2003 Ford Expedition Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The 2003 Ford Expedition was launched with great fanfare. A complete redesign (long overdue, according to some reviewers) gave the...
The 2003 Ford Expedition was launched with great fanfare. A complete redesign (long overdue, according to some reviewers) gave the exterior a more streamlined, aerodynamic look. Reengineering of the suspension made this big full-size SUV a lot easier to handle. And flashy new features drew buyers in an ever-more-competitive sport-utility vehicle marketplace.
One of the most popular new features was power-down third-row seating: with the press of a button, the split third-row seat folded into the undercarriage, increasing cargo space with ease. New flexibility in the second-row seats, with a center seat that could be brought forward, was another innovation in the 2003 Expedition.
Two trim lines were offered for the '03 Ford Expedition, XLT and Eddie Bauer. As always, the baseline XLT was comfortable, while the higher-end Eddie Bauer offered touches of rugged, outdoorsy luxury, like leather upholstery and standard captain's-chair seating. An off-road options package called FX4 was available for the XLT; with features like 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and shocks tuned for off-road performance, this package was designed for the four-wheel drive adventurer.
When it came to engines, buyers could choose from a Triton V-8 4.6 liter overhead cam with 240 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, or a Triton V8 5.4 liter overhead cam that delivered 260 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. That kind of power enabled the Expedition to tow up to 8,000 pounds.
Not surprisingly, the '03 Expedition wasn't quite so impressive when it came to fuel economy. Getting from 13 to 14 mpg city, and from 17 to 19 mpg highway, depending on model, it was pretty thirsty. But plenty of drivers overlooked its gas-guzzling ways in favor of the roomy comfort and safety the Expedition provides.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2003 Ford Expedition appreciate its spaciousness, comfort, and reliability, citing it as a great vehicle for families and long trips. Many love its powerful V8 engine and ample cargo space, although most find the gas mileage to be a significant downside. Some reviewers have reported minor issues with maintenance and functionality, but overall, they value its dependability and capacity to handle various needs."
Smooth ride, comfort, style, affordability, great body design, many features/options...dependability, & this vehicle has the capacity to perform many additional duties aside from transporting children safely & comfortably. The expedition is truly an SUV with much to offer, & the options are great!
April 12, 2012A solid and dependable vehicle. Great passenger room and comfort, good cargo capacity.
August 15, 2007For many years owned and truck and small car for daily commutes. Combined everything into one vehicle thus not having to upkeep two. Large and comfortable for family trips, hauling soccer team, at the same time nice enough to go out with the spouse and then served as a work horse to go to local building supply to pickup materials .....excellent multipurpose vehicle. Independent rear suspension makes it handle very well. Plus its a Ford.
January 1, 2014What owners say
Smooth ride, comfort, style, affordability, great body design, many features/options...dependability, & this vehicle has the capacity to perform many additional duties aside from transporting children safely & comfortably. The expedition is truly an SUV with much to offer, & the options are great!
April 12, 2012A solid and dependable vehicle. Great passenger room and comfort, good cargo capacity.
August 15, 2007For many years owned and truck and small car for daily commutes. Combined everything into one vehicle thus not having to upkeep two. Large and comfortable for family trips, hauling soccer team, at the same time nice enough to go out with the spouse and then served as a work horse to go to local building supply to pickup materials .....excellent multipurpose vehicle. Independent rear suspension makes it handle very well. Plus its a Ford.
January 1, 2014Love the 4.6 v8 longtivty performance and dependability is all
November 17, 2020I've used this for hauling trailers, boats, other cars and trucks, and lots of people. I've never had any down time with it. Absolutely reliable. As the saying goes, "built Ford tough." The interior is fairly basic, no frills. This was a Special Service package, intended for police and fire department use. The tow package has been worth its weight in gold. I've hauled some serious weight over long distances, up mountains and never had a single issue with the Expedition. Maintenance is an absolute breeze, well thought-out engineering and design. I've since sold my Expedition but have committed to buying another one soon, as this was among my favorite SUVs ever.
December 8, 2014I have owned my Expedition for nine years and holding! Just recently have had to drop some serious money into it. Still worth fixing compared to buying another one. Because I would want another one just like it!! Great family vehicle, lots of room and comfortable for long road trips!
May 15, 2014My expedition is a retired sheriff search & rescue k-9 unit that came with all the maintenance records. The computer was flashed at ford to increase performance and I added a high voltage ignition sys and throttle body spacer to gain 29+ mpg on the highway. With it being a government truck they kept very good maintenance on it with full records. I’ve had no break downs or worn parts due to its time as a k-9 unit. Search & rescue units seem to have less wear and abuse than patrol or drug enforcement units.
July 15, 2012The only better SUV on the road was our 2000 Ford Excursion Diesel. We lived in snow country then and it was so neat to have an SUV that would pull those 8% grades without a hick-up. Since they don't make that one anymore, we choose to go with the Expedition and it is our mini-excursion (without the diesel engine of course).
July 5, 2013I bought my Expedition in 2004 pre-owned with very little mileage. It has been nothing but great to my family.
March 24, 2008Great vehicle for the price we got. big gas consumption. use big tires. good brakes, handling, easy to get parts because, is a Ford! 4.6L engine is a little beast. the transmission is awesome and very freaking strong as well.
February 3, 2013Trims & specs
Base MSRP $38,690 | Seating 8 |
Engine 4.6L 232 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $42,355 | Seating 8 |
Engine 5.4L 260 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 14 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $35,185 | Seating 9 |
Engine 4.6L 232 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 14 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $32,615 | Seating 9 |
Engine 4.6L 232 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $38,160 | Seating 8 |
Engine 5.4L 260 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 20.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4WD |
