1998 Ford Expedition Review
1998 Ford Expedition Review

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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Big, comfortable, and easy to drive. Good off-road, too.
Cons
- Engine does not compare to the power found in the GMC Suburban.
What’s new
No changes.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Ford Expedition XLT 4dr SUV and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$255/mo for Expedition XLT
Expedition XLT
vs
$238/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Vehicle overview
After allowing GM to dominate the full-size SUV arena for years, Ford introduced a vehicle in 1997 that had its sights squarely aimed at the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon. Ford boasts that its Expedition is superior to the GM full-size sport-utes in every way. We had the chance to drive many of these brute-utes this year, and here is what we found out.
Larger than the Tahoe and Yukon, the Expedition can seat nine people with its optional third-row bench seat; the Tahoe and Yukon can only seat six. Unlike the Suburban, which may have difficulty fitting into a standard garage, the Expedition can be handled easier in most parking maneuvers. The Expedition also has the best payload and towing capacity in its class: 2,000 lbs. and 8000 lbs., respectively.
On the road, the Expedition is well mannered. It's obvious that this is not a car, but compared to the vehicle it replaces, the Expedition rides like a limousine. Interior ergonomics are first rate and will be familiar to anyone who has spent time in the new F-150. From the front seat forward, the Expedition is nearly identical to the new pickup. That's a good thing: we love the cab of the 1997 F-150 with its easy-to-use climate and stereo controls, steering-wheel-mounted cruise control, plenty of cupholders and great storage space.
Ford has put a lot of time and money into making this truck the next sales leader in their already dominant light-truck lineup. We came away impressed and think you will too. The Expedition comes standard with dual airbags (a first in this segment), antilock brakes and fold-flat second row seats - features that we feel are important in this increasingly competitive segment. Our few gripes stem from the powertrain. After driving a few Vortec-powered Suburbans this year, we've become spoiled by the GM engine's gobs of torque and horsepower. The Expedition's power output won't be confused with a Chevy Tracker, but it did leave us wondering if we could squeeze one of GM's 5.7-liter powerhouses into the engine bay. One option that we think everyone should investigate is the lighted running boards. The Expedition towers above the ground, and entering and exiting this truck will take its toll on most passengers after a few days.
We've seen many of these monsters turning up in our neighborhood and after driving the Expedition ourselves we know why. If you're thinking of buying a full-size SUV in the near future, you owe it to yourself to take a look at this truck.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Ford Expedition.
5 star(58%)
4 star(33%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(1%)
86 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Built Ford Tough!
charleston girl, 12/13/2009
1998 Ford Expedition XLT 4dr SUV
I have been driving my Expedition for 11 years. It has 146,000 miles on it. I haul kids and my 3 dogs in it. It is the best vehicle Ihave ever owned. It is time to replace it and I am more than likely going to get another one! I recommend this vehicle highly. It has been in the shop very little. No major repairs... Was hit in the rear with 4 kids in my car not one scratch on anyone. … The vehicle is like a Mack Truck. Very solid and sturdy. I feel very safe in this vehicle.
5 out of 5 stars
GREAT buy!!!!!! Very dependable!!!!
martinkelly, 03/02/2017
1998 Ford Expedition XLT 4dr SUV
This vehicle is 19 years old with over 200,000 miles on it and it still runs like a beast. I have never been broke down not once. Husband decided to get me a mini van and use the expedition for work and doesn't check fluid which drives me crazy considering I come from a mechanic background. Not two weeks ago he left for work and ended up back home twenty minutes later saying it wasn't … acting right. I checked the oil and the water and both were ran dry...I was furious!!! Any other motor would have blown but not this one!!!! I filled up the water and oil just to see what was going on with it and found that after 200,000 plus miles the water pump had finally gone out and the PCV valve needed to be replaced. I should be replacing a motor but instead I am spending 50 bucks to replace pump and PCV valve and I might add this is a simple fix. The inside in very spacious which is why we bought it in the first place. The fact that it is so dependable and still runs strong is why we haven't replaced it. I love this SUV!!!! The fuel is not what you would expect from a SUV this size. Everyone who has ever road tripped with us couldn't believe how far we could actually get on a tank of gas. I highly recommend this vehicle if you are looking for something used.
4 out of 5 stars
98_Exp
Great 98 EB, 05/03/2016
1998 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV 4WD
I purchased this in 2005 with 134,000 miles on it. I now have 299,200 miles on it now. The usual things replaced on a 5.4 like COP's starter, alternator and shift activator. Body and interior in top condition. It hasn't spit any plugs out as I've heard on other cases. It's a 98 EB Pacific Green with tan interior. I put a satellite radio in it, custom grill and grill in the bumper. custom … 17 inch wheels. I believe this is one vehicle that was built on a good day.
No one believes it has that many miles on it. I own other vehicles, but this is one I drive the most.
5 out of 5 stars
Best ca I ever owned.
Daniel from S.A. TX, 03/23/2006
1998 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV
I got this Expedition with 83k on it, now it has almost 200k and I am looking forward to 300k. Really comfy; we have looked at newer cars and just can't trade it away. Great car.
1998 Expedition Highlights
XLT
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $255/month |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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