Ford Expedition Generation 1 (1997–2004)

Ford Expedition Generation 1 (1997–2004) — production years, market prices by model year, NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, and live listings for sale on VehiSales.

Ford Expedition — body generations

Vehicles within one generation share the same platform and body style.

Engines used in the Expedition

Engine families this model shipped with, by NHTSA VIN build data — each links to every model that shares it.

Ford Expedition fuel economy: every year & engine (EPA) →

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About this generation

Known internally at Ford as the UN93, the first generation Expedition was developed under the UN93 program from 1993 to 1996, headed by chief engineer Dale Claudepierre at a cost of US$1.3 billion. Initial planning began in 1991 parallel to PN96 F-Series development, prior to the UN93 program fully being approved in 1993. Styling approval was completed in early 1993 ( years ahead of 1996 production) under design chief Bob Aikins, with the UN93 design being frozen by September 1993, at 34 months prior to the start of production in July 1996.

The all-new full-size SUV was unveiled on May 9, 1996, and launched on October 2, 1996, as a 1997 model. It replaced the aging two-door Ford Bronco. The XLT was the base model. The Expedition featured optional three row seating, first-row captain's chair seating, available second row captains chair seating, leather seating surfaces, illuminated running boards, heated side view mirrors, power moon roof, dual zone climate control and Ford's Mach audio sound system with rear subwoofer.

Many of these features were standard on the Eddie Bauer version. Expedition was available with automatic full-time ControlTrac four-wheel drive with two-speed dual range BorgWarner 4406 transfer case and a center multi-disc differential. ControlTrac was introduced in 1995 and included four selectable modes: Two High, Auto, Four High (lock) and Four Low (lock). Two High mode and Auto mode with auto-lock was not available.

A short- and long-arm (SLA) independent front suspension with speed-sensitive power-assisted steering was combined with a multi-link rear live axle. Optional equipment included off-road under-body skid-plate protection, Traction-Lok rear limited-slip differential, and a heavy-duty trailer towing package. Optional was an electronically controlled pneumatic air suspension system that would raise and lower the vehicle depending on road and load conditions.

The system also included a kneel-down mode for easier ingress and egress, as well as loading cargo, Standard was the 4.6L Triton V8 with the 5.4L version optional. The first-generation Expedition was rated as a Low Emission Vehicle (LEV). The latter engine combined with the heavy-duty trailer towing package and appropriate axle ratio can achieve a towing capacity of . A two air bag supplementary restraint system (SRS) with 2-way occupant protection was standard.

The air bags would adjust deployment force depending on crash severity. Features included SecuriLock with smart key and engine immobilizer, security approach lamps, four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS), side-intrusion door beams, post-crash fuel pump shut-off, and three-point safety belts for all rows of seating with tension and locking retractors. An optional four air bag SRS with 4-way occupant protection was available for the 2000–2002 model years.

This included seat-mounted side torso side air bags. The 2001 model introduced a BeltMinder system to detect when the driver did not have their safety belt secured. No major cosmetic or mechanical changes. A new exterior color was added: Wedgewood Blue. Limited availability for 4.6L Windsor versus Romeo engine. This limited run was available only for Expeditions equipped with the Ultimate Tow Package. The 1999 model year received a facelift similar to that of the contemporary Ford F-150.

Included in the update was a new front grille which now dropped lower in the center, as well as a new front bumper that incorporated the fog lamps into the lower valance and larger center air intake. Both the 4.6L and 5.4L V8 engines received updates including increased power and torque. The Two-High mode for automatic full-time ControlTrac four-wheel-drive equipped models was dropped, leaving only Auto, Four High (lock), and Four Low (lock) modes.

The dashboard also received an updated radio and air conditioning controls and revised gauge cluster and a digital odometer for the first time.

Source: Wikipedia — Ford Expedition — First generation (1997), CC BY-SA.

Recalls & complaints by year (NHTSA)

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

For sale right now

• 1998 Ford Expedition XLT — $3,495 · 152,442 mi · West Chester, PA
• 2001 Ford Expedition XLT — $2,700 · 99,999 mi · North Huntingdon, PA