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 131 through 140 of 500.00-
Not such a fuel hog - 2005 Ford Excursion
By Ron Mason - November 15 - 1:03 amI was surprised to get 16 mpg - much better than my Jeep Wrangler. Ive driven similar trucks and usually got around 9 or 10 mpg. Im really impressed with the power of the 6.0 diesel - it definitely outperforms the older 7.3.
-
I love it! - 2001 Ford Excursion
By gersfeld - November 6 - 12:49 pmWe recently bought a 2001 7.3 Ltr Diesel 4x4 and I love it! It is in terrific shape for being a used vehicle and being a diesel it already gets superior gas mileage compared to my Ford Aerostar. It drives like a luxury car but has the strength and performance of a truck. It feels solid and reliable when I drive it. I hope I have it for a long time to come because I love it!
-
V10, RWD, Gas, all good - 2005 Ford Excursion
By Emi L. - November 6 - 4:05 amI absolutely love this truck. I opted for gas over diesel and after driving it the V-8 seemed nothing short of gutless and wasnt even an option. I cant say I pay a lot of attention to the gas mileage but it seems to be decent for the vehicle size and the power ... yeowww, finally a beast of a vehicle that can get out of its own way. I love it. Maneuvers great, smooth ride & all in all I think a great riding vehicle. I definitely prefer driving it over my 350z. Not very difficult to find parking, can get it in any spot I can fit my Chevy truck into.
-
Excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
By Eddie - October 31 - 8:21 pmEnjoy this truck a lot. Plenty of space and power for towing and love the big tank!
-
Diesel Excursion - 2001 Ford Excursion
By Patrick Stokes - October 26 - 2:15 pmThe truck is primarily for running my kids between NY and Il. At 65mph I average about 890 miles to a tank or about 20 mpg. I have the Limited 4WD and the Powerstroke diesel. The truck is huge and on long trips we put a twin mattress in the back for the kids to fall asleep while watching movies. This way they are quiet and dont annoy us while driving. I travel with 4 of them. The truck stalled out at about 50,000 miles for want of a fuel filter and I just replaced all the brakes at 93,000. There have been two recalls, one to check a seatbelt and the other to give me 5 new tires at 65,000 miles. No road or weather is too much for it. It is a safe place in a troubled spot.
-
V10 Gas or Diesel? - 2005 Ford Excursion
By appoloosa - October 18 - 4:02 amWe love our Excursion, even nick-named it "Haus" since this gentle giant has served us well. Pulls a horse trailer with ease and on those occasions when you need to rent "real" toys like a 21 boom lift or a backhoe, you better not show up in a Toyota, theyll laugh you out of the place. Go home son and bring back a real truck 3/4 ton or better youll be hearing as you slink out of the parking lot. We have a real issue over all the hoopla about the Powerstroke diesel and all the negatives about the V-10 sucking up gas, which is definitely NOT the case, ours has always gotten 12-15 MPG city and gets better mileage loaded out than the Dodge Ram Pickup with a 318-V8, and no stinky $$ diesel fuel.
-
Best SUV Ever owned - 2004 Ford Excursion
By susie q - October 17 - 11:36 amWe have had 2 Jeeps (which I loved, but not big enough), and a GMC Suburban and love the Excursion the best. I am sooooo glad we bought the diesel even though it is noisy sometimes. Drove over 3,000 miles to Colorado and was very comfortable, I dont understand why diesel is higher than regular, makes no sense. It is the best vehicle I have ever had.
-
Nice Truck. But.... - 2001 Ford Excursion
By pielue - September 26 - 7:31 pmI bought it new. 3 times is has just shut-off by itself while I was driving both interstate and in town. Now at 96,000 the transmission went out on it. The motor on the windows is bad and the electric door lock had to be fixed. I am a woman I do not drive it hard or haul anything. I love the room and the fact that it is a diesel.
-
Best SUV ever built - 2005 Ford Excursion
By Bruno - September 26 - 3:07 pmThis is by far the best truck we have ever owned. It will carry or drag anything you ask of it. We when though three hurricanes last year and this truck never missed a step. From dragging fallen trees out of the road to carrying building supplies, it never let us down. And when every one ran out of gas it was still easy to find diesel.
-
The Big Doodie - 2005 Ford Excursion
By SuperDogSteve - September 8 - 11:32 pmThis truck is awesome! It has room for the whole family and the luggage too. The gas mileage of the 6.0L diesel is unbelievable. After comparing it to the competition, there was no comparison. The Excursion won hands down! You will not be sorry making this purchase.
