Overview & Reviews
From its yacht-like boulevard cruisers of the early '70s to its more recent Super Duty pickups, Ford has long catered to buyers with king-sized transportation needs. The Ford Excursion followed in this tradition. This full-size SUV was manufactured between 2000 and 2005, and holds the distinction of being the longest and heaviest sport-utility vehicle ever produced.
With seating for up to nine passengers and a tow rating of 11,000 pounds (when properly equipped), the Excursion was mecca for SUV buyers with super-sized hauling needs. But its gargantuan proportions came at a price. Driving and parking a vehicle of this scale presented major challenges. And as you'd expect, fuel economy was dismal.
The Ford Excursion ultimately fell victim to high gas prices. Declining sales prompted Ford to retire the mega-size SUV after the 2005 model year. If you need a big SUV but not necessarily one that's the biggest in its class, we'd encourage you to explore less unwieldy, more fuel-efficient alternatives. But a used Ford Excursion could be a decent choice for those who have a genuine need for this level of roominess and towing capability.
Most Recent Ford Excursion
Built on Ford's F-250 Super Duty truck platform, the four-door Ford Excursion was the largest SUV in Ford's lineup, based on overall size and interior room. It was available with either two- or four-wheel drive.
In its first year of production, the Excursion was offered in just two trim levels: the base XLT and the more upscale Limited. The Eddie Bauer trim level made its debut in model year 2003 as a midlevel alternative, falling between the XLT and the Limited. In 2004, trim levels were revised to reflect the following hierarchy: base XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer and top-of-the-line Limited.
Excursions were initially available with three engines. The standard engine on both XLTs and Limiteds was a 5.4-liter V8 good for 255 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, with both a 310-hp 6.8-liter V10 and a 235-hp 7.3-liter turbodiesel V8 offered as options. In 2001, the 7.3-liter turbodiesel saw its power increase to 250 hp. The Excursion's 7.3-liter turbodiesel was phased out in 2004 to make way for a new 325-hp, 6.0-liter turbodiesel V8 that also offered more torque and cleaner emissions.
All engines were governed by a four-speed automatic transmission, except for the 6.0-liter turbodiesel, which had a five-speed automatic. In a test involving a 2000 Ford Excursion equipped with the 6.8-liter V10, our editors averaged just 12.4 mpg in combined city and highway driving. Of all these choices, the 6.0-liter turbodiesel was the pick of the litter: With 560 lb-ft of torque, it was best suited for hauling heavy loads, and it delivered the best cruising range to boot.
Base-model Excursions boasted a generous standard features list, offering amenities like a rear air-conditioner, cruise control, full power accessories and a CD player. Pricier trim levels got you goodies like rear audio controls, power-adjustable pedals, a premium audio system and heated front seats. Options like an in-dash six-disc CD changer and a DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system were available across some trim levels.
The Excursion's interior was more utilitarian than elegant, with a no-frills dashboard that came courtesy of the Super Duty pickup. Top-tier trim levels were a bit more stylish. The Eddie Bauer model featured a cabin with a two-tone color scheme, and the Limited trim offered an interior with cherry wood accents. Nine passengers could be seated in XLS and XLT models; other models seated only eight as a result of their front captain's chairs. Excursions offered 146.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. This is the most capacity ever offered in a full-size SUV, but it still felt short of the cubic footage available in a full-size van -- arguably a better choice for large families.
In editorial reviews, the Ford Excursion's size prevented it from scoring high marks as a daily driver. Steering feel was vague, and ride quality was rough and bouncy. Routine trips down the expressway were a chore, as continual steering correction was needed to keep the big Ford from wandering out of its lane. Acceleration was leisurely no matter which drivetrain you selected, as the engines were tasked with motivating more than 7,000 pounds of vehicle. In consumer reviews, the Excursion was praised for its roomy interior and panned for its interior styling and poor fuel economy.
Past Ford Excursions
On the market for a mere five years, the Ford Excursion was a single-generation vehicle. Although we think GM's heavy-duty series Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL are better choices on the used market, if you're dead set on getting an Excursion, we'd recommend a 2004 or 2005 model with the optional 6.0-liter turbodiesel.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 500.00-
expected much more - 2005 Ford Excursion
By mar18 - March 20 - 10:44 pmi decided to buy an excursion diesel to be able to tow the toy hauler and bring the family along. i was very dissapointed with the quality performance and fuel mileage. i got 14 mpg on the highway (i have a light foot). when towing the 8000lb toyhauler i got 7mpg on the highway and had to go peddal to the floor on every hill and the truck still slowed down to 40 mph and struggled to make it up small hills. the truck overheated on me 3 times while towing in tow-haul mode so i started towing without it. the truck always struggled with the trailer. My 5.7 liter tundra towed the same trailer without a problem. I always thought ford was the best of all american car makers. obviously i was wrong
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Wish it wasnt this way. - 2000 Ford Excursion
By CHYBLUE - July 6 - 8:17 amI have owned this vehicle since 2001. 7.3 Turbo Diesel, not very much power, replaced 3 sets of hubs, 4 cam position sensors, ball joints have no grease fittings - replaced those twice, multiple electrical problems, 6 batteries so far, light switch breaks off when turning lights on (recalled on others, not where mine was built, per Ford). Newest problem, no center of steering, has been in shop 3 times no use of it for last 2 months replacing part by part from flushing fluids all the way to steering box, still doing same thing -- pulls right, then left, then right. Going back to dealer today. My best advice, buy a Chevy.
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Bad Truck - 2004 Ford Excursion
By S. R. Markl - February 26 - 2:00 amStearing Shaft broke in half - crash Brake System replaced 3 times - crash Suspension parts not included unsafe when towing Plenty of cupholders tho
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Ford Excursion - 2004 Ford Excursion
By Destra - January 25 - 2:00 amThe excursion is a great SUV but its fuel economy is very poor. the excursion`s relability needs to improve.The peformance is also bad.How can you pay over $40,000 for an SUV that doesn`t perform well.
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DON"T DO IT - 2002 Ford Excursion
By mikey1971 - January 26 - 2:00 amBought this behemoth becuase at the time it was the rage.Now I wonder what drug I was using at that time.Gas milage is a term we do not use,and the interior has pieces falling apart constantly.Only 54,000 miles and already had in shop twice for intake gasket and fuel pump(V-10).Poor excuse for a large SUV.If you insist on Ford,than get the diesel engine.Otherwise get a Chevy or GMC like I did 2 months ago.By the way,dont be surprised if you get laughed at when you tell the dealer you thought it "was worth more than that" on trade.Be prepared to take a beating on trade in value!!I am trying to sell mine private, and have had 0 calls on it.I wonder why?!@#.
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Buyer Beware - 2002 Ford Excursion
By burnside2000 - May 7 - 2:00 amStay away from this one at all costs. Typical FORD (fixed or repaired daily) and rides, handles and looks like a brick. I think FORD must be paying all the other reviewers here.
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NOT A GREAT CHOICE! - 2002 Ford Excursion
By Hajr - May 6 - 2:00 amTHIS SUV IS THE GREATEST GAS GUZZLER I HAVE EVER SEEN. 7.6L ENGINE WILL SPIT YOUR GAS OUT IN AN INSTANT! I AGREE ITS SPACIOUS, BUT THE RELIABILITY IS VERY LOW JUDGING THAT AFTER 2-3 YEARS OF USE, THE VALUE OF IS GOING TO DROP LOWWWW. STICK WITH A SEQUOIA AND TRUST TOYOTAS ENGINE....AND AFTER ALL...ITS A FORD!!!! ITLL BREAK APART SO FAST YOU WOULDNT KNOW WHAT HIT YOU. IM NO FORD HATER BUT USING REAL EVIDENCE OF FORDS RELIABILITY, I CAN SAY THAT IT IS VERY POOR.
