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:

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  road locomotive - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By mijon - September 7 - 3:30 pm

  Several trips from Lansing, MI, to Portland, ME nonstop, one driver and one tank of diesel (with a tailwind). Visibility and leather driver seat make driving a pleasure. I weigh 240# and get a backache driving luxury sedans in $40-50k range in half the time. Rock solid diesel never misses a tick at 98000 miles (but would not consider gas). Pulls better than my F350 crew long box diesel because it weighs more. Biggest problem is non support attitude of FMC. No satisfaction on missing rear sway bar, 2002 only. If Toyota or Nissan built a diesel SUV, bye-bye Ford.

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  I Appreciate my Vehicle - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By James Gilmore - September 6 - 11:56 pm

  I love the way my vehicle handles when traveling. The ride is exceptional. This is my second Excursion the room they have is added comfort. You are relaxed when you reach your destination -- not tired and all worn down. It gives you a sense of security you dont get from other vehicles. It serves all the purposes I purchased it for. If they stop making them I have no ideal what type of vehicle i would purchase next. The Ford Excursion has proven to be everything I ever wanted in a vehicle.

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  Luv my Excursion - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By RBR - August 23 - 9:16 pm

  I have the Powerstroke 6.0 diesel. Use truck for towing 32 travel trailer - works great. Interior seats are very spacious and comfortable. 20mph hwy/16 city. Towing 12 - 13 mpg. Will hate to see it discontinued.

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  Second one -- I love it! - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Steve Feintuch - August 20 - 10:26 am

  Like some of the new features over my 2000. Transmission shifting is a little different and Im trying to get used to it. Love the 6.0 Powerstroke.

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  My 03 Excursion is great towing vehicle - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By RV Guy - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2003 Excursion with the optional diesel engine and it pulls my 35 travel trailer like theres nothing behind it! The gas mileage with the diesel engine is better than I got with the 2002 Chevy Suburban (Gas engine) I traded in on it. One complaint is that there is not an optional power sunroof available and an aftermarket one is out of the question since the back A/C and heater vents are located towards the middle of the vehicle making the installation of a power sunroof not possible. The "back-up" warning signals are wonderful as are the pull out trailer towing mirrors.

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  2002 excursion limited diesel - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By fmrlo - August 11 - 5:28 pm

  Amazing fuel mileage for such a huge vehicle - Diesel 7.3L. The ultimate travel vehicle - plenty of space, rear air and rear entertainment - lots of cup holders, very smooth on the hiway. I do not have 4wd.

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  Well worth the girth - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By fossilsucka - August 11 - 3:16 am

  I have owned several SUVs, trucks, and cars over the years, but with 3 children and several toys to haul around nothing compares to the Ford Excursion. I made do for too long in the past. Sure the thing is huge, but smart people wouldnt buy one for everyday in town use anyhow. I purchased it for weekend getaways, vacations, and hauling. With the V10 it has more than enough grunt to do whatever I ask it to!! It rides like a truck, but... hey, it is a truck!!! I find myself cheating and driving it to work daily, instead of my gas- mizer cause the thing is just a blast to drive! It doesnt feel near as big and heavy driving as it looks! I love my Excursion!

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  We bit the bullet - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Family on The Go - August 10 - 2:33 pm

  Finally, our family of 6 has room to travel with book bags, lacrosse sticks, gym bags, basketball bags, and swim bags ... and no one loses an eye or gets stepped on while exiting the vehicle! My husband and I did not want to take on the gas mileage, and we did not want the noise of the diesel, so we hesitated about buying the Excursion. I wanted a Suburban. What convinced us? The value of Excursion over the Suburban and the Toyota Sienna that we considered. We got more for our money in cargo room, and a luxury interior, and the Excursion costs 400 less dollars per year to insure than the other. We wouldnt go back. We love our Excursion, and so do the kids!

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  Love my Excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By EXCMama - July 30 - 12:40 am

  I lifted mine 3", added extra leafs, and 36" tires. It is very fun to drive once you have owned it a while. If you are used to a smaller car, and only drive it once, you will find it difficult to park. I live in the mountains, and the only thing I dont like is the power going up the mountain passes. Im down to about 35mph by the time I hit the Eisenhower tunnel with my horse trailer ... but thats my fault for not going with the turbo diesel. This is definitely the most comfortable SUV to ride in on long trips. (We also own a Denali).

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  The Diesel is Awesome! Great SUV. - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Chris - July 28 - 12:48 pm

  This SUV is AWESOME! I am getting 16- 17MPG in city and 21-24mpg hwy. With a 6500lb SUV with 325hp and 560lb torque This beast is quicker than my V6 Mitsu Car and is getting within 2mpg fuel economy on the hwy. Much better choice than my minivan for my 3 kids. Twin girls load easy behind the driver on the 60% bench while letting me flip up and load my 3yr old son in the 3rd row. This leaves PLENTY of room for 3 more adults in back. There is tons of room for the double stroller and luggage behind the 3rd row WOW! Ford is ending production in SEPT replacing it with a 07 stretched Expedition. Get one before they are gone. With Family Plan Pricing a Limited Diesel 2-5K under invoice.