaT $64.0K BaT, 2026
3479101112162122232425262728293031
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1997Launch price$30,510US XLT 4WD base, 1997 model year
1997Price when new$30,510US base, XLT 4WD
2003Price when new$31,495US base, rear-wheel drive
2007Price when new$43,395US base, EL Limited 4x4
2015Price when new$47,965US base, 4WD
2018Price when new$55,900US base, XLT 4x4
2022Price when new$72,245US base, Timberline 4WD
2022Price when new$81,780US base, Limited Stealth Perf. 4x4
2025Price when new$63,995US base, Active
2025Price when new$76,425US base, Platinum
2025Price when new$85,650US base, King Ranch
2024Auction sale$16,0002002 XLT, under 5k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$43,2502016 EL Limited 4x4, 7k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$7,6002007 EL XLT ex-surveillance, 29k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$14,7501997 Eddie Bauer 4×4, 88k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$36,0002016 Platinum 4×4, 15k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$1,8001997 Eddie Bauer 4×4, 323k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$59,5002024 Max King Ranch, 24k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$7,3001998 Eddie Bauer 4x4, 91k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$64,0002025 Platinum 4x4, 7k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$15,7502010 Eddie Bauer 4x4, 63k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$12,0002003 XLT 4x4, 57k miles, BaT
2026Value today$2,300–$6,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 12 stories from its legend
    • “An Expedition among 18 licensed racers”
    • “John Krafcik led the 2003 program”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 6 generations

  • Market

    • 3 things to check before buying one
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 31 sources
  1. Ford Expedition - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Ford Excursion - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  3. Living Large: 2003 Full-Size SUV Comparison Test caranddriver.com
  4. Sumo-Sized: 1997 SUVs Compared caranddriver.com
  5. 2003-14 Ford Expedition | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  6. History of The Ford Expedition - Blue Oval Trucks blueovaltrucks.com
  7. 2007 Ford Expedition EL Limited 4X4 caranddriver.com
  8. Ford and Funkmaster Flex Partner On New Reality Show - Auto News - Truck Trend motortrend.com
  9. Tested: 2015 Ford Expedition EcoBoost 4WD caranddriver.com
  10. 2018 Ford Expedition First Test: Ta-Who? motortrend.com
  11. Tested: 2022 Ford Expedition Goes Big on Power and Tech caranddriver.com
  12. Tested: 2022 Ford Expedition Stealth Performance Brings Sneaky Speed caranddriver.com
  13. All-New Ford Expedition Fully Redesigned for Families with Big Lives fromtheroad.ford.com
  14. 1997-02 Ford Expedition | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  15. 2021 Chevy Tahoe Z71 versus 2020 Ford Expedition XLT Comparison Test Review motortrend.com
  16. 2025 Ford Expedition First Drive Review: A Tougher Tahoe Fighter thedrive.com
  17. Ford Bronco - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  18. Ford SVT Thunder - Motor Trend Magazine motortrend.com
  19. Ford Expedition 32-Day Russian Adventure - Blue Oval Trucks blueovaltrucks.com
  20. Ford Off-Road Racing Key Features - Pure Nintendo purenintendo.com
  21. 5k-Mile 2002 Ford Expedition for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $16,000 on May 6, 2024 (Lot #145,798) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  22. No Reserve: 1997 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4×4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $14,750 on April 17, 2026 (Lot #238,331) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  23. 15k-Mile 2016 Ford Expedition Platinum 4×4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $36,000 on May 25, 2026 (Lot #244,232) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  24. No Reserve: 1997 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $1,800 on August 13, 2026 (Lot #257,576) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  25. No Reserve: 1998 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,300 on August 19, 2026 (Lot #258,610) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  26. 2025 Ford Expedition Platinum 4x4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $64,000 on March 26, 2026 (Lot #235,150) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  27. 2024 Ford Expedition Max King Ranch for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $59,500 on August 27, 2026 (Lot #260,020) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. No Reserve: 2010 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4×4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,750 on March 25, 2026 (Lot #234,923) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. No Reserve: 2003 Ford Expedition XLT 4x4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,000 on March 18, 2026 (Lot #233,971) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. No Reserve: Ex–Surveillance Vehicle 2007 Ford Expedition EL XLT for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,600 on November 7, 2025 (Lot #218,677) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. No Reserve: 7k-Mile 2016 Ford Expedition EL Limited 4x4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $43,250 on April 6, 2024 (Lot #142,340) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • caranddriver.com
  • consumerguide.com
  • blueovaltrucks.com
  • motortrend.com
  • fromtheroad.ford.com
  • thedrive.com
  • purenintendo.com
  • bringatrailer.com

Photo credits

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