1997-2006 Expedition & Navigator 1997 - 2002 and 2003 - 2006 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator Discussion

What's the best year & trim level of the Expedition?

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Old 10-19-2012, 09:30 PM
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What's the best year & trim level of the Expedition?

Ok, with 2 kids now our family cannot fit into my regular cab 79 F150. What I am looking for is an Expedition, possibly 4WD. I am not very knowledgeable on these vehicles (powertrain, trim level, ect.) Post your comments and suggestions and maybe even your rig's info/pic. Thanks
 
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Old 10-20-2012, 08:56 AM
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what year was you looking for?
First gen, i would go with the 2001-2002 being the fact that the No Boundaries edition was introduced which is my favorite
 
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Old 10-20-2012, 10:25 AM
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Usually the last years of any genereation vehicle tends to be the best. I am very happy with my '99 Expy, Just had to do routine miantenance although I do have low mileage at 107K. They are all over ebay with 170K + and running like tops, they are basically bullet proof. I would go with '99-'02 XLT with 3rd row seat, rear heat and AC and the 5.4 and tow package. Unless you want to move up to the Eddie Bauer which will add leather and a few other small options but the drivetrain would be the same
 
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Old 10-20-2012, 12:37 PM
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With 03 and up you get the fold flat rear seats and independent rear suspension. Previous years you have to hump the seat in and out.
 
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Old 10-20-2012, 01:38 PM
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Thanks all. That is the kind of info I am looking for. Some model years, of various models, are prone to plagues & problems. Others, have the sweeter options. Gives me a good idea.
 
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Old 10-20-2012, 01:46 PM
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Being that I have a 1st gen and prefer the more "truck" feel and spend most of my time on the "other" expedition site in the 1st gen section I am partial to those
 
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Old 10-20-2012, 03:02 PM
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stay away from the air leveling suspension as it can be expensive to repair! Also get the 5.4 with the 4R100 as it is a great towing package and more heavy duty than the 4.6/4R70W

personally I would look for a 99- Navigator for more hp and creature comforts

98 Expedition Eddie Bauer with 5.4 and the 4R100 with 235000 on it and just blew the head gaskets so I think that we got good use out of it before a major repair hit!
 

Last edited by Ponyracer; 10-20-2012 at 03:05 PM. Reason: more info
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Old 10-20-2012, 06:52 PM
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We have a 1997 Ford Expedition 4x4 4.6L XLT. I would recommend the eddie baure in the first gen even though I do like the second gen more I do like the powertrain on the first gen. Personally I like the 4.6L very torquey and plenty of power for our needs. One of my favorite things about 1997-1998 I belive they have 2wd, 4awd, 4wd high and 4wd low all in the shifter where as 99-2002 had 4awd which you stay in, and 4wd high and 4wd low. We haven't had any problems with our 97 Expy other then we had to do the brakes and oil change. Ours has 174000 miles and runs very good with just needing minimal work from previous owners running it so rough. Here is a pic of ours I believe Eddie Baures had 2 tones.
Trav
 
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Old 10-20-2012, 07:21 PM
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99-02 eddie bauer 4x4 5.4 3:73 gears with the lowest miles you can find that would be my choice.
 
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Old 10-20-2012, 10:20 PM
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They are definitely a sharp looking vehicle. Not much difference on exterior changes between generations either.

My neighbor has the 5.4 in her ext. cab pickup & they have a ton of miles on it. I figure (guessing) with the weight of the vehicle they probably get around 12/17 mpg. Diesel would been a nice option for the long commute/ daily drivers. Luckily I don't drive a lot of miles, so not an issue.

Also, with the size of the vehicle it ought to be pretty safe in an accident.

I really appreciate all the replies/input.
 
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Old 10-20-2012, 11:45 PM
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Old 10-20-2012, 11:57 PM
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Poor little neon didn't fair to well.
 
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Old 10-21-2012, 03:49 PM
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Personally I like the '99-'02 models the best because Ford did a mild restyle of the grille and front facsia, plus gave more power to both the 4.6L & 5.4L engines.
 
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Old 10-21-2012, 05:15 PM
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Partial to the 1st gen myself. I made sure to get at least a 99 (more power) with the 5.4, tow package (better transmission), and I was only interested in an Eddie Bauer (comfy and guaranteed leather) as I've always loved that look and previously had a 98 explorer eb and missed it.
 
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Old 10-25-2012, 09:13 AM
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I have a 97 expy 5.4 Eddie baurer i also have children four to be exact i recommend the first generation and I love it ive read everyones post but if u decide to get one
U should give these things some thought will it be a family vehicle because well mine came with TV and all the bells and whistles of the year i take long trips so extra head phone jacks come in really handy do u Tow anything whats the weather like in ur area the first generation u get a whole selection 2 wheel and 4x4 and if u noticed u get serious miles out of the first gen with proper maintenance program but before u make a choice on which one to get know urself and the choice will be easy
 
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