Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2003 Ford Expedition Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2003 Ford Expedition Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2003 Ford Expedition Review
Independent rear suspension and an industry-first power fold-down 3rd-row seat highlight the redesigned 2003 Expedition. Sized between the Explorer and larger Excursion, Expedition for '03 gets a wider body and new styling. It comes in XLT, Eddie Bauer, and new FX4 off-road models. V8s of 4.6 and 5.4 liters return, as does a choice of rear-wheel drive or Ford's ControlTrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Newly optional are Ford's AdvanceTrac traction-control/antiskid system and a tire-pressure monitor. All models have 17-inch wheels. Replacing front side airbags as an option are head-protecting curtain side airbags for the first two seating rows; they're designed to deploy in side collisions and in rollover accidents.
All Expeditions have three rows of seats. XLTs in Value and Popular trim are available with a front bench seat for 9-passenger capacity. Eddie Bauer and all XLTs except the Value can substitute two 2nd-row buckets for the standard 2nd-row bench. The power folding 3rd-row seat is available on Eddie Bauer and XLT Premium; it folds into the floor via controls in the front and back of the cabin. The new independent rear suspension lowers the rear floor by 9 inches for increased 3rd-row leg room; a load-leveling option was added midyear. FX4 includes skid plates, off-road shock absorbers, and tubular running boards. Lincoln's Navigator version of the Expedition is similarly redesigned for 2003.
All Expeditions have three rows of seats. XLTs in Value and Popular trim are available with a front bench seat for 9-passenger capacity. Eddie Bauer and all XLTs except the Value can substitute two 2nd-row buckets for the standard 2nd-row bench. The power folding 3rd-row seat is available on Eddie Bauer and XLT Premium; it folds into the floor via controls in the front and back of the cabin. The new independent rear suspension lowers the rear floor by 9 inches for increased 3rd-row leg room; a load-leveling option was added midyear. FX4 includes skid plates, off-road shock absorbers, and tubular running boards. Lincoln's Navigator version of the Expedition is similarly redesigned for 2003.
Competition
Our Best Buys, Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, are improved for 2003 with optional four-wheel steering and revised dashboards. These vehicles were new for 2000 and have improved with age. The all-new Ford Expedition gets bumped up to Best Buy status with revised styling, power 3rd-row seating, and the addition of an FX4 off-road edition.
Recommended are GMC Yukon and Toyota Sequoia. We love the size, comfort, and power of these big SUVs but wish sticker prices were a bit lower.
Recommended are GMC Yukon and Toyota Sequoia. We love the size, comfort, and power of these big SUVs but wish sticker prices were a bit lower.
News
The '03 Expedition got an early sendoff simply because sales have been withering: down 16.6 percent year-to-year in calendar 2001 and another 18.7 percent in first half of 2002. It'll be interesting to see whether the '03 overhaul is enough to turn things around, as even Ford now sees signs of weakening in the big-SUV market.
Ford was said to be mulling a stretched Expedition to provide more direct size and price competition for the Chevy Suburban and GMC's Yukon XL models. We've heard nothing more about this idea lately, but it might have a chance as a replacement for the monster Excursion, which one source says will be dropped after '04. Then again, it might be just another casualty of Ford's current cash crunch and corporate-wide cost-cutting efforts. We'll keep you posted.
Ford was said to be mulling a stretched Expedition to provide more direct size and price competition for the Chevy Suburban and GMC's Yukon XL models. We've heard nothing more about this idea lately, but it might have a chance as a replacement for the monster Excursion, which one source says will be dropped after '04. Then again, it might be just another casualty of Ford's current cash crunch and corporate-wide cost-cutting efforts. We'll keep you posted.
2003 Ford Expedition Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy |
| Trailer-towing capability | Entry/exit |
| Visibility | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
XLT Popular and Eddie Bauer with 4WD and 5.4 V8 only versions made available for testing so far. Experience with 4.6 V8 in previous Expeditions says get the 5.4. The 4.6 can feel overburdened in these big SUVs. The 5.4 delivers strong, smooth pickup and is the clear choice to take advantage of the 8900-lb towing capacity.
| XLT Popular 5.4 4WD | Eddie Bauer 5.4 4WD | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
XLT Popular and Eddie Bauer with 4WD and 5.4 V8 only versions made available for testing so far. Experience with 4.6 V8 in previous Expeditions says get the 5.4. The 4.6 can feel overburdened in these big SUVs. The 5.4 delivers strong, smooth pickup and is the clear choice to take advantage of the 8900-lb towing capacity.
Fuel Economy
Test 5.4-liter 4WD Eddie Bauer averaged 12.1 mpg. Expect about the same with the 4.6 liter. Both engines use regular fuel.
| XLT Popular 5.4 4WD | Eddie Bauer 5.4 4WD | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2 |
Test 5.4-liter 4WD Eddie Bauer averaged 12.1 mpg. Expect about the same with the 4.6 liter. Both engines use regular fuel.
Ride Quality
Long wheelbase, substantial weight, redesigned suspension combine for surprisingly stable ride that irons out most surface imperfections. Minimal fore-aft, side-to-side rocking. Little jiggle on washboard ripples.
| XLT Popular 5.4 4WD | Eddie Bauer 5.4 4WD | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
Long wheelbase, substantial weight, redesigned suspension combine for surprisingly stable ride that irons out most surface imperfections. Minimal fore-aft, side-to-side rocking. Little jiggle on washboard ripples.
Steering/Handling/Braking
No big SUV beats Expedition's linear steering feel or unperturbed straightline tracking. Relatively compact 38.7-ft turning circle gives reasonable in-town maneuverability. Only moderate top-heavy lean in low-speed corners, but nose plows through faster turns. AdvanceTrac combines with ControlTrac for all-weather security and good off-road ability. Praiseworthy stopping power and pedal modulation; no undue nosedive.
| XLT Popular 5.4 4WD | Eddie Bauer 5.4 4WD | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.1 |
No big SUV beats Expedition's linear steering feel or unperturbed straightline tracking. Relatively compact 38.7-ft turning circle gives reasonable in-town maneuverability. Only moderate top-heavy lean in low-speed corners, but nose plows through faster turns. AdvanceTrac combines with ControlTrac for all-weather security and good off-road ability. Praiseworthy stopping power and pedal modulation; no undue nosedive.
Quietness
Fine suppression of wind, road noise. Engine throaty in full acceleration, but well-muffled otherwise. Even 3rd-row travel quieter than in typical minivan.
| XLT Popular 5.4 4WD | Eddie Bauer 5.4 4WD | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Fine suppression of wind, road noise. Engine throaty in full acceleration, but well-muffled otherwise. Even 3rd-row travel quieter than in typical minivan.
Controls
Unobstructed gauges, no-mystery main controls. But transmission lever hides 4WD switch, and turn-signal stalk obscures power-pedals button. Navigation system unavailable for test. Interior uses appropriate-grade materials and shows solid assembly.
| XLT Popular 5.4 4WD | Eddie Bauer 5.4 4WD | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.6 |
Unobstructed gauges, no-mystery main controls. But transmission lever hides 4WD switch, and turn-signal stalk obscures power-pedals button. Navigation system unavailable for test. Interior uses appropriate-grade materials and shows solid assembly.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Generous room. Big, long-haul-comfortable buckets, though seat armrests would be welcome. Optional climate-control seats cool effectively. Excellent visibility with huge mirrors, thin roof pillars, little headrest clutter, but small objects can hide along tall flanks, so rear-obstacle warning a smart option. Approach lights on outside mirrors instead of lighted running boards; they illuminate more area and won't get covered with snow.
| XLT Popular 5.4 4WD | Eddie Bauer 5.4 4WD | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 8.6 |
Generous room. Big, long-haul-comfortable buckets, though seat armrests would be welcome. Optional climate-control seats cool effectively. Excellent visibility with huge mirrors, thin roof pillars, little headrest clutter, but small objects can hide along tall flanks, so rear-obstacle warning a smart option. Approach lights on outside mirrors instead of lighted running boards; they illuminate more area and won't get covered with snow.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Second-row bench holds three adults, but all three positions somewhat narrowly defined by seatbelt buckles. No center armrest, but middle section slides forward 11 inches for child-seat access. Test Eddie Bauer had 2nd-row buckets; they're hard, low to floor, and don't slide fore or aft. Best-in-class 3rd-row room on chair-height bench, though cushion could be longer and softer. Easier entry/exit than in most rivals, though running boards afford minimal foothold stepping out. Broad passage between 2nd-row buckets to 3rd row. But flipping 2nd-row seats forward would be easier with springs to offset their poorly leveraged weight.
| XLT Popular 5.4 4WD | Eddie Bauer 5.4 4WD | Class Average |
| 8 | 7 | 8.3 |
Second-row bench holds three adults, but all three positions somewhat narrowly defined by seatbelt buckles. No center armrest, but middle section slides forward 11 inches for child-seat access. Test Eddie Bauer had 2nd-row buckets; they're hard, low to floor, and don't slide fore or aft. Best-in-class 3rd-row room on chair-height bench, though cushion could be longer and softer. Easier entry/exit than in most rivals, though running boards afford minimal foothold stepping out. Broad passage between 2nd-row buckets to 3rd row. But flipping 2nd-row seats forward would be easier with springs to offset their poorly leveraged weight.
Cargo Room
Some soft luggage can be stacked behind 3rd seat, and cargo room goes from impressive to voluminous as 2nd and 3rd rows fold. Again, best-in-class convenience with 3rd row that folds into floor and has available power folding feature. The 60/40 seatback sections power up and down in seconds and stop automatically if obstructed, though controls are inaccessible from front seats. Cupholders abound, including door cutouts for 20-ounce bottles.
| XLT Popular 5.4 4WD | Eddie Bauer 5.4 4WD | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 9 |
Some soft luggage can be stacked behind 3rd seat, and cargo room goes from impressive to voluminous as 2nd and 3rd rows fold. Again, best-in-class convenience with 3rd row that folds into floor and has available power folding feature. The 60/40 seatback sections power up and down in seconds and stop automatically if obstructed, though controls are inaccessible from front seats. Cupholders abound, including door cutouts for 20-ounce bottles.
Value within Class
Expedition does everything a full-size SUV should, and does some important things better than most. With an array of safety and convenience features rivaled only by the more-opulent Navigator, Ford's newest is a Best Buy in this category.
| XLT Popular 5.4 4WD | Eddie Bauer 5.4 4WD | Class Average |
| 8 | 7 | 6.9 |
Expedition does everything a full-size SUV should, and does some important things better than most. With an array of safety and convenience features rivaled only by the more-opulent Navigator, Ford's newest is a Best Buy in this category.
Total Score
| XLT Popular 5.4 4WD | Eddie Bauer 5.4 4WD | Class Average |
| 62 | 60 | 58.8 |
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 48 | |
| Average Score | 58 | |
| High Score | 65 |
2003 Ford Expedition Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/03/2003
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| XLT Value 4.6 4-door wagon, 2WD | $31,820 | $28,001 | $795 |
|
|
|||
| XLT Value 4.6 4-door wagon, 4WD | $34,390 | $30,211 | $795 |
|
|
|||
| XLT Popular 4.6 4-door wagon, 2WD | $33,770 | $29,677 | $795 |
|
|
|||
| XLT Popular 5.4 4-door wagon, 2WD | $34,285 | $30,121 | $795 |
|
|
|||
| XLT Popular 4.6 4-door wagon, 4WD | $36,525 | $32,047 | $795 |
|
|
|||
| XLT Popular 5.4 4-door wagon, 4WD | $37,040 | $32,489 | $795 |
|
|
|||
| XLT FX4 Off-Road 5.4 4-door wagon, 4WD | $38,160 | $33,453 | $795 |
|
|
|||
| XLT Premium 4.6 4-door wagon, 2WD | $36,070 | $31,655 | $795 |
|
|
|||
| XLT Premium 5.4 4-door wagon, 2WD | $36,585 | $32,099 | $795 |
|
|
|||
| XLT Premium 4.6 4-door wagon, 4WD | $38,825 | $34,025 | $795 |
|
|
|||
| XLT Premium 5.4 4-door wagon, 4WD | $39,340 | $34,467 | $795 |
|
|
|||
| Eddie Bauer 4.6 4-door wagon, 2WD | $37,895 | $33,225 | $795 |
|
|
|||
| Eddie Bauer 5.4 4-door wagon, 2WD | $38,410 | $33,667 | $795 |
|
|
|||
| Eddie Bauer 5.4 4-door wagon, 4WD | $41,560 | $36,377 | $795 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
XLT Value
Powertrain
4.6-liter V8 engine or 5.4-liter V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front split bench seat w/lumbar adjustment, 6-way power driver seat, 2nd-row split folding seat, 3rd-row split folding seat, cupholders, power-adjustable pedals, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, map lights, passenger-side visor mirror, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, rear liftgate w/flip-up glass, roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Class IV trailer hitch, 4/7-pin connectors, 265/70R17 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
XLT Popular adds to XLT Value:
Powertrain
Limited-slip differential.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear air conditioning and heater, overhead console w/conversation mirror, universal garage-door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Running boards, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
265/70R17 white-letter tires, bright alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks, 265/70R17 all-terrain white-letter tires.
XLT FX4 Off-Road adds to XLT Popular:
Powertrain
5.4-liter V8 engine, 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front bucket seats, center console, rear air-conditioning and radio controls, headphone jacks.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Tubular step bars.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates, front tow hooks, chrome steel wheels, heavy-duty shock absorbers, 265/70R17 all-terrain white-letter tires.
XLT Premium adds to XLT Popular:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front bucket seats, center console, rear air-conditioning and radio controls, headphone jacks.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks, 265/70R17 all-terrain white-letter tires.
Eddie Bauer adds to XLT Premium:
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate controls, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (mirrors, driver seat, pedals), power rear quarter windows, Audiophile AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering-wheel radio controls, trip computer, compass, outside-temperature indicator.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Outside-mirror-mounted turn signals.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks, 265/70R17 all-terrain white-letter tires.
Optional Equipment
Safety |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Front- and 2nd-row curtain side airbags
|
||
|
Eddie Bauer, XLT FX4 Off-Road, XLT Popular, XLT Premium
|
$650
|
$553
|
|
NA XLT Value.
|
||
|
Antiskid system
|
||
|
XLT Popular 5.4, XLT FX4, XLT Premium 5.4, Eddie Bauer 5.4
|
$795
|
$676
|
|
XLT Popular requires front captain chairs.
|
||
|
Rear-obstacle-detection system
|
||
|
XLT Premium
|
$255
|
$217
|
|
Tire-pressure monitor
|
||
|
XLT Premium, Eddie Bauer
|
$150
|
$128
|
|
XLT Premium requires rear-obstacle-detection system.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
Eddie Bauer
|
$1,995
|
$1,696
|
|
DVD entertainment system
|
||
|
XLT Premium, Eddie Bauer
|
$1,500
|
$1,275
|
|
XLT Premium requires AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
|
||
|
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
|
||
|
XLT FX4 Off-Road, XLT Popular, XLT Premium, XLT Value
|
$255
|
$217
|
|
Std. Eddie Bauer.
|
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
XLT Premium, Eddie Bauer
|
$860
|
$731
|
|
Requires front and 2nd-row curtain side airbags.
|
||
|
Leather upholstery
|
||
|
XLT FX4
|
$1,420
|
$1,207
|
|
Front bucket seats
|
||
|
XLT Popular
|
$595
|
$506
|
|
2nd-row bucket seats
|
||
|
XLT FX4 w/leather, XLT Premium, Eddie Bauer
|
$795
|
$676
|
|
XLT Popular, XLT FX4
|
$530
|
$506
|
|
Power-folding 3rd-row seat
|
||
|
XLT Premium, Eddie Bauer
|
$495
|
$421
|
|
Climate-controlled front seats
|
||
|
Eddie Bauer
|
$750
|
$638
|
|
Includes power passenger seat. Requires power folding third-row seat.
|
||
|
Load-leveling air suspension
|
||
|
Eddie Bauer, XLT FX4 Off-Road, XLT Popular, XLT Premium
|
$815
|
$692
|
|
Requires 5.4-liter engine. NA XLT Value. NA w/antiskid system.
|
||
|
|
||
2003 Ford Expedition Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Ford Expedition 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 119.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 205.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 77.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5569 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 110.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 1481 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 28.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 9 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.7 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V8 | sohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.6 /281 | 5.4 /330 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 232 @ 4750 | 260 @ 4500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 291 @ 3450 | 350 @ 2500 |
| Availability | Standard | Optional |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 4-speed automatic | 14/18 | 13/17 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Ford Expedition 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/100,000 | Focus only. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2003 Ford Expedition Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Acura
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Ford
GMC
Honda
Hummer
Hyundai
Infiniti
Isuzu
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lotus
Maserati
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mercury
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pontiac
Porsche
Rolls-Royce
Roush
Saab
Saturn
Scion
Smart
Subaru
Suzuki
Toyota
Volkswagen
Volvo
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
