I'm still considering upgrading our 2000 Expedition to a 2003/2004 Expedition. In my research, a couple of places, including Consumer Reports, listed the 2nd Gen Expeditions as not as reliable as the 1st Gen.

Can anyone attest to this, or give a more positive opinion?

 

I had a look at a 2004 EB 4WD tonight at a Ford dealer. Pretty much loaded, including SatNav.

Looked good, but the heated seats only worked on the driver's right 'cheek' side. Is this common?

The rear heat fan didn't appear to work from the forward roofmounted controls. Is it part of the climate control, or can I assume it is also broken?

Also, the axle code is "16", which is one that I haven't seen before. Can anyone tell me what the gear ratio might be?

 

I had a 2000 Expy EB and traded it for a 2004. Worst thing I ever did. I had so many problems I traded a year early on a 2007. I had a 1997, 1999 (destroyed by tornado in WI) a 2000, 2004 and now a 2007.

The 2004 was the worst vehicle I ever owned in my life.

I always regreted getting rid of the 2000. It was the best of all the Expys.

The 2004, I wouldn't even sell it to a work buddy that offered to buy it.

On the way to turn it in the wheel bearing was making noise. Other problems--rear axle replaced because of clutch noise, transmission rebuilt at 33K miles, muffler replace at 5000, radio in the shop twice, rear sensors stopped working correctly brakes had to be totally redone since it had the old pads on it, various door squeak noises that needed new door gaskets replaced, balancing problems with Conticrap tires, finish problems on back hatch, seat sensor position module needed to be replaced, needed PCM reprogrammed do to hesitation issues, air conditioner musty smells near the end, it was always in the shop or waiting on parts.

Stay away--trust me-Bob

 

So far, so good with our 2005 Expy. Of course, it has a different engine than the 03-04's (3valve 5.4).

 

We have had the 2006 expedition since april 2006 and i already have 15,000 miles on it. The only problem I have had was the tire pressure sensor went in on of the tires.

 

Another question:

Do all Eddie Bauer Expeditions come with a transmission cooler as standard? Or are there two different levels of transmission coolers?

A 2004 that I looked at had a transmission cooler (lower passenger side), but no 7 wire hitch plug.

 

My wife and I bought our 2004 XLT 4.6L 3.73 LS new in August of 2004. It has 31,000 miles on it and absolutely no problems so far. It hasn't been driven lightly either and is constantly loaded with kids and other stuff. I may have the lower plastic cladding replaced before the warranty runs out due to fade and it is only adequetly powerful with the 4.6 but otherwise has been a perfect vehicle. It does have the transmission cooler but only the 4 pin wire harness since it doesn't have the tow package.

 

My wife's 04 NBX Expedition is a comfortable truck but has had a few problems. Worse one so far was the death of the A/C system. Dealer had to replace god knows how many parts withing the dash. Entire dash and all removed. Dealer had to replace a few extra parts due to damage caused by tech. This truck also has issues with screeching from the windows when the go down. Glass rubbing against the windlace or what ever the rubber gasket is along the bottom of the window where it meets the door body. Let's see, the engine idles rough. Rotor's warped, typical Ford truck. And that's about it so far. 40K on the clock, and 60K left on the warranty, so it's only hassles....

But for a vehicle that's got such a bad rating, it sure drives nice. Helps that this one has 3.73 gears....

Hope this helps

 

shi*)O&(..... i got 123K miles on my 99... still running strong... FORD most trucks with 250K + miles out there...

 

He specifically asked about 2003-2004 years.

I had a 2000 that was excellent.

The 2004 totally sucked.

Like i said above, I wouldn't sell it to anyone I knew.

Traded it away-probably auctioned.

Bob

 

I have a '03 with 56000 miles and no problems as of yet!!

 

my 03 Expy has not been perfect. Besides the brake dust and fading plastic lower outside molding, the window problems have occurred. the Door open sensors were solved with WD-40, but one rear window does not work from the driver door controls.

However, as a truck, family hauler, and general vehicle it has been everything I could want. Plenty of power, good acceleration, and the totally perfectly designed third row seat is a major advantage.

85000 miles, several 200+ mile tow trips for Boy Scouts, fishing, or football. no mechanical problems at all. cranks up 1st time. Mobil 1 100% - engine sounds brand new.

 

i am happy with my 03 eddie bauer. i bought it on ebay for $15,200 with 70k miles. only real problem was it needed a rear end rebuild....which is common. i added a cai, catback exhaust, and just started ordering parts for the lightning s/c swap.