1997 Ford Expedition Consumer Reviews

Old Faithful

Written by: dino on 10/05/2008

Vehicle

1997 Ford Expedition 4 Dr Eddie Bauer 4WD Utility

Review

We have loved this vehicle. We bought it with 108k, have 165k now. With three kids it has worn well, but showing signs of age. Ultimately it has met its death with me due to "electrolysis", which is not uncommon in this line of Fords I understand - there is a grounding fault that develops and the current causes the antifreeze to corrode the heater core, which we have replaced 4 times now. The frequency keeps increasing so we are parting ways for another expedition. It tows our camper wonderfully.

Favorite Features

Roomy size, reliability, time honored looks. The 97 design still looks good today.

Suggested Improvements

Terrible gas mileage, but to be expected in a large powerful vehicle.

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Great Family hauler/workhorse

Written by: LeeB on 12/18/2007

Vehicle

1997 Ford Expedition 4 Dr XLT 4WD Utility

Review

We've owned this truck for 8 years now, bought it used, 2 years old. Two major problems, transmission replaced at 100K miles, replaced injection system on 4 ofthe 8 cylinders (one at a time of course - this is a common problem with this engine). Has otherwise been a good reliable family and stuff hauler. It's become expensive (gas) to use as an everyday commuter, but we'll keep it as a part-time haul around vehicle.

Favorite Features

Space, nice high seating position, good torque/power, comfortable. The cabin can be made really cold even on an August day in Florida.

Suggested Improvements

11 MPG at $3.10 adds up real fast.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great 97 SUV

Written by: Exp Fan on 09/30/2007

Vehicle

1997 Ford Expedition 4 Dr XLT 4WD Utility

Review

Bought in 99 with 24k and now have 154k. great vehicle with only normal maintenance until replaced ball joints recently. Great comfort and tons of space. Use as a small pickup sometimes when I need to haul something. Paint on roof though not visible from the ground has deteriorated but the rest of the paint is good especially for spending 4 years in Buffalo winters and the rest in WV.

Favorite Features

Size, comfort and 15 mpg good for a large SUV. 4.6L OK but probably would not be a good for towing

Suggested Improvements

Tougher leather seats. 17" wheels std. Have 16 and 17 looks much better.

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Great

Written by: Family on 09/04/2007

Vehicle

1997 Ford Expedition 4 Dr XLT 4WD Utility

Review

Purchased my suv in 2003. Love it! I have only had one major problem with it when I blew the spark plug out of the head (kind of costly) but well worth it. Having a big family I will stick with my Expedition for as long as I can.. even with high gas prices it is still a very safe suv for my children.

Favorite Features

Love the room and the way it handles in all weather conditions..

Suggested Improvements

Make third row more accessible and a little more room behind third row.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Great truck!

Written by: misskayla on 07/30/2007

Vehicle

1997 Ford Expedition 4 Dr XLT 4WD Utility

Review

I love my truck. It's a smooth ride, comfortable/roomy. I brought it in 2004 and it came without a CD changer, but I installed one in there. Could do better on gas. Considering I drive state to state, it's approching 135,000 miles and I never had a problem with it beside changing my oil and I did replace the alternator a year ago.

Favorite Features

Size

Suggested Improvements

Better gas mileage

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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I enjoy my Expedition

Written by: Bob on 06/19/2007

Vehicle

1997 Ford Expedition 4 Dr XLT 4WD Utility

Review

Getting this out of the way, yes, the gas mileage is terrible. Everything else about the Expedition I love. It's great on the highway filled with kids and luggage. Very comfortable ride and plenty of room. I also enjoy riding high up it gives you better visibility of the road.

Favorite Features

Comfortable roomy interior

Suggested Improvements

Designing an engine that has power plus better gas mileage.

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Good Truck

Written by: Bruce on 01/17/2006

Vehicle

1997 Ford Expedition 4 Dr XLT Utility

Review

Bought the Expedition new in 1996, just after they came out; no major problems, but several recalls. The two problems I had included an engine oil leak, but Ford covered 75% of the repair; it seems there is a problem with the early 5.4L. There is a service bulletin on this. The other problem was the 4WD quit. A vacuum line had hit the manifold and melted, an easy fix once found. I have averaged 14.4 MPG so far, I record ever fill, so this is an accurate number. This includes a lot of trailer towing. Overall this has been a great vehicle.

Favorite Features

Great vehicle for over the road drives well and lots of room, handles trailers very well. Also works good in snow and off-road.

Suggested Improvements

Trim pieces on the exterior around windows oxidize and don't clean up. Would like to be able to get a manual tranny.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Best Car I've Ever Owned!

Written by: Lorie on 08/30/2005

Vehicle

1997 Ford Expedition 4 Dr Eddie Bauer Utility

Review

I LOVE my Expedition. Wish I could afford a new one. Would DEFINITELY buy another one (even used). No major problems in the 6 years I've owned it. Replaced the tires once. Highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a good, dependable, used car.

Favorite Features

Smooth ride, lots of interior room, great sound system

Suggested Improvements

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Still running good after 8 years

Written by: Brian on 04/16/2005

Vehicle

1997 Ford Expedition 4 Dr Eddie Bauer Utility

Review

I purchased this vehicle with 24K miles and have owned it for almost seven years. I currently have almost 140K miles and I have been very pleased. I originally purchased this car to tow a 5,000 lb. camper. I purchased the 5.4L engine with the tow package and lower rear end differential. The car tows well and also has a lot of space and comfort. It is great for family vacations as there is a lot of rear leg room for my teenage kids. I only have one knock and that is that the leather wore away on the steering wheel and drivers seat. I would recommend a steering wheel cover as well a seat covers to keep the interior looking fresh.

Favorite Features

Towing capability, engine power, reliability, comfort, stereo sound, interior room.

Suggested Improvements

Better leather quality.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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97 EB

Written by: TEAM Inc. on 01/15/2005

Vehicle

1997 Ford Expedition 4 Dr Eddie Bauer 4WD Utility

Review

Bought new in 1996, approaching 200K. Overall reliable, engine leaks oil, 3 grand in repairs and dealer still can't figure it out. GREAT in snow, rain, sand! Lots of space for gear! Fuel economy poor, 12 /15 MPG. 5.4 liter is a must. Found it to be reasonably stable vehicle. Large tank means decent cruising range but filling up to the tune of $ 60.00 is not fun. Fortunately this is now a back up vehicle so miles and fuel are less. Overall this has been a good solid truck. As said in other reviews, it does take a licking and keep on ticking.

Favorite Features

Tons of space, great field of vision, very comfortable driving position and seats in front. Reclinable rear seats are great too.

Suggested Improvements

Fuel economy, but this is a heavy vehicle and so you take the bad with the good.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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