1997-2002 Ford Expedition: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2002 Ford Expedition
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1997-2002 Ford Expedition ▼
- Price Range: $2,600 - $8,800
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1997-2002 Ford Expedition and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (5.4-liter)
- Visibility
- Passenger and cargo room
- Trailer-towing capability
Cons
- Entry/exit (4WD)
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
Based on the F-150 pickup truck, Expedition gave Ford a serious challenge in the full-size sport-utility market. Available with either 2- or 4-wheel drive, Expedition was available only with 4-doors and was about five inches longer than a Chevy Tahoe or GMC Yukon. Seating for six was standard in the SLT model. An optional 3-place third seat gave Expedition seating for nine. The second-row bench seat folded flush to the floor, in a simple one-step process. Front captain's chairs went into the top-of-the-line Eddie Bauer edition, for 5-passenger seating. Leather upholstery was standard in the Eddie Bauer, which could also have the optional third seat. The standard suspension used coil springs at all four corners. Rear air springs and front air shock absorbers were optional on 4x4 models. Rear air springs were optional on 4x2 Expeditions. A 215-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 engine was standard. Optional: a 230-horsepower, 5.4-liter V8. Both engines drove a 4-speed automatic transmission. Dual airbags, antilock brakes, and height-adjustable shoulder belts for outboard front and second-row seats were standard. Control Trac in 4-wheel-drive models had four drive settings: 2WD, automatic 4WD; 4WD High (for slippery conditions); and 4WD Low (for heavy-duty off-roading).
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Ford Expedition XLT 2WD, 4.6-liter V8 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 9 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 9 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 9 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 60 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1997-2002 Ford Expedition. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1997-2002 Ford Expedition.
Year to Year Changes
1998 Ford Expedition:
New body colors were offered this year, and de-powered airbags were installed. Lincoln launched a posh and costly Navigator for 1998, based on the Expedition.
1999 Ford Expedition:
Both engines gained substantial amounts of horsepower in 1999, and a new grille was installed on Expeditions. The XLT gained a standard 6-way power driver's seat. Adjustable accelerator and brake pedals could now be installed for an extra $120.
2000 Ford Expedition:
Several new options became available, including second-row bucket seats, front side airbags, and a Reverse Sensing System. Power adjustable gas and brake pedals were now standard rather than optional, the front console was widened, and available outside mirrors with integrated turn-signal indicators were modified to include heated glass.
2001 Ford Expedition:
No significant changes were made.
2002 Ford Expedition:
For '02, the rear entertainment system became available on the XLT as well as the Eddie Bauer.
Our road test for the 1997-2002 Ford Expedition includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1997-2002 Ford Expedition and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1997-2002 Ford Expedition is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
On the road Expedition does not seem as large as the rival Tahoe and Yukon, partly because Expedition's deep side and rear windows--and sloping hood--provide good visibility to all directions. Not really agile, but easy enough to drive for a vehicle of this size, it corners with moderate body lean so long as speeds are modest. With 2WD, the ride is stable, well-controlled and relatively soft--less trucklike than some rival SUVs. Most bumps are easily absorbed, and the Expedition delivers an impressively solid feel. Ride quality is a little stiffer and more jiggly in a 4WD model, but not jarring. Any model with the 5.4-liter V8 will accelerate smartly from a standstill, passing quickly and safely at highway speeds. A 2WD version with the smaller engine performs nearly as well off-the-line, but passing power falls short of snappy. The additional weight of 4WD puts a noticeable burden on the 4.6-liter V8. Both engines are smooth and fairly quiet, but the 5.4-liter V8 is the better choice for towing. As for economy, a 2WD Eddie Bauer edition got only 14.3 mpg in a mix of urban commuting and highway cruising. A 4WD Expedition with the 5.4-liter engine managed a measly 12 mpg. In the cavernous, well-designed interior, space is ample for front and middle rows, which have reclining seatbacks. Front shoulder room is expansive, and three adults can ride in back in genuine comfort. A nearly flat floor means no one has to straddle a hump. The optional third seat is more for children than adults, however. Behind the third seat (if so equipped), the cargo area amounts to little more than a foot-long trench. Without that seat, cargo space is long and wide. Entry/exit is easy on 2WD models, with wide doorways and a moderate step up to the interior. 4WD versions sit much higher off the ground, so you have to hoist yourself up with the aid of an inside grab handle.
Value for the Money
Competitively priced when new, the impressive Expedition has also been a popular model on the used-vehicle market. All told, it's a good alternative to GM's SUVs--more modern and refined, and well worth a close look. In fact, Expedition ranks as a trend-setter.
Competitively priced when new, the impressive Expedition has also been a popular model on the used-vehicle market. All told, it's a good alternative to GM's SUVs--more modern and refined, and well worth a close look. In fact, Expedition ranks as a trend-setter.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Ford Expedition XLT 2WD, 4.6-liter V8 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 9 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 9 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 9 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 60 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Ford Expedition includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Ford Expedition .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Audio system:
Electrical noise caused by the electric fuel pump in the tank can cause a buzzing noise when the AM band of the radio is selected. (1997-98)
Automatic transmission:
Transmission fluid can leak from the transmission into the transfer case. The low transmission fluid level causes shifting and engagement problems. (1997)
Automatic transmission:
If water gets into the transfer case, the mode switch can be shorted out making it impossible to select a different range. (1997)
Climate control:
Cold air may come out of the heater vents at the floor due to a door in the duct not sealing properly. (1997)
Cold-starting problems:
Throttle sticks due to icing in cold weather requiring a service kit for the PCV system. (1997-02)
Dashboard lights:
Water in the spark plug wells may cause the ignition spark to jump to ground causing a misfire and illuminating the check engine light. (1997)
Engine misfire:
The engine may run rough or idle roughly if condensation from the air conditioning drips onto the oxygen sensor. (1997-98)
Heater core:
Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (1997-2002)
Seat:
The front leather seats may wear out quickly because the foam sticks to the leather. New seat covers should be installed. (1997-98)
Transmission problems:
Torque converter dust plug may fall out. Replacement should be retained with RTV sealant. (1997-2002)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $545 |
| Alternator | $515 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $930 |
| Brakes | $320 |
| Exhaust System | $485 |
| Radiator | $430 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $445 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $380 |
| Universal Joints | $260 |
Our price chart for this generation Ford Expedition details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2002 | |||
| Eddie Bauer | $8,000-9,800 | $7,200-8,800 | $4,100-5,000 |
| Expedition XLT | $6,900-8,500 | $6,100-7,600 | $3,200-4,000 |
| 2001 | |||
| Eddie Bauer | $6,900-8,200 | $6,100-7,300 | $3,200-3,900 |
| Expedition XLT | $5,900-7,000 | $5,100-6,100 | $2,500-2,900 |
| 2000 | |||
| Eddie Bauer | $5,900-7,200 | $5,100-6,300 | $2,500-3,000 |
| Expedition XLT | $5,100-6,100 | $4,300-5,200 | $2,000-2,400 |
| 1999 | |||
| Eddie Bauer | $5,000-6,100 | $4,300-5,200 | $2,000-2,400 |
| Expedition XLT | $4,400-5,500 | $3,700-4,600 | $1,500-1,900 |
| 1998 | |||
| Eddie Bauer | $4,300-5,300 | $3,600-4,400 | $1,500-1,800 |
| Expedition XLT | $3,800-4,800 | $3,100-3,900 | $1,200-1,500 |
| 1997 | |||
| Eddie Bauer | $3,800-4,800 | $3,100-3,900 | $1,200-1,500 |
| Expedition XLT | $3,300-4,200 | $2,600-3,300 | $800-1,100 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Ford Expedition include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 119.1 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 204.6 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.6 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 76.6 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4850 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 118.3 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 26.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 51 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.8 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.9 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.8 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.9 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Expedition buyers have had a choice of two engines: a 4.6-liter V8 that made 215 horsepower, or a 5.4-liter V8 that developed 230 horsepower. The engines got a boost to 240 and 260 horsepower, respectively, for 1999. A 4-speed automatic has been the only transmission available.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V8 | 4.6 / 281 | 215-240 | 290-293 | 4-speed automatic: 14/18 | 4-speed automatic: 14.3 |
| ohc V8 | 5.4 / 330 | 230-260 | 325-345 | 4-speed automatic: 13/17 | 4-speed automatic: 12 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Ford Expedition include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Expedition |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1997-2002 Ford Expedition directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1997:
It is possible that the intermediate steering shaft yoke may break, causing a loss of steering control. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.
1997:
Rear-axle track-bar bracket can separate from frame due to missing welds or inadequate weld penetration; axle can move laterally until tires contact frame or wheelhouse.
1997-00:
Bolts that attach trailer-hitch assembly to frame could lose their clamp load; hitch could then separate from vehicle.
1997-02:
Cruise-control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.
1997-2003 Excursion with turbodiesel 7.3-liter V8 engines:
The camshaft position sensor may function intermittently, causing the engine to stall. Dealers will inspect the sensor and replace it with an improved camshaft position sensor.
1997-98:
Certain off-lease vehicles, Canadian in origin but sold in the U.S., have daytime running lights that do not meet U.S. specifications.
1997-98:
Due to insufficient clamp load, lug nuts could loosen and studs could fatigue and fail, creating potential for wheel to separate.
1997-98:
Main battery cable could short circuit, causing loss of electrical supply, or fire.
1999 w/4WD and 17-inch chrome steel wheels:
Due to insufficient wheel contact area with hub, loss of lug nut torque can cause vibration or separation of wheel.
1999:
Contact area between wheel and hug can deform, resulting in loss of lug nut torque that can cause vibration or separation of wheel/tire from vehicle.
1999:
Fuel-line assemblies on some vehicles may have been damaged by supplier during manufacture, and could leak.
1999:
Retainer clip that holds master cylinder pushrod to brake-pedal arm may be missing or partially installed, causing increased stopping distances.
2000:
Cruise-control deactivation switch on some vehicles may overheat, smoke, or burn; fires have occurred while vehicle was parked with ignition off.
2000-01:
A switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper-motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of wiper function or fire.
2000-01:
Some of the owner's manuals for these vehicles are missing instructions for properly attaching a child restraint system.
2001:
Driver- and/or front passenger-outboard seatbelt buckle may not fully latch. In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate occupant protection.
2002 w/2WD:
Certification labels incorrectly state rear tire pressure.
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