My wife and I are thinking of upgrading her 1995 Explorer. She really only needs an Explorer with the third row, but since they didn't come out until 2002, the price is still a little out of her reach. We are leaning towards an early Expedition, probably 97-99. Just curious if there are any things that we should be keeping our eyes open for. Any pros/cons for going with the Expedition over the Explorer, besides the obvious insurance cost and less fuel economy. Thanks for any input.

David

 

Expedition's a bit taller and wider, sometimes a tight fit for public parking facilities. Beyond that, and those issues you referenced, I can't see any disadvantages in going for an Expedition over an Explorer. BTW, for the first few years of production, the third row seat was an option. Also, It's virtually impossible to retrofit a factory third row seat in an Expedition not originally equipped for it. Substantial differences in cargo area floor pan.

 

thanks for the info on the rear seat. i was shooting for one with the seat, now i definitely know that it must have it. i see you have the 4.6L. how's the power in such a large vehicle ? how's your fuel economy ?

thanks

 

I’ve just come from a 2000 Mountaineer to a 04 Expy. I had a 97 Mountaineer and 96 Explorer before that, so I have experience here in the two platforms. First off, I recognize the difference in price between newer and older models. Nonetheless, if you are considering moving to Expy because of a need for additional space and seating and if you value ride quality, I would scrimp, save and look for a good deal on a used 2002 or newer. The reason I say that is that the ride and handling difference in the newer generation Expy with the folding third row seat (doesn’t have to be power) are phenomenal. You’re going to drive a bigger vehicle with a little less economy so you might as well be comfortable and safe with the latest technology advantages. That’s just one mans opinion.

 

gkim
that would be the ideal situation, but most likely would not happen. she really only needs the 02 or new Explorer with the third row. i figured earlier Expeditions would be cheaper and still give her the passenger capabilities right now. i think we may end up waiting until summer and seeing what we can afford at that time. thanks for the input.

david

 

Don't sell yourself short, the newer Explorers with the 3rd seat are very nice. they have the benefits of the newer suspension and a little more room than the previous versions. Good Luck

 

I had a 2001 expedition for a company car. Computer maintanence records indicate that after 36,719 miles it averaged 18.3 mpg. If you need the third row seat, it is the only way to go. 3 rows of seats in the explorer leaves too little storage space.

 

I live in very hilly terrain, and although my Expy has the factory towing package, I've never towed and wouldn't look forward to it. The 4.6 is OK if the truck is lightly loaded, but just doesn't have a power reserve to deal comfortably with heavy loads and long interstate hills at the same time. I would highly recommend that you select a 5.4 equipped model. In regard to fuel economy, with a very heavy emphasis on urban driving, I'm averaging about 13 mpg. Naturally, highway driving improves this number. Conventional wisdom indicates that real world fuel economy is essentially the same for either 4.6 or 5.4.

A typical 1997-2002 Expedition 4x4 tips the scales at about 5,500 - 5,700 lbs., well over a half-ton heavier than an Explorer. Extra weight means more fuel.

 

thanks everyone, it helps to hear this stuff from outside views, gives me a better perspective.

david

 

We have a 99 with the 4.6, it is great around town and flat highway driving, but like another post stated in hilly terrain it really down shifts alot (to much for my liking). We have seen 18.+ mpg with pure highway and keeping it under 70, after 70 it drops.

 

good to know, thanks

 

My Expy is the first SUV I've ever owned. my ex girlfriend has an explorer. Sometimes we switched vehicles just for the hell of it, and i have to say My Eddie bauer expy is better than her epx EB in many ways. only disadvantage is the gas comsuption. Expy has more space, more luxury, and overall bigger in everyway. parts are a little more expensive too. if you want to save money an exp is a good choice. if you want a bigger n more noticeable ride, Expy would be my choice(since i can't afford the new navi). well good luck. i hope this helps you decide between the 2.

 

thanks for the help

 

I replaced my 02 Explorer with 03 Expy and I LOVE it!!!!!

 

It you happen to settle on a '97-'99 with the 5.4, get the VIN and have a Ford dealer run the OASIS report to see what is in the computer for repairs. My '99 had the infamous head gasket oil leak--it was fixed once, recurred and the engine was replaced. Outside of that, I loved it--now driving an '03. I also had a '97 and a '99 F150 with the 4.6--both went over 150,000 miles with only plugs and oil changes.