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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Ford Expedition

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Ford Expedition

Overview

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2009 Ford Expedition Review

By KBB.com Editors

Although Ford's Expedition (and other large, truck-based SUVs) may be in market decline, there remains a need for vehicles with their capabilities. In the 2009 Expedition and extended length Expedition EL, Ford hopes to meet or exceed that need. Against rivals from Chevrolet, Nissan, Toyota and GMC, the Expedition stacks up well, offering innovative features like a power flush-folding third-row seat and an external keypad locking/unlocking feature. With gas prices in constant flux, those willing to take a risk may find now is the best time to make a great deal.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you have a big family, boat or trailer, you'll revel in the space and versatility provided by the 2009 Ford Expedition. Virtually every dynamic aspect, except straight-line performance, has been enhanced, as have both active and passive safety features and characteristics.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If a vehicle weighing in excess of 5,500 pounds absolutely disgusts you, look at something else. If you're carrying only passengers, the more fuel-efficient Ford Freestyle or Ford Flex crossover SUVs may better suit your needs.

What's New for 2009

The Ford Expedition's 5.4-liter V8 is now Flex-Fuel ready, meaning it can run on either E85 or pure gasoline. New standard equipment on all Expeditions includes heated second-row seats, rain-sensing wipers and an anti-theft perimeter alarm system.

Driving the Expedition

Driving Impressions With the enhancements made to structure, suspension, steering and braking, the 2009 Ford Expedition is far removed from its truck-derived predecessors. Despite the tall seating position, the driving impression feels...

connected to the road, helped in no small part by steering with a good degree of precision. Over-the-road comfort is good and the handling feels balanced. While we weren't overwhelmed by the 5.4-liter V8's acceleration while towing, the Expedition seemed fully up to the task.

Favorite Features

Enhanced Utility
The EL's 12-inch longer wheelbase and nearly 15 inches of additional length provide a huge improvement in capacity with little increase in cost or reduction in fuel efficiency. Sure, your garage may not accommodate the extra length, but that's a small price to pay if you're actually intending to use your full-size SUV.

Keyless Entry Keypad
No more worrying about where to hide your keyfob; with the keyless keypad entry system you can simply lock your keys and other items safely inside the vehicle. A preset combination entered via the door-mounted keypad unlocks the doors.

2009 Ford Expedition Details

Interior

The Expedition's seats offer excellent support, with improved contours, big side bolsters (we'd still hope for a little more lateral support), soft cushions and upgraded materials. Additionally, seat-track travel for the driver's side can accommodate people from 4'11" to 6'4" tall. In the Eddie Bauer package, driver and passengers will enjoy tone-on-tone leather, attractive and legible instrumentation, a stylish center stack on the instrument panel and cup holders galore. Access to the third row is relatively easy and the seating is reasonably comfortable, even for adults. Opt for the EL variant and you'll enjoy both a third row and lots of storage space behind it. Finally, some of the plastic textures, though not cheap, do not seem to quite match the expectations of a $45,000 price point.

Exterior

The 2009 Ford Expedition carries over with only minor exterior changes after undergoing a complete makeover last year. While retaining the same basic architecture as the 2006 model, the newest Expedition's modifications are immediately recognizable. The most prominent alteration is the nose job, where Ford's now-signature four-bar grille sits front and center. What Ford describes as "crisply-defined surfaces and chiseled good looks" certainly remain, though augmented by the raised "powerdome" hood, new headlamps and large wheel "lips." Finally, 20-inch rims are optionally available from the factory, so there's no need to seek out the aftermarket variety.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Last year's redesigned front and rear suspensions, improved steering feel and bigger brakes help enhance improvements to the frame's structure. The AdvanceTrac stability control system with Roll Stability Control modulates braking and engine power to help maintain driver control in marginal conditions, particularly those involving slippery surfaces. Occupant protection is enhanced with seat-mounted front-side air bags and a three-row "safety canopy". Other standard features include keyless keypad entry, six-way power front seats, sliding center-section second-row seat, heated seats, rain-sensing wipers and a 300-horsepower V8 engine.

Optional Equipment

Expedition buyers can choose an optional PowerFold third-row seat that folds flat with the touch of a button. In combination with an also-optional power liftgate, the departure from the mall or hardware store needn't be so arduous. The independent rear suspension makes the flat-folding third row possible, because it takes up less space under the vehicle, and PowerFold and a powered liftgate make it convenient. Stand-alone options include a rear backup camera, DVD navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link, the SYNC audio system, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, auto-leveling rear air suspension and a 340-watt audio system.

Under the Hood

While the 5.4-liter V8 is certainly adequate, Ford's one offering is overwhelmed by the multitude of choices available from Chevrolet, GMC and Dodge. The V8's 310 horsepower and 365 lb.-ft. of torque are well-matched to the chassis, and that power is enhanced by a six-speed automatic, but the package falls short of GM's 5.3-liter V8 (at least in horsepower), GM's 6.0-liter V8 and Dodge's 5.7-liter HEMI V8. The rumored release of a light-duty diesel within a couple of years might help, but not for a while.

5.4 liter V8
310 horsepower at 5100 rpm
365 lb.-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 (gasoline, 2WD). 10/14 (E85, 2WD), N/A (4WD)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Ford Expedition vehicles for sale near you.

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2009 Ford Expedition Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.0

Out of 10

Based on 246 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.3/10

I LOVE THIS SUV!!!!

By Mabel (AZ) on Tuesday, June 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 22,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "I love sitting higher than in car or van."

Cons: "Wish it got better gas mileage."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This car has everything I need. I particularly love the backup camera, backup beepers, cooled seats, 6 CD capacity, and navigation system. I also like the electric folding third row seats as well as the electric tailgate. Being 6' tall, this car has just the right head and leg room to be very comfortable. I'm going to keep this car for a long time."

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Great vehicle for numerous passengers and towing.

By Brad (FL) on Wednesday, May 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 136,000

10 2.0

overall rating 2 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 2/10
Value: 4/10
Reliability: 4/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great on trips, good passenger comfort"

Cons: "Many mechanical failures and numerous repairs"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I have owned this 2003 Expedition since it was new. We really like the roominess and comfort. It has good towing capacity. It is great on trips and handles very well for a large SUV. I haven't been able to enjoy this vehicle because of always anticipating the next mechanical failure. It has required numerous repairs and been a money pit even with extended warranties. Because of the numerous problems I purchased 2 extended warranties which helped tremendously with repair costs up to 130,000 miles. Complete A/C replaced 2 times, transmission replaced at 110,000 miles. A/C just went out a 3rd time at 135,000 miles. Repairs included: engine coils replaced several times, manifold gasket, power window motors, leak in A/C line in rear and rear fan replaced 2 times. Sun roof began leaking. Three separate estimates were about $1,700 to repair due to the track warping."

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Perfect for some, but not everyone

By AutoJoe (FL) on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 129,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Luxuious, hauling large families/trailers"

Cons: "Thirsty, too big for some"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The Ford Expedition EL is big. Seriously big. Almost comically so. At 18'8" it is too long for my garage. And too tall. And the gas mileage isn't going to earn you a spot on the Sierra Club's Christmas card list. But if you need a large SUV to tow heavy things (8700 lbs if 2WD, 8500 if 4x4) then it's excellent. It hauls 8 people in comfort with room to spare. It's not fast of course, but it has enough power that you can forget you're towing a trailer on the highway. My Limited is very nicely appointed and has been as reliable as you can reasonably hope. (At 130,000 miles, it's had a few minor issues, but they have all been reasonably inexpensive to repair.) And given it's immense size and weight (not to mention the 20-inch wheels) I'm satisfied with the driving dynamics, road noise, and yes, even the gas mileage. When I keep it around 70 mph I can get upward of 18 mpg on the highway, but don't expect more than 13 in the city. Invest in some good tires, though. The factory Pirellis are good, but I prefer the Michelin LTX. People periodically ask me how I feel about my truck, whether I like it or not. I always answer the same way: "No, I don't like it. I love it.""

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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love it

By vic (AL) on Friday, May 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "What can you say it has everything you could want"

Cons: "pricey, parking it can be picky."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my 3rd Ford Exppy & I love it. It has all the room I need to carry the family on vacation in comfort. I plan to keep this one along, long time. Ford quality"

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2012 MY, 4th 4wd Expedition Owned

By Pro (TN) on Wednesday, May 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 750

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: 4/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Runs Great, Good Towing Capacity, Smooth 6-Sp"

Cons: "Poor, full-frame type suv handling"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 3

"The 5.4L 3V runs super. Smooth 6-speed transmission. Very pleased with the optional 3.73 ratio based on early performance on hills and steep freeway ramps. Strong brakes. Standard Goodyear 18" tires apparently have tremendous amount of "radial drift". Had to try numerous rotations to get a combo that was marginally satisfactory--factory wheel alignment was spot on except the steering wheel was slightly off center and had to be adjusted. Vehicle seems to have poor bouncey handling, not fun to drive. Wonder about the basic design that dates back to 2007MY? Not good is the deleted left storage bin at the back of the vehicle. Same for smallish front row console versus the much larger one 2006 and back. Passenger seat lumbar for cloth seat XLT that was standard in earlier years now not provided."

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2nd one I've owned and most comfortable for travel

By Helleyn 3 (AR) on Wednesday, March 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 97,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Like the way you can see all others and negoiateit"

Cons: "gets good gas milage for it's size"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love the quiet ride and handleing of this and the roomy interior-it's great for traveling and plenty of space for people and luaggage-I feel safe in this as I am on the road a lot and the traction control is great for wet roads would consider buying another if anything happens to this one-but plan on keepingit a while longer!!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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See all 246 reviews