The Ford Expedition is a full-size three-row SUV, manufactured by Ford. Introduced for the 1997 model year as the successor of the Ford Bronco, the Expedition was the first full-size Ford SUV sold with a four-door body. For its entire production life, the Ford Expedition has been derived from the corresponding generation of the Ford F-150 in production, sharing some body and mechanical components. The fourth-generation Ford Expedition began production for the 2018 model year. Similar to the configuration of the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, the Ford Expedition is sold in regular and extended lengths (the Ford Expedition EL/Max); sold since 2007, the latter functionally serves as the replacement for the Ford Excursion. Since 1997, the Lincoln division has marketed the Ford Expedition as the Lincoln Navigator, the first full-size SUV sold by a luxury auto brand in North America (the Expedition was never sold as a Mercury). The third Ford vehicle to use the Expedition nameplate, the full-size SUV follows a 1992 F-150 Eddie Bauer concept vehicle and a 1995 trim level package on the two-door Ford Explorer Sport. Prior to 2009, the Ford Expedition was assembled at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan (previously home to the Ford Bronco). After 2009, the Ford Expedition was moved to the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky. Background The Expedition offered up to nine-passenger seating in model years before 2007 (with a front bench seat option in the first row); 2007–present model year Expeditions have bucket seats in the first row and seats eight passengers. It was equipped with a standard V8 engine from October 1996 until 2014 when it was replaced with more compact, yet more efficient and powerful 3.5 L EcoBoost V6 for model year 2015. It is similar to the Lincoln Navigator, especially in Limited (2005–present) or King Ranch (2005–2017; 2020–present) high-end trims; both of which were introduced for the 2005 model year. With the 2011 model year, the base model was designated XL, an upgraded XLT, and new for 2011 XLT Premium that replaced the Eddie Bauer trim (1997–2010) which was phased out from the entire Ford vehicle lineup. As of 2010, over 1,545,241 Expeditions (both standard and EL/Max) have been sold. A modified Special Service Vehicle version is available for law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and emergency medical services. The Ford Expedition is also known for being one of the longest-lasting vehicles on the road.