Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Roomy on the inside and agile out on the road, the Expedition is a solid choice among full-size SUVs.
Pros
Well thought-out interior with plenty of room for passengers and their belongings, handy fold-flat third-row seat, impressive handling for its size, great crash test scores.
Cons
Needs more power, ride quality suffers on rough roads.
What's New for 2004
Redesigned last year, the Expedition offers few changes for 2004. Option packages and trim levels have been slightly revised, and in some cases, renamed. The XLS replaces last year's XLT Value trim level, while a new NBX trim level replaces the FX4 off-road package. And there is now an XLT Sport trim level. A tire-pressure monitoring system is now standard on XLT, XLT Sport and Eddie Bauer, while the previously standard limited-slip rear axle is now an option.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Best SUV I have owned
Vehicle
2004 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4WD 4dr SUV (5.4L 8cyl 4A)
Review
We made the mistake of purchasing a new 07 Wrangler and what a mistake, sold it quick and found this Expedition with 4WD cheap with only 31k miles. Had to replace the Contrac tires because it sat for over a year until gas came down. I purchased it to tow cars that I purchase on craiglist. I have even pulled a 36 foot motorhome (15,000 pounds) to a garage with no problems.I have put about 12k miles on it now and I love it. Passes everything but the gas stations. The new tires make it really comfortable. Did not want 4X4 but they gave this thing away when closing the dealership. I will put over 200,000 miles on this like all my other Fords one with over 435,000 miles. Do your own maintnance.
Favorite Features
I have always loved a Ford even thiough I also drive a Honda for MPG. A Ford is bullet proof and will survive a nuclear war no matter what others say and parts are cheap and available at any autohouse. Of course I do do all my own service because you can not trust others in most cases
Suggested Improvements
Sure would like a little better gas mileage but it is worth it for the towing I do. Needs more inside lighting like the Lincolns have or a flashlight on a cable so it will always be there.
Best Domestic Vehicle Ever Owned
Vehicle
2004 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4WD 4dr SUV (5.4L 8cyl 4A)
Review
80,000 miles and have never had any mechanical problem. This is the way to travel for a large family (>4). Kids and wife love it. DVD system and premium stereo are great. Very comfortable seating, even in the third row. Long interstate trips allow a significant increase in gas mileage. No problem towing large (6500+ pounds) of boat. Have never been stuck in snow and often pulled others out of the ditches.
Favorite Features
Front seats that warm or cool at flip of a switch. I love sitting above the traffic and having great visibility. Wireless headsets for those watching the DVD system - and I can listen to the radio simultaneously. Surprisingly comfortable for a big vehicle.
Suggested Improvements
Improved gas mileage of course. But if you car pool, or take other large adults on trips, how could you complain.
Love it & will buy my 3rd one soon
Vehicle
2004 Ford Expedition XLT Rwd 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
Review
This is my 2nd Expedition and I love these trucks. I'm about to buy a 3rd one. This one has been a rock - totally dependable and solid. I feel safe on highway or in town. Had someone turn in front of me recently on a highway and the brakes did exactly what they were supposed to do - again, it's solid. Put the Michelin LTX/MS tires on it and the ride is great. Ford has treated me right all along - with the 1st one and the 2nd one. It stinks on gas mileage, but it does everything I need it to do. I love this truck.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
More storage compartments. My '99 had more storage. Better gas mileage would make this PRIMO!
Absolute Garbage
Vehicle
2004 Ford Expedition XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
Review
This vehicle is a true Friday afternoon lemon. Both front calipers defective at 39,000 miles - out of warranty I have to replace. Exhaust system at 49,000 miles - i have to replace. Now, transmission gone at 58,000 miles - I have to fix. Nothing is covered under warranty, Gas mileage has never been better than 12.5 MPG. When addressed to Ford that a transmission under minimal use should not need to be replaced at 58,000 miles, Ford "regrets this, but unfortunately, can't help us." Junk car, junk company, worst vehicle I have ever owned. I would highly dissuade anyone from Ford product based on this vehicle and my experience with the company.
Favorite Features
None.
Suggested Improvements
A transmission that goes more than 58,000 miles for starters. Or a warranty that is longer than 36,000 miles, when everything seems to start to fail.
Bought Used...
Vehicle
2004 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4WD 4dr SUV (5.4L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Purchased this used at 44K miles last year after having a 4 cyl Altima. First I would not go back to a car. Sitting this high is awesome. The truck itself is great and I have had no major problems. The tire monitoring system goes off when the car is cold but otherwise no major mechanical issues. DVD is great for my 3 kids and I added XM radio so this is like a home away from home. Owned the lemon Ford Tempo many years ago and vowed that I would never own a Ford again....maybe not a car but the SUVs are great. That is one thing that Ford is good at.
Favorite Features
Third Row Auto Fold down Rear Sensor DVD Agile on the road
Suggested Improvements
Nicer tires! Had to add some on mine. 0 to 60 could be a little quicker
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