hey guys, first time FTE viewer here. nice site, i currently own a 2001 Dodge Stratus coupe, and we have a site just like this for our cars, and i was happy to find a site for Expeditions as I'm thinking about getting a 2003 Expedition XLT 5.4. I came on here to see what the talk is about with these trucks, and get some tips or pros and cons about these vehicles. I have to admit i'm a little nervous now after seeing all the problems you guys are having with yours (wind noise, front end noise, brake dust, etc), it almost seems like there's no happy owners. So, I'm just kind of curious what your over all opinion is on your 2003 Expeditions. Are you pleased with them overall, or are you basically fed up with them? I see so many threads on negativities, and not many about you liking your trucks. So, if you wouldn't mind, i'd like some advice before paying $35 grand on a truck. thanks in advance, and if i do get one, i look forward to posting more.
ryan

 

Great vehicle as far as how soft it rides, how well it handles with the AdvanceTrack option, and general mechanical (engine tranny). Love the comfort inside -- third row has more room than most 2nd rows on other vehicles.

Horribe vehicle as far as the cost-cutting steps Ford took, the complete & utter lack of attention to detail, and all sorts of litte "gremlins & goblins" that constantly pop-up. I foresee a long list of TSB's in the future of the 2003 Expe we bought. Wish we never got one. Our 2003 Expedition Eddie Bauer has turned myself & my father off of Fords. I wish we had spent all that heard earned $$$ $$$ on a product that comes with better service, more forethought, and better planning. It amazes me to hear about all the little things Ford skimped on to save a buck or rush the product onto the market.

 

I've had mine for just over two weeks now. Having owned a previous '98 Expy EB 5.4 4X4, I have made some definite comparisons and observations.

Some of the good stuff:

First off, the ride is the best of any full size SUV I've ever driven and hands down better than my '98.

Having some features that are now "standard" that used to be options is great - including the Towing Package, Heated Outside Mirrors and Fold Flat 3rd Row Seat.

The 5.4L engine is much quieter and smoother running than the one that was in my '98.

The steering is fantastic. The feel from the power assist is just the right firmness for me. The steering in my '98 was so light that if you sneezed, you'd run off the highway (not really, but it was way too light for my taste).

The entire truck is much quieter. The road noise is what I'd consider to be low for a truck of this size with big tires. My '98 was terribly loud at highway speeds and this new version is really great.

Some of the bad stuff:
The Premium Audio System is weak. I assume what you get in the Eddie Bauer is better, but what came in my XLT FX4 is quite marginal. Not terrible mind you, but I'm certainly considering after market upgrades.

I had a squeaking/rubbing sound coming from the rear seat area that turned out to be a faulty seat frame in the middle seat. My dealer ordered a new seat frame and had the car back to me in two days.

***

I'm really happy with the truck and I'm glad I purchased it.

 

thanks for the input so far guys. the positives you've listed are what got me interested in the truck. the interior is one of the best i've seen in fords (i usually dont care for their interiors), and the ride was great, i was basically sold when i took a test drive. and the one i'm looking at has the leather, moonroof, 3rd row seat, etc etc, and seemed to be an all around great truck. Unfortunately, i'm still wondering if all that is worth it if i'm gonna have half the problems you guys have had. i suppose if ford is cooperative and gets the problems fixed, it isn't as bad, but who wants to have their baby in the shop all the time. I do drive a 2002 explorer for work, and i'm pleased with that. i have almost 70k miles on it, and the only thing i've had to do to it is replace the serpentine belt. i was hoping for the same reliability. so thanks guys, and if anyone else has some advice, i'll be happy to hear it!

 

Just wait until the problems start to creep up on you... I too thought that if Ford were cooperative and fixed the problems promptly, I wouldn't mind. But having to take the truck back a second time for the same issue was annoying. Being told "could not duplciate customer's problem" just plain sucked (what a jerk that tech was). Having my time wasted going back & forth to show the SOB the problem & duplicate it for him was horrible. Having the truck sit at the dealership for almost two months waiting to be looked at -- unforgiveable. But to still have the same problems creep up after all of this, well, I think you can understand why I would tell you that regardless of how well the truck rides, I wish we never got it.

If you make the same mistake, just don't say I didn't warn you.

 

Not to be argumentative here, but it sounds like your bad experiences with your truck had a lot to do with your dealer's service department. Not to say you didn't get a bad truck, but getting problems diagnosed and corrected accurately and quickly is the key to a good experience.

Any vehicle by any company can and will, at some point, need service. Certainly there will be lemons out there too. No company is immune to that.

If I went through what you went through, I'm sure I'd be telling people to stay away too, but realize that what has caused you to become angry and bitter hasn't happened to thousands of other owners

 

Haroutd,

All do respect, if a dealership doesn't treat you right, report them to Ford and go somewere else.... what you have experienced is unacceptable. A vehicle this costly and "brand new" should not be experiencing these kind of problems, at least you should get a "loaner" from the dealer... I'll be "fuming" myself if my truck had to be brought to the shop many times right after I purchased it, specially for the same problem.

I went from a Japanese SUV (great vehicle, not one problem) to the 02' Expy and I love it! I was very reluctant on making the switch because of previous experiences with American cars, but "Saddam" and "Osama" convinced me to support our country and our economy to make it stronger. Maybe if we all do, the "Ford's" of the world will not have to look into cutting edges to keep their profits and margins healthy to provide Quality vehicles and jobs for all our American brothers. Unless the Corporate SOB's are pocketing the moneys.
Expy Shopper - If you are reluctant to buy the Expy, you are free to shop around, but remember to keep your choice within our borders!

Take care you all!


H

 

I know that much of the 2003 X is carryover from the '02, but it appears that enough has changed for me to consider it a new vehicle in the context of an old adage: Never buy a new vehicle in the first year of it's production. I think I'll be hanging on to my '99 until the '05's come out.

For those who need a new vehicle now? Suburban.