In the 1990s and 2000s, Ford got serious about big SUVs. First it launched the Expedition, which was revealed in 1996, and based on the F-150. Then came the Excursion, which was even more massive and based on the more unique Super Duty pickups. However, only the Expedition survived. Today, it's thriving. Last year, Ford sold more than 85,000 units, more than even the Ranger pickup. So it's no surprise Ford has created a special edition to celebrate the Expedition.Ford It Poached A Pony's Paint This special edition is technically an add-on package that's aptly, but not imaginatively, called the 30th Anniversary Appearance Package. It's based on the Stealth Appearance Package, which brings black badging, trim, lights, and illuminated grille trim. Where it differs is in the inclusion of a lighter "Salt Crystal Gray" interior with matching leather upholstery. Also, the 22-inch wheels are painted in a gloss black, rather than the usual satin black metallic. Naturally, you'll find the 30th Anniversary logo all around the SUV, from the center caps to the center console.Ford Perhaps the most interesting thing available for this special Expedition package is the paint. While it seems you'll be able to get this package with whatever normally available Expedition colors are on offer, you can also get "Blue Ember." It's the dark lavender metallic paint that used to be exclusive to just the Mustang Dark Horse, but now the anniversary Expedition can have it, too. If you tow your Dark Horse to the track, this would be a great tow vehicle to match.Ford The special edition will be available this year on the 2027 Expedition. Ford didn't specify availability of the package, but since the Stealth Appearance Package is only offered on the Platinum trim, we're expecting the anniversary package to be restricted to that trim, too. The Stealth Appearance Package also costs $3,575 on the 2026 Expedition, so the anniversary package will probably be priced similarly, and the Blue Ember paint will likely be an extra charge. We also expect the package to be available on both short and long versions of the Expedition. A Quick History Of The Expedition The first model year for the original Expedition was 1997, and it launched to take on the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban. It used the same basic formula, creating an SUV based on a full-size truck platform, the F-150. That was evident in the similar round nose and the interior design. Unlike the pickup, though, the Expedition could only be had with V8s in displacements of 4.6 and 5.4 liters, and it had coil-spring suspension all around. At the time, the F-150 had leaf springs at the back, and the four-wheel-drive model had torsion bar front springs. Two- and four-wheel drive drivetrains were also offered, and both engines came with a four-speed automatic with overdrive.Ford The second-generation Expedition arrived for the 2003 model year, and it further deviated from the F-150. The newest development for it was a fully independent rear suspension. The GM competition wouldn't get such a suspension until the 2021 model year. It also got a unique interior and gained about an inch in overall length. It also continued to offer 4.6- and 5.4-liter V8s.For 2007, the Expedition got another redesign. It also marked the introduction of the long wheelbase version of the SUV, since the Super Duty-based Excursion had been discontinued. Naturally, it brought new interior and exterior design, and the 4.6-liter V8 was dropped, leaving just the 5.4-liter version. Ford also added a six-speed automatic. This generation lasted quite a while, and it even saw the introduction of the now familiar 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6.Ford finally brought a fourth-generation Expedition for 2018. The regular version finally got a longer wheelbase than the roughly 119 inches of the last 20 years. A high-output version of the 3.5-liter turbo V6 also became available, and both versions got 10-speed automatic transmissions. Finally, for 2025, Ford launched the fifth-generation SUV. While it uses evolutions of the same powertrains, it gained a dramatically new interior along with a unique split rear tailgate.2027 Ford Expedition 30th Anniversary Package front