2003 Exped. - CR says Problems (????)

[bnkerth]

I am about to by an 2003 Expedition XLT (5.4L, 4x4).

But, Consumer Reports says that reliability for the 2003 has been poor. They do not give specifics.

Are there inherent problems in the 2003? Teething problems with the new changes intoduced with the 2003.

All thoughts good or bad appreciated.

Thanks,

Bradley

[rivguy]

one cr is a bunch of crap - but keep in mind that all cars break so get the one you like and roll the dice

[Samw]

CR may be a bunch of crap. But most fleet operators are in agreement that the '03 Expedition is costing 2-3 times as much to operate as comperable vehicles in it's class. Reliability in my fleet has been fair, but having to take EVERY unit back twice for tire balance and alignment (under warranty) is a bit much, especially in the first 90 days of operation. We have also experienced two transmission failures and several rear differential failures (determined not due to abuse).
Explorers use the same rear suspension, and also are fraught with failures.

I know you like Expeditions Rivguy, but will your opinion of them change when you have to "fork out" $3000 for a pair of rear shocks?

[rivguy]

quite to opposite samw - I'm not a ford guy at all - the only thing I like about ford is the fact that it's job security for us techs - but the simple truth is that nothing on the market at this time is really an better - their all going to break and their all going to cost money - just a matter of time and a matter of what problems you want to deal with when they do - and that's why they make extended warranties

[Curt Horton]

Bradley, Trust me, don't buy any Ford Expedition. Our 2000 model caught fire and burned our home on 7/23/04, a 1999 model did the same thing 2 weeks later. Check our report just listed. Curt