The 2008 Ford Expedition is hard to beat if you’re looking for a used full-size SUV under $7,000. Roomy, powerful and dependable with up to 9,200 pounds of towing capacity, the 2008 Expedition is only topped by the 2009 Expedition, which costs about the same and has a better entertainment system.
Is the 2008 Ford Expedition a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – The 2008 Expedition’s biggest failings have to do more with its age and its size class than with its design or its build.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Some cheap interior trim and suspension that feels stiff with a light load are the only things holding the 2008 Expedition back from a perfect score here.
- Reliability 8/10 – Basic maintenance may be pricey, but you’ll likely have no issue passing 250,000 miles on the original transmission.
- Safety 8/10 – Good crash test ratings and generous standard safety features make the 2008 Expedition one of the safer SUVs on the road.
- Gas Mileage 6/10 – 12/18 miles to the gallon is good for a full-size SUV from 2008, which is to say, lousy.
- Value 8/10 – The 2008 Expedition is a good value if you know what you’re getting. Cost of ownership is high, so make sure you actually need a full-size SUV before you invest in one. Most drivers will find that a crossover suits their needs just fine.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2008 Ford Expedition?
Consumer Reports criticized the 2008 Expeditions poor fuel economy, stiff ride, and coarse engine noises. They were otherwise impressed with the SUV’s powerful performance in towing, off-roading, and hauling nine passengers in style and comfort.
Kelley Blue Book praised the 2008 Expedition as a spacious three-row SUV capable of pulling whatever boat or trailer you need to pull. They note that the SUV is more than most drivers will need, and you may want to see if you can find a mid-size that suits your needs before you go all in with an Expedition.
Edmunds found the handling to be surprisingly good for a full-size SUV. And, of course, they note that the Expedition is a beast at towing, and it’s incredibly roomy, but fuel economy is poor.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Ford Expedition Have?
The 2008 Ford Expedition has generated 143 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Structure complaints make up 34 of these, with drivers reporting peeling paint and excessive rust.
14 powertrain complaints point to rollaway and ticking noises likely having to do with shift cable issues. No recalls have been issued on the matter, and incidence rate is very low, so it may be too soon to make a comprehensive diagnosis. Just don’t skip the test-drive.
A recall was issued for the Expedition’s brakes in its first year on the market, with a control module malfunction possibly resulting in weak braking. A handful of complaints continued to roll in as late as 2020, but reports have been few and far between since the recall was issued in 2007.
The 2008 Ford Expedition has been recalled 5 times, which is average for an SUV of this age. The biggest of these was an interior door handle recall affecting over 100,000 units. A braking recall affected around 10,000 units, and the others affected fewer than 200 units each.
How Long Will the 2008 Ford Expedition Last?
Drivers have reported the Ford Expedition lasting 300,000 miles and more. You don’t want to get your hopes up in a used model, however, as skipped oil changes can take years off the powertrain. Expect 250,000 on the original transmission, and consider anything after that a bonus.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $737, which may sound a bit high, but it’s on par for a full-size SUV from this model year. Suspension repairs make up the most expensive common fixes, with new shocks and struts averaging $741 to $799 each.
It has been fairly reliable and only minor mechanical issues. I can definitely depend on it. I have yet to be stranded.
Very reliable. Does not have any problems. We have had it for a year and it is a really great ride. It is very trustworthy when comes to travel.
In general, it has been a reliable car to own and drive. Even though the car is over ten years old we haven't had an major issues.
It's an easy maintenance vehicle and parts are cost efficient, it is a reliable vehicle and I would recommend
Yes it's reliable. So far we haven't had any problems other than small fixes like headlights and oil changes. Easy maintenance type things
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2008 Ford Expedition is pretty good. CD/MP3 players with 6 speakers come standard, and you can upgrade that to a high-end Audiophile sound system with a 6-disc CD changer and 7 speakers.
Safety technology is good for the model year. Anti-lock brakes and stability control come standard, and rearview cameras are available as an upgrade. More modern features like lane keep assist weren’t really common by 2008, but the Expedition comes with everything you can reasonably expect for the model year.
Is the 2008 Ford Expedition a Good Value?
The 2008 Ford Expedition is a good value if you’re in the market for a full-size SUV. An entry level model typically lists for around $6,362, while a Limited will go for around $8,291. With under 160,000 miles on the transmission, these prices are pretty fair.
Cost of ownership is what turns a lot of people off of owning an Expedition. Fuel economy is pretty poor, and basic maintenance is more expensive than what you’d be paying in a crossover. The Expedition makes for a very expensive daily driver, but it’s a good bargain if you’re leaving it in the garage between road trips and camping expeditions.
What are the Different Models of the 2008 Ford Expedition?
The 2008 Ford Expedition is offered in four trim levels, from the base XLT to the high-end King Ranch.
The entry-level XLT offers:
- Anti-lock brakes and traction control
- Manual air conditioning
- Remote keyless entry
- Heated mirrors
- Cloth seating
- CD/MP3 player with 6 speakers
- Cruise control
Next up is the mid-range Eddie Bauer edition, featuring:
- Leather seating
- Dual zone automatic air conditioning
- 10-way power adjust driver seat
- Audiophile sound system with 6-disc CD changer and 7 speakers
The high-end Limited adds:
- Parking assist
- Heated front seats
- Wood and leather wrapped steering wheel with mounted cruise, climate, and audio controls
Finally, with the top-of-the-line King Ranch, you’re adding:
- King Ranch carpeted flooring
- 18″ machined aluminum wheels
What Engines Come In the 2008 Ford Expedition?
- The 2008 Ford Expedition packs a 5.4L V8 engine delivering 300 horsepower and 365 lb.-ft. of torque at an average fuel economy of around 12/18 miles to the gallon. This is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission in rear/four wheel drive, and it can tow up to 9,200 pounds.
What Colors Does the 2008 Ford Expedition Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2008 Ford Expedition?
The only issues with the Ford Expedition when it comes to comfort: The interior trim feels a bit cheap in the lower trim levels, and the suspension is a bit rigid with a light load. Beyond that, this is one of the most comfortable SUVs ever made.
Back seats stretch a generous 60 inches across, and you’ve got nearly enough head room to stand up straight in the back. The third row is comfortable enough to seat two or three adults.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 Ford Expedition Have?
The 2008 Ford Expedition goes from 18 cubic feet of cargo space with all the seats up, to 55 cubic feet with the third row, and an incredible 108 cubic feet with both of the back rows folded flat. All told, this is more space than you’ll get from some minivans.
You can haul furniture in an Expedition with room left over for someone to help you carry it.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
2008 was the second model year in the Expedition’s 3rd Generation, running over a full decade from 2007 to 2018.
2006: The final model year in the Expedition’s 2nd Gen saw the addition of chrome tipped exhaust and some new color options.
2007: Ford got rid of the NBX trim in 2007 and gave the rest of the lineup a cosmetic overhaul. The Expedition was essentially the same SUV under the hood, but with a modernized appearance.
2008: New for 2008 were optional rearview cameras and power running boards.
2009: The 6-speed automatic transmission was overhauled for 2009, FlexFuel engines were offered up, and Ford added the DVD-based SYNC entertainment system to the package.
2010: Trailer sway control was made standard for 2010, making this the one to buy if you’re going to be doing a lot of hauling in your Expedition.
How Does the 2008 Ford Expedition Compare to the Competition?
The 2008 Ford Expedition is the best full-size SUV you’re going to find in this model year at this price.
A 2008 GMC Yukon typically sells for a couple thousand dollars more than a comparable Expedition without delivering another two thousand dollars of value. A 2008 Chevy Tahoe starts at around $9,000 with a third row that doesn’t even fold flat.
The 2008 Ford Expedition’s only real competition in its price range is a 2009 Ford Expedition, which typically lists in the same price range, but features a modernized SYNC entertainment system.
Do Owners Recommend the 2008 Ford Expedition?
Yes, it is very spacious, very sturdy and goes just about anywhere. Even gas mileage is pretty good.
Good vehicle. Very spacious. Gas mileage is great long distance. Accommodate kids with DVD player. Has slightly dark windows.
Yes because you have a lot of seating and large cargo area. A negative of this vehicle is that it uses a lot of gas.
It's a comfortable eco friendly spacious SUV that I would recommend for small or large families it's gas efficient and has great features
Yes! It's versatile, can haul things, can fit a lot of people, it's comfortable and safe. I know when I get in my car I'm safe and can get where I need to go, very reliable