The Good
The 2001 Expedition offers immense practicality with its spacious three-row seating and substantial towing capacity, appealing to families and those with boats or trailers. Its V8 engines provide ample power, and the ride comfort is generally good for a full-size SUV. Emotionally, it provides a sense of security and capability, while practically, its current used market value offers a lot of utility for a low price, making it an attractive value proposition.
The Bad
Known weaknesses for the 2001 Ford Expedition include poor fuel economy due to its size and V8 engines, and its large dimensions can make city driving and parking challenging. Owners also frequently report issues with spark plug ejection, transmission problems, blend door actuators, and premature wear of suspension components and potential rust issues, especially in older models from regions with harsh winters.
2001 Ford Expedition: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 4.6L Triton V8
- 5.4L Triton V8 - Horsepower:
- 4.6L V8: Approximately 215 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque
- 5.4L V8: Approximately 260 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque - Fuel Economy (Estimated):
- 4.6L V8: Around 13-14 MPG city / 17-18 MPG highway
- 5.4L V8: Around 12-13 MPG city / 16-17 MPG highway
(Note: Fuel economy can vary significantly based on driving conditions, maintenance, and drivetrain – 2WD vs. 4WD) - 0-60 Times (Estimated):
- 4.6L V8: Around 9.5-10.5 seconds
- 5.4L V8: Around 8.0-9.0 seconds - Towing Capacity:
- Ranges from approximately 6,000 lbs to over 8,000 lbs, depending on engine, drivetrain (2WD/4WD), and factory towing package. Models with the 5.4L V8 and proper equipment could tow up to 8,100 lbs (2WD) or 7,900 lbs (4WD). - Trim-Level Features:
- XLT: This was the base yet well-equipped trim. Standard features typically included power windows and door locks, air conditioning (front and rear), cruise control, an AM/FM stereo with CD player, power-adjustable driver's seat, alloy wheels, and a fold-flat third-row seat. Optional features included a premium audio system, a moonroof, and leather seating surfaces.
- Eddie Bauer: The top-tier luxury trim. Building upon the XLT, it added more premium features as standard. These commonly included leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof, heated front seats, power-adjustable front passenger seat, unique exterior styling accents (like two-tone paint and specific grille design), upgraded audio system, and possibly remote keyless entry with an anti-theft system. Many convenience features were standard on the Eddie Bauer that were optional on the XLT, enhancing comfort and luxury for occupants.
2001 Ford Expedition Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2001 |
| Make | Ford |
| Model | Expedition |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Category | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Canada |
| Manufacturing City | WAYNE |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | 5468 pounds |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 7200 pounds |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 5.4 8 |
| Engine Size | 5.4L |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Four-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $40,850 |
| Invoice Price | $35,977 |
| Delivery Charges | $715 |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2001 Ford Expedition Have?
Transmission problems are also common, particularly with the 4R70W/4R100 automatic transmissions. Owners report issues like erratic shifting, slipping, shuddering, and eventual failure, often requiring a rebuild or replacement around the 100,000-150,000 mile mark, especially if not regularly maintained.
Another prevalent issue involves the HVAC blend door actuator. This small motor controls the blend door that mixes hot and cold air, and its failure can lead to a lack of heat, constant heat, or inconsistent temperature control, often requiring dashboard disassembly to replace. Suspension components, such as ball joints, tie rods, and shock absorbers, tend to wear out over time, leading to clunking noises, poor handling, and tire wear.
Rust is a significant concern for Expeditions, particularly on the frame, rocker panels, wheel wells, and tailgate, especially in regions with road salt. Exhaust manifold studs are also prone to breaking, leading to exhaust leaks and ticking noises.
Regarding recalls, the 2001 Expedition was subject to a few. A notable recall involved the cruise control deactivation switch, which could potentially overheat and cause a fire, even when the vehicle was turned off. Another common recall involved certain ABS control modules which could malfunction, potentially leading to increased stopping distances or an ABS warning light. It's crucial for anyone considering a purchase to check if these recall repairs have been completed.
How long will the 2001 Ford Expedition last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Driver-assistance features were minimal. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard, offering improved stopping capability. Traction control was an available option, particularly useful in slippery conditions, but more advanced systems like stability control were not yet common on full-size SUVs of this vintage. Parking sensors or backup cameras were aftermarket additions, not factory options.
Safety features included standard dual front airbags for the driver and front passenger. Side-impact airbags were an available option for front occupants, providing additional protection in certain collision scenarios. Three-point seatbelts were provided for all outboard seating positions, and child seat anchors (LATCH system) were present in the second row. For crash-test ratings, the 2001 Ford Expedition generally performed reasonably well for its class in NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) tests. It received:
- NHTSA Frontal Crash: 5 out of 5 stars for driver, 4 out of 5 stars for passenger.
- NHTSA Side Crash: 5 out of 5 stars for front occupant, 5 out of 5 stars for rear occupant (for models equipped with side airbags).
- NHTSA Rollover: 3 out of 5 stars (a common rating for high-riding SUVs of that period).
What Colors Options are Available?
2001 Ford Expedition Prices and Market Value
2001 Ford Expedition Cost of Ownership
2001 Ford Expedition Fuel Efficiency
2001 Ford Expedition Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
2001 Ford Expedition Recalls & Defects
Visibility:windshield Wiper/Washer:motor
AIR Bags:frontal
Tires:tread/Belt
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual
Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
Exterior Lighting:headlights
Fuel System, Gasoline
Exterior Lighting
Vehicle Speed Control
Structure
2001 Ford Expedition Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2001 Ford Expedition Compare to Other Sport Utility Vehicle?
Regarding features, all these large SUVs offered similar amenities for the era: three-row seating, power accessories, and options for leather, premium audio, and moonroofs. The Expedition's fold-flat third row was a practical advantage over some rivals that required removal of the third row for maximum cargo space. GM's offerings often had slightly more sophisticated interiors for the time, while Toyota focused on robust simplicity.
Reliability is where distinctions become more apparent. The Chevrolet Tahoe/Yukon from the same era shared many similar long-term issues with the Expedition, particularly concerning transmissions and some engine-related problems, though the spark plug ejection issue was more prominent in Ford's Triton engines. The Toyota Sequoia generally holds a reputation for superior long-term reliability and fewer catastrophic failures, especially regarding powertrain components, making it a stronger contender in this regard.
In terms of price, the Expedition and GM twins were similarly priced when new. On the current used market, all have depreciated heavily. The Expedition and Tahoe/Yukon are often found in the same low price range, offering significant utility for minimal upfront cost. Used Sequoias, while also depreciated, tend to hold a slightly higher resale value due to their perceived reliability.
Similar Alternatives:
- Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon (2000-2006): Offers very similar capabilities, robust V8 engines, and comparable interior space. Reliability is generally on par with the Expedition, with common issues centered around transmissions and some electronics. Parts are abundant and affordable.
- Toyota Sequoia (2001-2007): While potentially slightly pricier on the used market, the Sequoia is often regarded as having superior long-term reliability and fewer serious powertrain concerns than its American counterparts, making it a potentially "safer" used buy, albeit with possibly less towing capacity than the Expedition's top-tier rating.