Explorer vs Expedition
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Joined: Apr 2008
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Explorer vs Expedition
Looking to trade in my 2001 Explorer for a 2005/2006 Expedition. Mileage states only 1mph difference between the 2 vehicles. If we tow a small pop-up camper or bass boat, I would think you would lose mileage in the 6 cyl, perhaps to equal the mileage in the 8cyl. Or if anyone can give feedback on mileage with the Expedition. I really want to get one, but don't want to regret it because of gas issues. I realize it is an 8cyl truck and won't get spectacular gas mileage, but I am hoping it is not too bad. thanks
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,215
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From: Washington
We have an 04 5.4L 4x2 and get 18 highway and 14 mixed city and highway driving, about the same as my aunts 98 Explorer. Personally I love our expedition, its nice to drive, has lots of room and is comfortable and has towing ability if you need it.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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Have an 04 Eddie Bauer, 4x4, about 17-18 highway and 12-14 city (depends on conditions). Towing 6K trailer was around 7, but discovered much better if I tow using premium. Didn't buy vehicle for MPG, but towing and getting family & dogs around.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 173
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From: Winston Salem
IMO there is really no comparison between the two,the Expedition completely blows away the Explorer.Much better ride,more room and just an overall better vehicle.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Mississippi
We have a 2004 XLT 5.4 Liter engine 4x4 and it gets 14 mpg city and 16-17 hwy. At the time of purchase, we looked at Explorers but there was hardly any advantage in gas consumption and we liked the wider stance, more room & comfort, and more hauling capacity of the Expedition. Have not regretted purchase and it was our first SUV.
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I had a '98 5.0 V8 Expedition and now have an '05 2WD Expedition. Milage is 14-15 (driving quietly) around town and 18+ on the highway. Oddly I found highway milage to be better with the Expedition than the Explorer. Oddly again, towing milage is slightly better with the Expedition than it was with the Explorer. City milage is slightly worse with the Expedition and if I really "get in it" for a tank, milage can be even worse still.
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Joined: Feb 2008
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I had a '96 AWD 5.0 Explorer and now 03 and 04 4x4 5.4 Expeditions. I don't remember the rear end ratio in the Explorer, the Expeditions are 3.73's. I have pretty much gotten 15mpg in all of them. Mileage was not a concern, size and comfort were. I guess I have a backwards approach though - I figured since I drive so much I wanted to be comfortable and have space to spread out. Most people get an economy car when they are going to drive a lot. They all towed well although the 5000# boat/trailer made the Explorer lug a little.
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 667
Likes: 28
Well all being said you have to think of the power-weight ratio with these size vehicles and I would have to say that you are better off with a 5.4L Expy. I always use this example when I talk about it is that my wife drives a little Mazda B2500 (Twin of a Ford Ranger) and its only a 4cyl. Now you would think that a 4Cyl would get awsome mileage but because of the P-W Ratio it gets just as good gas mileage as my Expedition which is more comfortable, hauls more and more amenities. So yeah I know big difference in vehicles but its the point I make that with the explorer vs. expy powerplants and everything factored in its the same logic. If I were you I would look at the Expy, not out of bias but out of specs and personal experience cause I also drove a Explorer for a while too.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
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2000 eddie bauer expy ,5.4 don't know the rearend ratio. Wife gets 12 around town I get 13. I get 15-15.5 running the WV turn pike on vacation with everthing ( I mean everthing!!) my wife and daughter own in the back. You'll like the expedition. Mike
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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Why trade one to get the other. Do what I did, just have one of each!!
I love them both, but there is no comparison between the two. Two differnt levels of vehicle. You may take a hit on gas mileage, but all the other benefits of having an Expedition make up for it.
But like I said, I love them both.
I love them both, but there is no comparison between the two. Two differnt levels of vehicle. You may take a hit on gas mileage, but all the other benefits of having an Expedition make up for it.
But like I said, I love them both.