1997 Ford Expedition Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The 1997 Ford Expedition was Ford's first entry into the full-size sport-utility vehicle market. Ford had a head start in creating the...
The 1997 Ford Expedition was Ford's first entry into the full-size sport-utility vehicle market. Ford had a head start in creating the Expedition; its chassis design was based on the hugely popular F-150 pickup, which had dominated the US and world truck market for years.
Styling was big-shouldered, with rounded edges as a bow to aerodynamics. Inside, the Expedition offered roomy comfort. The '97 Ford Expedition was available in two trim choices, XLT and Eddie Bauer, and in two-door and four-door body styles. Four-wheel drive was an option for people longing to take their SUV off-road.
The 1997 Expedition's target market, though, was the buyer looking for a big, solid wagon for family transportation or work. With an almost 10-foot wheelbase, an overall length of more than 17 feet, and 118 cubic feet of cargo space, the Expedition certainly delivered size.
There was plenty of power under the hood as well: the '97 Expedition offered a choice of either a 4.6 liter overhead cam Triton V8 that delivered 215 horsepower and 293 lb.-ft. of torque, or a 5.4 liter Triton V-8 with 230 horsepower, 345 lb-ft. of torque.
Not surprisingly, this behemoth didn't exactly excel in gas mileage, with 13/14 mpg city, 17/18 mpg highway, depending on model.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 1997 Ford Expedition appreciate its roomy interior, strong off-road performance, and reliability. Many enjoy its capability to carry large groups and its good handling for a vehicle of its size. However, the major downside noted is its fuel consumption, as several owners mention it being a gas guzzler, which can be costly for long trips."
Great off road handling. Superior traction in all conditions. Very few repairs needed since purchased. Great MPG for its year and size. Excellent horsepower because of size of engine (5.4L). Very Fun to drive on or off roads. Terrific traction in the snow. Powerful enough to become a weekend plow truck. Destroys the completion for its year in all suv's. Also it is as heavy duty as a tank, almost indestructible. Only Down part of this truck is it is a gas Guzzler. I would certainly recommend this SUV to everyone who likes to have fun or has a big family (Seats 8 with 3rd row seat)
December 14, 2008My 1997 Ford Expedition was bought primarily as a family outing 'hauler' and an escape from being stuck in snow-drifts after living in Chicago for a few years with a '93 Honda Civic. Needless to say, I was tired of digging the little Honda out of the snow after a few inches of overnight dusting. The Expeditions power comes from its 4.6L Triton Engine that definitely has enough power to tow trailers and boats significantly larger than the Expedition itself. The interior comfort makes for a stress free ride while on long-haul adventures. I've driven my Expedition from Chicago to Miami and back a few times, with no problems. The only downside I see to the '97 Expedition is the amount of gas it takes to keep her going. The 25 gallon tank will show a low level light with 2 gallons remaining - with which you had only traveled approximately 290 to 310 highway miles. This averages out to about 13 mpg Freeway and is not very helpful on the pocketbook - especially when the gas prices had hit all-time highs only a year ago.
August 8, 2009Lets start withe the backbone of every real truck the chassis. Sturdy and not very flexible it lends itself to towing, hauling, and other heavy work. Compared to my moms s class its a cow. compared to the old empty flat bed farm truck its a dream. the brakes are fantastic (maybe the drilled and slotted had something to do with that?) its about 50ish horsepower short of being a street hero although it will put the average Joe back in the seat. interior is pretty good and everything. ONE MAJOR GRIPE: the 5.4 gas motor is an absolute disaster. if you buy a truck like this make sure it already had the spark plug issue handled like mine did. overall though wouldn't trade mine for anything less than a diesel truck.
January 12, 2010What owners say
Great off road handling. Superior traction in all conditions. Very few repairs needed since purchased. Great MPG for its year and size. Excellent horsepower because of size of engine (5.4L). Very Fun to drive on or off roads. Terrific traction in the snow. Powerful enough to become a weekend plow truck. Destroys the completion for its year in all suv's. Also it is as heavy duty as a tank, almost indestructible. Only Down part of this truck is it is a gas Guzzler. I would certainly recommend this SUV to everyone who likes to have fun or has a big family (Seats 8 with 3rd row seat)
December 14, 2008My 1997 Ford Expedition was bought primarily as a family outing 'hauler' and an escape from being stuck in snow-drifts after living in Chicago for a few years with a '93 Honda Civic. Needless to say, I was tired of digging the little Honda out of the snow after a few inches of overnight dusting. The Expeditions power comes from its 4.6L Triton Engine that definitely has enough power to tow trailers and boats significantly larger than the Expedition itself. The interior comfort makes for a stress free ride while on long-haul adventures. I've driven my Expedition from Chicago to Miami and back a few times, with no problems. The only downside I see to the '97 Expedition is the amount of gas it takes to keep her going. The 25 gallon tank will show a low level light with 2 gallons remaining - with which you had only traveled approximately 290 to 310 highway miles. This averages out to about 13 mpg Freeway and is not very helpful on the pocketbook - especially when the gas prices had hit all-time highs only a year ago.
August 8, 2009Lets start withe the backbone of every real truck the chassis. Sturdy and not very flexible it lends itself to towing, hauling, and other heavy work. Compared to my moms s class its a cow. compared to the old empty flat bed farm truck its a dream. the brakes are fantastic (maybe the drilled and slotted had something to do with that?) its about 50ish horsepower short of being a street hero although it will put the average Joe back in the seat. interior is pretty good and everything. ONE MAJOR GRIPE: the 5.4 gas motor is an absolute disaster. if you buy a truck like this make sure it already had the spark plug issue handled like mine did. overall though wouldn't trade mine for anything less than a diesel truck.
January 12, 2010The 1997 is the year to own, not the 1998. Too many changes made after '97 that made repairs difficult. Any and all repairs we've made have "do-able". I personally have had the dash apart several times and it was easy to replace bulbs and parts. Rides quiet and has plenty of room for long trips with the kids. So many options on this to list!
May 9, 2015Dependable, rock solid body, bullet-proof engine an transmission. 170,000 miles on it so far. little sluggish on acceleration, braking an handling good.gas guzzler, maintenance minimal. fun 2 drive on long trips. Good truck for the money. Ford built 2 last!
October 15, 2009Yeah the fuel mileage is a bit rugged (has averaged 14 mpg combined the whole time I've had it) but what do you expect from something this size? I'm extremely happy with it and the performance I've gotten out of it the last 7 years.
January 8, 2014Solid, everything works. Easy to fix. Carries my stuff and friends. Remained like new its whole life. Always starts. Friends like riding in it. I will buy another Expedition when I need to but it will probably be an older one because the newer ones don't feel as solid.
April 6, 2015I don't know if this is any better or worse than the Suburban. It's just a different vehicle (obviously).
February 3, 2008performance- handles well for big car build quality- for a 13 year old car it runs pretty good lol appearance- looks great for being 13 cost of ownership- hope u like helping out gas comanies fun factor- well i guess its allright- a lambo would def. be better haha
January 3, 2010Loved the car, allowed me to drive carpool and field trips. Roomy enough for a group of adults to go out on the town. 7 drinkers one driver! Fun for the kids, but expensive on gas.
February 24, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $35,865 | Seating 9 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $29,370 | Seating 9 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $39,640 | Seating 9 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $31,970 | Seating 9 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
