• Ford introduced its full-size, truck-based Expedition sport utility vehicle (SUV) during the 1997 model-year. This model was designed to compete with the large and successful Tahoe and Suburban models from Ford's main rival, Chevrolet. The 2003 model-year saw the introduction of the second-generation Expedition. This model was slotted directly above the mid-size Explorer and directly below the Excursion full-size SUV.
  
  

4.6L V-8 Engine

• The base level engine in the 2003 Expedition is a 4.6L V-8. This naturally-aspirated motor has a 16-valve SOHC design with a 3.55-inch bore, 3.54-inch stroke and a compression ratio of 9.4:1. Output for this engine is rated at 232 horsepower at 4,750 RPM and 291 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3,450 RPM. This engine is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission.
  
  

5.4L V-8 Engine

• The up-level engine offered in the 2003 Expedition is a 5.4L V-8. This engine also has a 16-valve SOHC design with a 3.55-inch bore, but the stroke is increased to 4.17 inches, and the compression ratio is 9:1. This results in a power increase to 260 horsepower at 4,500 RPM and 350 ft.-lbs. of torque at 2,500 RPM. As with the less powerful 4.6L V-8, this motor is exclusively fitted with a four-speed automatic gearbox.
  
  

Exterior Dimensions

• The full-size Expedition sits on a 119-inch wheelbase with a 67-inch front track and a 67.3-inch rear track. The body of this sport utility vehicle has an overall length of 205.8 inches, a width of 78.7 inches and a height of 77.6 inches. Ground clearance under this vehicle measures 8.9 inches, and this truck-based SUV offers its driver a 38.7-foot turning diameter.
  
  

Interior Dimensions

• The Expedition offers 20.2 cubic feet of cargo volume, accessible through a rear lift gate-style door. Front seat occupants are provided with 39.7 inches of headroom, 41.2 inches of legroom, 63.4 inches of shoulder room and 63 inches of hip room. Passengers in this vehicle's second row seating get 39.8 inches of headroom, 38.7 inches of legroom, 64.3 inches of shoulder room and 62.4 inches of hip room.
  
  

Fuel Economy

• The rear-wheel drive Expedition equipped with the 4.6L V-8 yields 14 miles per gallon in the city and 19 MPG on the highway while the 5.4L V-8 engine with two-wheel drive is rated at 13 MPG in the city and 18 on the highway. The four-wheel drive model powered by the 4.6L V-8 gets 14 MPG in the city and 18 on the highway, and the 5.4L V-8 yields 13 MPG in the city and 17 on the highway. Fuel is drawn from a 28-gallon tank.
  
  

Safety Ratings

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's frontal impact crash test resulted in five-star ratings for driver and passenger protection. The NHTSA safety ratings are graded on a five-star scale.