Surfref32

I absolutely love our '97 Expy Eddie B 4x4 but have been considering the second generation trucks. How does the second generation compare to the first in terms of reliability and off road capabilities?

Surfref32

What I mean is newer isn't always better. I couldn't ask more in reliability for the '97 and with the posi diff's and Firestone Destination A/Ts it goes up steep snow covered hills like stink. I do like the fold down rear seats and I'm guessing the independent rear suspension rides smoother in the newer trucks. The '97 is getting close to needing paint and the interior is starting to wear as it has 220k miles on it. I'm trying to decide whether I should keep the '97 and sink some money into it or buy a newer Expy. I was hoping someone out there has some experience with the '03 and up Expy.

How about if I rephrase the question? Which generation Expedition is the most reliable? Which generation Expedition is the best off road?

Thanks,
Andy

Bert

Sorry that you haven't gotten any responses yet. I myself don't know which is better. Sometimes it takes a few days for someone with that knowledge to check in, so, hopefully it won't be long.

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Bert

AlwaysFord

I have had a '97, and currently have an '01. But from what I can tell,


First Generation:

Safety- ***
Reliability- ****
Economy- ***
Off-Road- ****
Easiness to work on- ****

Second Generation

Safety- ****
Reliability- *****
Economy- ***
Off-Road- *****
Easiness to work on- ***

Now, the second gen has more room, but the first gen has armrests. lol. Basically, you are asking about two different shades of the same apple.

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2001 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x4 (mine)
2003 Ford Focus SE (the wifey)

Surfref32

Thanks, AlwaysFord. After I posted this I read this, Ford Expedition - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

that makes the second gen sound really good and a huge improvement over the first. You're saying the reliability and off road is better on gen II. I think I might start looking for one. The only problem is letting go of our '97. I'm very attached, not sure if I can do it.