Having owned a '97 & '99 Expedition, I was expecting the same quality in my new '03. The previous Exp.s were great vehicles. I've had the '03 since December and I'm ready to get rid of it. I have the usual problems with the new Exp. such as very excessive brake dust, much poorer gas mileage, cheaper interior parts, etc. On a recent long distance trip I had to put up with bad rattles on the exterior when I got over 65 mph and an air conditioner problem. I recently took it to the dealer for the rattle problems but it's very apparent they didn't fix it. Everything seems tight on the exterior, but it sure sound like hell when driving.
Very sorry to say the new '03 is not the same quality as previous models and 'm getting rid of it.

 

That stinks. Your post eliminates my doubts on waiting for an 04 model.

Question: what are you going to get???

 

I've heard many similar stories. I was considering a 2003 for the wife, but looks like it's Tahoe or Sequoia time.

 

Well, I must admit I was pissed when I posted my displeasures having to endure another long trip with all the rattling and new A/C problems. I really enjoyed my previos Expeditions and thought the '03 would be as good, if not better than the previous two. he '97 & "99 were great vehicles and other than coil packs, gave me excellent service. The '03 just isn't the same quality.
As for an alternative, I did look at a Toyota Sequoa and 4 Runners yesterday and was impressed. They are actually offering more in trade for my Exp. than I paid for it. They are also discounting the Toyota. I did get a great deal on the Exp. when I bought it. I didn't buy it but may do so today.

 

I've looked @ the Sequoia's, certainly odds are you will have pretty good reliability with it, Toyota stuff is reliable! The only real complaint I have with the Sequioa, is once used to the Expy, the Sequoia feels really cramped inside, at least to me. I think I'll just keep my 99 Expy for awhile, its pretty much rattle free, and runs great.

 

DVDs:
The '99 was a great vehicle and I guess I should have kept it. One of my employees has a '99 with over 150,000 miles and it runs and drives great. They'll go forever if you take care of them.

 

Traded in my wife's 99 Explorer back in March for a Toyo 4Runner Limited. What an improvement. V6 and absolute silence inside when driving. Changing oil filter is as easy as adding washer fluid. They put the filter up top mounted at a 45 degree with a drip catch and weep hole.

Went internet shopping one dealer against another. Only way to go. You can check entire inventory online and then query the model you like.

If you do with a little less room, go with the Sequoia. I'd see years of trouble free driving.

Keith

 

I'd written a nice response, but the server must've blinked on me-

But, in short- I liked the 03' I think it's an improvement in every way above the 1997 - 2002 models- except in rear-seat (2nd row)ergonomics... Those '03 captain chairs in th 2nd row look about as nice as those $19.00 blue folding chairs at Wal*Mart. (Get the bench)

Brake dust- Sucks.

Looks- Growing on me!

I still think from the 2nd row forward, the 97-02 run is wider (feeling) and more roomy - especially up front. I love the 03's deep console- but it took some seat space away! I'd trade mine for one.... if the price was right...

I looked at an 03 last week, they only wanted to give me 15K for my trade. I still have my double 0..

 

Hi Guys!

Its been a long time since I been here. But I just wanted to say that I just purchased an 03 Exp w/ 20K and I really like it.

Right now the SUV is @ the ford shop getting some things done on it.

When I am going about 40 to 50 and then 60mph it makes an windy hum noise at those speeds , but when I release the gas pedal the noise is gone,, but when I touch the pedal it comes back.


The service guys are working on it and they gave me an 99 Expedition as an rental and I have to say there is no dam way it rides and looks as good as the 03 expedition. As for gas mileage I think its great for its size. As for the 99' it just sits in my drive way and I am wanting to HURRY and get a phone call back from my dealerhip to say my Exp is done.

Love the new Exp.

 

I wish I could get the girlfriend to do that.

 

So your saying she don't humm even @ 5mph??