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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Love my Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
By excursion"r"great - December 3 - 4:11 pmThe biggest problem that annoyed me was the rattling of the doors when off road. But overall and for its size the vehicle handled very well.
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The Land Of The Free & Home Of The Beast - 2005 Ford Excursion
By ExcursionDiesel - November 25 - 10:59 amDont know why this vehicle was discontinued. I would continue to by this car until I cant drive anymore. I got it for 18k because the dealership couldnt move it, 35k miles mint condition turbo diesel. Have put on 5k miles in 2 months and love it - diesel could be cheaper. Very comfortable, great visibility and overall very safe. Mileage can be better and diesel requires some extra care like plugging in at night when its cold and $200 oil changes (15q) but like I said I would buy many more. Hate Ford love the Excursion and we are 3 people in total and have all the space and comfort in the world, as well as room to pick up my 7 siblings when they fly in for a weekend rain, snow, or shine.
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Little RV - 2005 Ford Excursion
By Living Big - November 24 - 9:24 pmOur Excursion is our road trip king. There isnt anywhere we wouldnt take our Excursion. Whether were trekking across the country on vacations or running around town, this is our vehicle of choice. With room for everything and the kitchen sink, no one and nothing gets left behind. We love the captains chairs second row seats and the full cargo space. This SUV has everything and goes everywhere. Our Midwestern winters are non-events for us. This beast rolls big and yet is nible around town. If you want utility, room, and awesome looks, look no further. Weve ran almost 43,000 trouble free. If you run out of room in the Excursion, you can tow your house behind it too.
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The Ford Excursion Limited Rocks~!!!!!! - 2004 Ford Excursion
By RLR8682 - November 3 - 10:00 amFord hit the nail on the head with the Excursion. From the Homelink to the tough truck look, V-10 power and torque, heated mirrors and seats, power outlets, shift on the fly 4- wheel drive,rear heat and A/C, leather interior, DVD entertainment system, 45 gallon fuel tank, back up alarm, towing ability, six disc CD player, cup holders and interior roominess the Excursion Rocks~!!!
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One of the best and enjoyable rides A+ - 2005 Ford Excursion
By ExcursionDiesel - October 25 - 5:37 pmI was on the market for a truck and by luck found this beast. I have not had a more enjoyable time driving since. Comfort and security are top notch. Road Feel is A+ I drive New York to Miami 2-4 times a year and drive daily, this is comfortable, great visibility, awesome sense of security GVW 9800lb "the beast" and most importantly in todays economy i was getting awesome mileage (leaving with a full tank a put half a tank in North Carolina and refill in Miami, cruising at 80 -85 mpg) I dont know why Ford discontinued this truck and I will still try and buy another todays market that cant give them away fast enough, with mileage like my Ford Edge I would recommend buying one and enjoying
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Ford Should Have Kept Making Them! - 2005 Ford Excursion
By The Bones - September 7 - 10:10 amLast weekend took the family of 5 and the dog on a 1,500 mile trip. Extremely comfortable and got 15.5 mpg from the big V-10. BTW, the 2005 model is superior. Ford finally dialed it in this last yeer (2005). The climate controls, entertainment, ride and dependability have all been excellent. This one is a keeper!
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The road warrior - 2004 Ford Excursion
By mike - September 1 - 5:53 pmWe are very happy with the Ford Excursion! Seats 8 comfortably. We love the four wheel drive. Excellent towing, lots of cargo space. Has 33" tires and drives great! Love the front and rear AC, DVD, and wireless headphones great for the kids.
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I found my soul mate - 2000 Ford Excursion
By Battlestar - June 5 - 9:40 pmWhat a great workhorse, and comfortable on any road trip. Great for hauling horse trailers and campers. The interior space cant be beat. This vehicle has endured some astonishing off-road experiences without any complaints. Had to replace door lock actuators at about 125,000 miles. No other maintenance issues. Its a keeper!
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302k miles and no problems - 2004 Ford Excursion
By veblenesque - May 26 - 6:41 pmThis SUV is amazing. It is amazingly big, tall, fuel inefficient, and difficult to maneuver. But Ive got 302,000 miles on the original 5.4l engine and transmission (which works out to 20,000 gallons, or $80,000, of gas). This is a serious SUV that should only be used by those who need it. Even with a V8, it is surprisingly slow. You need to pay attention when youre driving it, and a long trip can be stressful. But it holds a lot and is surprisingly competent offroad.
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Diesel SUVs are priceless - 2005 Ford Excursion
By lcstech - May 23 - 8:09 pmWhile diesel fuel price is 50 cents higher than unleaded, the EB Excursion diesel still seats 8, pulls 11000lbs and gets an honest 24mpg highway. I wonder why the owners rate it high and the editors do not, both groups must not be rating it on the same scale.
