Best year expedition?
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Well...my '98 was awesome except for the LLS air suspension. I would highly recommend the '98 model with the 5.4L and NO LLS.
I'm not convinced my '03 will be as reliable. I've had it since Feb and already had clutch packs replaced in the rear, and an "S" spring repaired in the front end. Now the passenger window up/down is all messed up and needs to be replaced. I bought it with 18K miles and it now has about 23K. It's all warranty work but I've got better things to do than make frequent trips to a dealer to fix it every time I turn around. It's a beautiful truck but not nearly as reliable as the '98 was.
I'm not convinced my '03 will be as reliable. I've had it since Feb and already had clutch packs replaced in the rear, and an "S" spring repaired in the front end. Now the passenger window up/down is all messed up and needs to be replaced. I bought it with 18K miles and it now has about 23K. It's all warranty work but I've got better things to do than make frequent trips to a dealer to fix it every time I turn around. It's a beautiful truck but not nearly as reliable as the '98 was.
New User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
The front ends changed in 1999. When I was looking for one, I wanted one with the third seat and rear air. And not all have the CD changer installed, but most do. I got a 2001 XLT 4X4 with the 5.4, and love it. Had 38k miles when I got it, now has about 46k.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 52
From: Lawton, Oklahoma
I like the 2000-2002 series best.
Sturge, I think they made some serious bone head moves building the 03, including that rediculous all in one window regulator which you appear to have broken now. Get this, it is all one unitized plastic assembly which mounts the door speaker, the interior door handle and cable, motor, regulator, window, and wiring looms. It is essentially the entire interior support for the door itself. Wire guided track and cable assembly which has thus far proven to be rather unreliable. Ive replaced a bunch of them.
Sturge, I think they made some serious bone head moves building the 03, including that rediculous all in one window regulator which you appear to have broken now. Get this, it is all one unitized plastic assembly which mounts the door speaker, the interior door handle and cable, motor, regulator, window, and wiring looms. It is essentially the entire interior support for the door itself. Wire guided track and cable assembly which has thus far proven to be rather unreliable. Ive replaced a bunch of them.
Freshman User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
I will have to go with Homer. I would look for a 2000-02. I have an 01 and have been nothing but pleased with it. I always try to get one of the last years of any vehicle before they change body styles. They always seem to have the most options and more importantly they have the kinks worked out.
Todd
Todd
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: Hendersonville,NC
I like my 99 but if I had known the problems I would have gotten the 00 I test drove. The only problem has been the leaky head gasket but that is enough to have changed my mind. The extra $1600 then would have been better than the cost of the repair now.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 52
From: Lawton, Oklahoma
I think even the earlier 2000 have a possible problem with the headgasget oil leak 18fan. One reason I picked up my 00 was that is was built the last week of production for 2000... was only 5 days from being an 01 
Gave me a little hope it was not included in the ones with the gasget failures. It has 50K on it now and no leaks so far.
Gave me a little hope it was not included in the ones with the gasget failures. It has 50K on it now and no leaks so far.
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 736
Likes: 1
From: Texas, USA
The best year for any vehicle is the one you own free and clear and is problem free. So I vote for the 1997, just cause I have one!
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
2003
I know a lot of folks (from reading this forum!) have had a lot of problems with the 03 models - I have to say however (knock on wood) that I have had zero problems with mine so far - I have around 14,000 miles (not a lot I know) and much of that towing 4,000 lbs or so - and have not babied it by any means, and have had nothing go wrong with it - no A/C problems, no stereo issues, no sunroof issues, no rear end issues, no idle issues - nothing (except for dirty wheels from the brakes ;-)) .....I think maybe only folks who have problems looking for help (which is a good thing!) post on most boards so you don't hear too much from those who are completely happy with their vehicles - Just wanted to say not all 03 owners are disappointed - by the way mine is a 2003 EB 2WD 5.4L with the tow package - built 6/03. 
Last edited by ok-expy; Apr 11, 2004 at 04:35 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 317
Likes: 0
From: WEST TEXAS
Our 98 5.4 4X2 no air suspension has been ROCK SOLID [he he] 123K miles on it now &
the engine has a ton of power & torque, we had a 97 4.6 4X2 also got rid of that one
when it had 85K & it was a true preformer. From some of the experiences that some
folks have with FORD vehicels as far as problems it makes me wonder how they treat
their vehicels? LIVE LONG AND PROSPER. .TURBO TED
the engine has a ton of power & torque, we had a 97 4.6 4X2 also got rid of that one
when it had 85K & it was a true preformer. From some of the experiences that some
folks have with FORD vehicels as far as problems it makes me wonder how they treat
their vehicels? LIVE LONG AND PROSPER. .TURBO TED
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, Kansas
'98 is a good year. They worked out all of the "kinks" from the '97s and more of the '98s have the third seats. '99 was a design and mechanical change and they just weren't all that reliable. '00-'02 were really good years too. '03 was another design and mechanical change so you might want to stay away from that year. Generally, I never buy the first production year of a new release for the fact that there are always a number of little problems that drive you nuts!
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
My 2003 XLT Premium is trouble free. "C" revision. I did have the rearend noise, but as I have posted before, as soon as It started happening at 1800 mi., I changed the diff fluid using the spec in the owner's manual and the noise stopped. It's a great truck. A little too sensitive for my tastes at high speed, but very likeable.
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