The 2003 Ford Expedition isn’t a great choice if you’re looking for a daily driver, but if you’re in the market for a full-size SUV, something that can haul a load of furniture with room to spare for your helpers, you won’t find anything better at this price.
Is the 2003 Ford Expedition a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – The 2003 Expedition is excellent for what it is. It’s a lousy daily-driver, but it’s the next best thing to a full-size pickup when it’s time to move some furniture.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Maybe the only SUV that comfortably seats as many adults as it says it does.
- Reliability 8/10 – A 2003 Expedition might make 300,000 miles on the original powertrain, but only if the previous owner took good care of it.
- Safety 7/10 – Good ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and decent safety technology make for an SUV you’ll feel secure driving.
- Gas Mileage 4/10 – Even when you account for the vehicle’s age, 14/19 miles to the gallon, city/highway, is pretty lousy.
- Value 8/10 – At this price, you won’t find a better or more versatile full-size SUV, but that comes at the cost of a higher gas bill.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2003 Ford Expedition?
Consumer Reports found the 2003 Expedition’s interior to be spacious and comfortable and the ride to be smooth, praising the roomy third row. They were less impressed with the SUV’s “leisurely acceleration and abysmal fuel economy” owing to the outsized 5,900 pound curb weight.
Kelley Blue Book users give the 2003 Expedition a 90% recommendation. Positive reviews praise the onboard luxuries like DVD screens, and they find the SUV powerful and fun to drive. Negative reviews report that it’s just not worth the gas money.
Edmunds loved the interior design and hauling capabilities and felt that the SUV handled well. They didn’t like how slow the SUV could be when loaded down.
What Common Problems Does the 2003 Ford Expedition Have?
Engine and engine cooling complaints take the lead on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration page with 132 reports. Many of these have to do with a potential fire hazard owing to an ejected spark plug. Drivers report anything from fuel leaks to flames erupting under the hood. The latest incident was reported in 2013.
With 113 complaints on file, electrical issues are the second most common source of concern for 2003 Expedition drivers. There is a recurring issue with water leaking into the ignition coil, causing the engine to misfire.
Powertrain issues are relatively uncommon for such an old vehicle, with only 59 complaints on file. Drivers are reporting problems including transmission slip at highway speeds, jerking and stalling, and sudden loss of automotive power.
In total the 2003 Expedition has just 650 complaints and 6 recalls on file with the NHTSA. These numbers are both remarkably low for a twenty year old SUV.
How Long Will the 2003 Ford Expedition Last?
RepairPal estimate that an older Expedition should cost around $657 a year to keep running. The most expensive common repair is a replacement for a suspension shock or strut, starting at around $810.
Drivers have reported the lifespan of their vehicle at anywhere from 150,000 to 300,000. Some owners run these things ragged, driving them like a Jeep and towing more than the vehicle can handle, taking years off the powertrain. If you’re buying from a licensed, reputable dealer, 250,000 miles is a fair expectation.
Yes never left me stranded uses a lot of gas but always passes smog has 181,000 miles on it plenty of room and is wonderful in the rain used to drive a vette
The Ford Expedition is a reliable vehicle and currently it doesn't have an problems. I make sure the SUV is maintenance every 6 months.
The only issue that I have had with my Ford Expedition is the oil pump going bad which wasn't too hard to replace on my own.
No problems with our Ford Expedition. The maintenance has been basic, the car is comfortable, safe and dependable
It is very reliable. I bought it used and my boyfriend had to fix very minor issues on it like a bulb burned out and ac needed more coolant.
Yes, it is reliable. Standard problems but starting to notice electrical issues. Motor mount broke. Had to replace the fuel pump twice. Only gets an average of 15 mpg for city driving.
In my experience, it super reliable. The brakes are working perfectly that gives me an edge for safety.
It is very reliable and has only had normal wear and tear issues. Mine has no problems. It is still a good running vehicle
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is pretty good for 2003. Even the budget-priced XLT Value comes with a CD and tape player, and some trims come with DVD entertainment systems.
Safety technology is likewise pretty good for 2003. Anti-lock brakes and airbag occupancy sensors might not seem so cutting-edge today, but this was a robust offering twenty years ago.
Is the 2003 Ford Expedition a Good Value?
The 2003 Ford Expedition is a very good value. In fact, it might be the best deal you’re going to find on a full-size SUV right now, with an entry level XLT selling at a fair purchase price around $3,317. Even the premium Eddie Bauer edition typically lists at just $4,436, about two thousand lower than a comparable Chevy Tahoe.
That said, we’re just talking about the sticker price here. The most efficient 2003 Expedition gets just 14/19 miles to the gallon, city/highway, and the SUV costs a bit more to maintain than some of its competitors. It’s a fairly affordable SUV to buy, but keeping it running may have you wishing you’d bought a crossover.
What are the Different Models of the 2003 Ford Expedition?
Not counting the Special Service model sold to law enforcement, there are five models available to the public.
The entry-level XLT Value features:
- CD and cassette player with four speakers
- Remote keyless entry
- Power windows with one-touch down for the driver
- Cruise control
The mid-range XLT Popular adds:
- Running boards
- Fog lights
- Electrochromic rearview mirror
With the top-of-the-line XLT Premium you’re adding:
- Leather seating materials
- 6-way power adjust for the driver’s seat
The limited edition Eddie Bauer adds stylish upgrades, like:
- Satin Nickel grille
- Arizona Beige wheellip molding, running boards, and bumpers
- Eddie Bauer branding
With an XLT FX4 Off-Road you get the 5.4L Triton V8 engine, plus:
- Front tow hooks
- Skid plates
- Bilstein shock absorbers
What Engines Come In the 2003 Ford Expedition?
- The base engine in the Expedition is a 4.6L V8 Triton delivering 232 horsepower and 291 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission and configured in rear/four wheel drive. This can tow up to 5,750 pounds with the towing kit. It’s the standard engine in the XLT Value, and available in all trims but the FX4.
- Standard in the FX4 and available in all trims but the Value edition is a 5.4L Triton V8. This one delivers 350 lb.-ft. of torque and 260 horsepower. It’s paired with a 4-speed automatic and configured in four wheel drive. The 5.4L can tow up to 8,950 pounds with the towing kit.
What Colors Does the 2003 Ford Expedition Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2003 Ford Expedition?
With 63 inches of hip room in the third row, this is one of the few SUVs that can actually seat as many adults as it says it can. Six fully grown passengers should have no trouble packing in. Add the cushy bench seats to the mix and this is one of the most comfortable used vehicles on the market today.
The suspension has held up pretty well over the years, with few complaints listed with the NHTSA. But, your mileage may vary. If someone’s been taking this thing mudding the ride may be a bit rickety, so don’t skip the test drive. See how it hits those speed bumps before you hand any money over.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2003 Ford Expedition Have?
The back end of the Expedition will hold 20.6 cubic feet with the seats up. That’s plenty of room for groceries, camping supplies, coolers, or a dog that likes to stand up on all fours for the entire ride. Fold the back seats down and you’ve got 110.5 cubic feet of space, which is almost enough to haul a second vehicle.
The Expedition is a reminder that the original SUVs were just trucks with some extra seats in place of a bed. Almost anything you could haul in a small or mid-size pickup, you can haul in a 2003 Expedition.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2003 Ford Expedition was the inaugural model year for the 2nd Generation, which would be retired with the 2006 edition.
2003: The Expedition was totally redesigned for 2003 with a new independent rear suspension system, and an 800 pound improvement to towing capacity over the first gen models.
2004: An Eddie Bauer Premium edition and an XLT Sport were added to the trim lineup. The FX4 was renamed the NBX for 2004.
2005: New roof rails and a King Ranch trim level with Castano leather trim were introduced, and the 5.4L Triton was made standard on all models.
2006: Minor cosmetic changes included new Pewter and Dark Copper metallic colors, and the King Ranch got a chrome tipped exhaust. This was the last year for the NBX model, with Ford dropping the trim from the lineup for the third-gen relaunch in the 2007 model year.
How Does the 2003 Ford Expedition Compare to the Competition?
Comparing the 2003 Ford Expedition to that year’s Chevy Tahoe, specs and features are fairly comparable across the board, and both are fairly reliable. But the Tahoe runs about two thousand dollars extra on average compared to the Expedition, making Ford the clear winner.
The 2003 Grand Cherokee runs around the same price as the Expedition. The Jeep is a tighter fit, the handling is more cumbersome in the city, but it’s built specifically to serve as an adventure vehicle, and to that end it outperforms the FX4, coming out a few miles ahead in fuel economy and holding up better to rugged outdoor exploration.
As an all-arounder at a great price, the Expedition is the obvious winner. But a full-size SUV from 2003 is already a pretty lousy option for a daily driver, and the Grand Cherokee, though less versatile than the Ford, may be the better weekend warrior if you’re looking for a second vehicle to take on camping and fishing trips.
Do Owners Recommend the 2003 Ford Expedition?
Yes it has been a very good vehicle no major problems has 181,000 miles on it just regular oil changes and does use a lot of gas
Yes. It is dependable and durable. It can haul trailers and go over mountains. It can also last long car trips.
I love my Ford Expedition. It has plenty of cargo space even with third row seating in use. I can fit four car seats in it if needed with space for a child or small adult between the two in the back seat.
Yes, our 2003 Ford Excursion is a good vehicle, has had only basic maintenance, is reliable, comfortable and feels safe
Yes it drives well and has cool features. Good for driving in the snow. Has a DVD player in it for people in the back seat to watch a movie.
Yes. Comfortable on long drives. Sits higher than passenger cars, so feel safe. Large cargo capacity for groceries, tools, other passengers.
Yes, be its it can carry a lot of loads, safe, and comfortable. The leather seats are comfortable also you can fold them to expand the room for put big bulk loads. It has a power steering 4 wheel drive that gives safety driving in the snow.
Yes it is. I have the Eddie Bauer editions. It runs great and is very comfortable. I would definitely purchase another one
