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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  The X is the Best - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By FordXster - March 5 - 5:42 pm

  With 105,000 on the X I can safely say it is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. MPG is around 14.5 with the V-10! Its an all around great vehicle, especially if you need to tow. Had no problem towing a 9500 lb trailer, 70 mph, 5000 miles and averaged 13.8 mpg! With the A/C on all the way. Is has probably the quietest interior of any vehicle I have owned. Can you tell I like it?

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  Love my Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Roxy - March 4 - 2:58 pm

  This Excursion drive and rides like a dream. It is great on long trips, what a cruiser. I like the looks of it. The interior is so comfortable and roomy. You can haul just about anything. Ours is a diesel and not 4x4 so our mileage is not too bad. The bet we did was 19.75 and usually about 18 mpg. So for a rig this big thats not too bad. It is not the easiest thing to park.

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  00 Ford Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By owltruck - February 26 - 8:06 pm

  Id avoid this vehicle and all FORD products. Apparently theres an issue with blowing spark plugs which costs upwards of $5k to repair including replacing the head unit. Always seems to be one issue after another, odd repairs have put our vehicle out of service roughly 30 - 40 days in the past few years.

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  big truck - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By wes88 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  big truck handles like smaller vehicle,plenty of space.

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  Wish they still made these.... - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By naaziz - February 7 - 10:17 pm

  I own a 6.0 Turbodiesel. This is one of a kind. Bought it for towing capacity (Have my Prius for commuting & Range Rover for off roading) and I am surprised how fond I have become of this truck. It is a shame Ford discontinued this truck. For space, power and functionality, nothing comes close. I have hauled plywood in the back (with doors closed), multiple people with their bags and a 6000lb boat behind me and it does not even break a sweat. I am planning on holding on to this truck as I do not know of any other vehicle on the market that offers all the functionality that Excursion offers. Unlike other reviews, I think mileage is fine for size and weight of the truck.

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  GREAT SUV - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Peter Waldman - February 1 - 6:10 pm

  No problems here! Only oil changes on my V10 with 79,000 miles Got free tires from Ford at 65,000 so can go another 75K or so before I need them again. I get 13.4 MPG with a full load (trailer, 4 passengers, gear) at 75 miles per hour from PA to FL. Without the trailer I get the same MPG with speeds of 85 on Interstate 95 just going with traffic. My Jeep Wrangler only gets 17MPG Very happy all the way around. Was thinking of getting the new Expedition LE to replace it but after renting one for 3 weeks when in NM I think I will keep this one for a few more years. Its not the money - I just like it sooo much. When towing my 7500 lb trailer I dont even know it is back there. Get 1!

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  Great SUV love it! - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By 3kiddad - December 12 - 11:38 am

  Great truck. I love the 3/4 ton durability with all the passenger and cargo capacity. Rides like truck not a car but I like it.

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  Ford SUV - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Mike - December 1 - 9:40 pm

  Been a Ford fan my whole life this monster of an SUV has never failed me what so ever. For the size its got good mpg, and it can have plenty of people in them at once. It can tow just about any thing a truck can as well, which is good for me because I love to go camping in a camper and take my boat places.

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  Great family vacation vehicle - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By jack - November 29 - 10:30 am

  Great vehicle for towing a big camper with stability and power. Had problems with rotors that was warrantied twice but replaced three times. 13mpg. Can haul everything but it is a long vehicle.

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  The Best By Far! - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By mike - October 30 - 8:33 pm

  Were a growing family family of 5. We wanted safety, plenty of space, towing capabilities, and a touch of luxury. We love our 2001 7.3 turbo diesel Limited Edition. We have peace of mind knowing that our family would be well protected in an accident. The excursion is very roomy and accommodates our family well, including our Great Dane. Towing a 16x7.5 enclosed trailer with ATVs inside is no problem for this SUV. It rides and drives great! The turbo makes it respond quick and not sluggish. Wed highly recommend the turbo diesel. We get about 17-18 mpg around town and about 22 mpg on the interstate. Finally, the tow package, back up sensors, and leather interior beats our old Tahoe hands down.