Generation 1: 1997-2002
The Ford Expedition was a full-size 4-door SUV based on the U platform of the Ford F-150. In fact, it shared a lot of commonalities with the F-150 including frontend design, engines and other mechanics. The Ford Expedition was one of the biggest SUVs of the time with a long wheelbase of 119 inches and optional 3 rows of seating to sit 8 adult passengers comfortably. When it was released, two trims were offered: the XLT and Eddie Bauer.
In terms of power, rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive were offered with two engine options: the standard 4.6-liter V-8 that produces 215 horsepower and 290 lbs-ft of torque was the first. An optional 5.4-liter V-8 that makes 230 horsepower and 325 lbs-ft was also offered and both were paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity ranges from 6,000-8,000 pounds.
For an idea of the luxury inside, the Eddie Bauer trim offers leather-trimmed seats, dual-zone climate control and a power moonroof. Safety features for this release include 2 airbags, 2-way occupant protection and 3-point safety belts in all rows.
Generation 2: 2003-2006
For these model years, the Ford Expedition saw a redesigned interior and exterior, aimed at a simpler look with updated carpeting, door panels and aluminum trim. For this generation, the Expedition was offered in 8 trims total, all variations of the original XLT and Eddie Bauer trims. Two-wheel drive & four-wheel drive was offered along with the same engine options offered in the previous generation except a slight increase in power. The 4.6-liter increased to 232 horsepower and 291 lbs-ft of torque while the 5.4-liter increased to 260 horsepower and 350 lbs-ft of torque.
In 2005, the 4.6-liter engine was discontinued and the latter made standard. Also added for this generation was an independent rear suspension, 4 airbags and an increased towing capacity by 800 pounds.
Generation 3: 2007-2017
For this generation, the Ford Expedition was given an extended length version that was 14.8 inches longer than the standard. Trims included: XL, XLT, XLT Premium, XLT Sport, Limited and King Ranch. All received updated grilles, headlamps and more. Inside, a new dashboard and updated center stack are some of the prominent changes. With the same standard engine as its predecessor, horsepower increased to 300, torque to 365 lbs-ft and towing to 9,200 pounds. In 2015, a twin turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 365 hp and 420 lbs-ft of torque was also added. The Ford Expedition became more fuel-efficient at around 15/21 mpg and the 5.4-liter was eventually discontinued.
Generation 4: 2018-present
With a new chassis that increased the length and width, the Ford Expedition became spacious enough to seat 7-8 passengers. The Expedition Max was also added, becoming Ford’s biggest SUV. It and the Ford Expedition offer 3 trims: XLT, Limited and Platinum. All use the previously mentioned turbocharged 3.5-liter engine. For an idea of the range of luxury between the base and Platinum, the XLT offers cloth seats, 18-inch wheels, push-button start and a 4.3-inch LCD screen. The Platinum offers massaging, climate controlled leather seats and alloy wheels. Horsepower now tops out at 400, torque at 480 lbs-ft and towing capacity at 9,300 pounds. Other new features include a 10-speed automatic transmission and rotary dial shifter.