1997 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 5.4 from North America

Summary:

A versatile, safe, thirsty family vehicle

Faults:

The seal on the AC compressor began leaking. The seal cannot be replaced so I had to purchase a new compressor. Needless to say this was very costly.

I took the vehicle to a mechanic to change the plugs at 100,000 miles. I love to tinker with cars and consider myself a decent "shade-tree" mechanic, but I could not tell from a visual inspection how to get to the spark plugs.

General Comments:

My wife and I love everything about this vehicle except the fuel economy. However the peace of mind I have knowing that she is hauling our kids around in this vehicle outweighs the poor fuel economy. Many people do not drive safely so I like the protection the Expedition offers. I have thought about selling and purchasing a smaller, more economical car, but ours is paid for and it is very safe.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th May, 2004

29th Jan 2007, 12:06

We had problems with our a/c leaking as well, but what we do is we get it recharged every year around spring and it lasts until fall. Costs about $90 Canadian to get recharged. We also love this vehicle and we tow our ski boat 9 hours up to christina lake every summer. We also couldn't find the spark plugs, and our mechanic had a hard time finding them too. Otherwise a great truck and very comfortable and roomy.

1997 Ford Expedition XLT 4.6 from North America

Summary:

My smartest purchase ever

Faults:

Brakes replaced at 150,000.

Cd player replaced.

General Comments:

This is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. I plan on driving it till it falls out from under me.

I feel completely safe while driving, if anyone hits me they will feel it.

My family takes long vacations and we love to see the country side, my "big girl" is so comfy we just love it.

My next vehicle will be another Expedition, I can't imagine driving anything else.

The interior is cloth and honestly I think it still looks pretty good.

Performance of the vehicle is pretty decent, my concern with purchasing it was safety over how fast it goes.

She does love gas and right now with gas prices at $1.89 I'm spending $40.00 a pop.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th March, 2004

4th Jan 2007, 18:52

Thought I'd update my original post, its now Jan of 07 and wishing gas was still $1.89. Anyway I'm still quite happy with the Expedition. It now has 209,500 miles and still running strong. I've done some typical repairs, but nothing out of the ordinary. It has been hands down the most trouble free vehicle I've ever owned.

8th Dec 2008, 19:07

Me again to update, amazing that gas right now is $1.99 when just a few months back we were looking at $4.00. I still have the old big girl and the mileage is at 235,420. I currently have a check engine light on that is for some emissions evaporation thing and I'm due for rotors. Other than that, she is still quite reliable. I'm getting concerned about the salt haven that I live in now and am starting to see rust spots on the passenger door. Let's see, close to 9 years ownership and really been a trooper. As long as it runs and passes inspection, I will continue to own it.

13th Feb 2010, 07:27

Another update* The Expedition is now at 245,560 and still running well. Last inspection I was told that all the ball joints are loose, so looks like that will be dealt with. What can I say, been just a great vehicle. I am hoping to get to 300,000.

In reply to 13th Feb 2010, 07:27

22nd Sep 2012, 06:30

My last post - ended up trading the old girl in. Had tears in my eyes and felt like saying goodbye to a old friend. The heavy salt use pretty much destroyed her. Had it twelve years - odometer read 268,500 - super reliable.