Well I was in the hunt for an 03-06 expy. Still might be, but I am kinda scared of the mileage. I like the room, but can you guys think of anything else with the same kind of room that will get better mileage. I really hope you don't say "minivan"

 

well you're not going to get 'good' mpg with any full size SUV. my dad has an 02 yukon, and it has almost as much room as the expedition, but he gets 14 mpg all the time, and as he says 'no matter how i drive'. it has the 5.3 and 4wd. im thinking about getting a expedition myself (same year range too). i like them because they are bigger than the yukon, width (only like an inch or so), length (like 5 inches i think), but what i like the most is the height addition (like 1 or 2 inches).
mainly like i said before, you wont get good mpg with any full size SUV. just depends if you're a ford guy or a chevy guy.

btw, i didnt mention the durango because they are pretty small. i currently drive a 2wd first gen durango (03), and its really small compared to a yukok, which is smaller than the expedition. i dont know too much about the newer durangos, but i think they are only a little bigger then the first gen, and not nearly as big as a yukon or expedition.

 

For sure the fuel economy has to be a factor in the purchase of a new(er) vehicle as well as the all around reliability. I will again suggest that you look at the Navigators as they seem to have fewer issues than the Expeditions and they do have a slightly upscale interior and appearance. I believe the '04 is the last of the DOHC 5.4 engines in a truck and I have found that the reliability and economy of this engine is a good bit better than the SOHCs and all except the newest 3 valve engines that have their own issues. It is very rare to hear about spark plug blow outs and COPs failing on these engines and the horsepower is seemingly better. My economy on a recent trip was in the 17.8 mpg range which I think can be improved upon. I have a similar engine in my Mark VIII that gives 21 to 23 mpg in mixed driving and 27 to 29 mpg in all highway and that's with 200,000 miles on the clock. The DOHC engine seems to be a very efficient engine and will last a very long time if treated properly with regular oil changes. The rest of the drive train is all the same as the Expedition and very reliable.
In addition to looking on the lots you should consider the private owners that are selling as you might be able to get maintenence documentation and information on the truck from the owner that the dealer does not have on may not be willing to tell you about.
Good luck in your hunt.

 

Moto Mel, I always like to see your comments on alot of the threads. I would love to get that kind of MPG in my 98 Expy but I will settle with the 17 (in 2WD, too scared to say what it gets in 4WD) based on what it gives my family and of course during the winter months.

 

I don't think my mileage is all that good and it can be improved upon. Pulling a trailer about 300 miles from NC the Lie-O-Meter said something over 17 mpg and on a recent trip to Bristol Tn. the mileage figured to be about 17.8 but that was 99% cruise control driving. I'm shocked to read Alaskan Ex bragging about 8 mpg with his Expedition, I would not be surprized if it was with his Excursion. I have yet to take careful watch on my day to day mileage but I will soon and before changing anything on my engine.