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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Fits our needs - 2000 Ford Excursion
By Richard - September 12 - 4:47 pmThis has been a good truck. It hauls all 6 of my family members and gear plus a 24ft travel trailer. The door actuators have failed a couple of times but thats all. Wish they still made them.
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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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Excursion 7.3 L Diesel - 2003 Ford Excursion
By kevins3 - June 2 - 9:29 pmMy vehicle has 55,000 miles and is 3 yrs old. I am very happy with it except the problem with the 4x4 not disengaging and the ball joints needing to be replaced already. But driving it to the south is great a joy to drive. Got 18.2 miles to the gallon.
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2000 Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
By Brian - June 2 - 1:57 pmI really am satisfied with my truck. I have never found a load I couldnt tow. Its comfortable for trips with two children and two dogs. Fuel usage, well it is a big vehicle with a V10, and thats all I have to say about that. Id buy it again!
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200 Excursion is a disappointing vehicle - 2001 Ford Excursion
By BJMittelstaedt - April 19 - 8:19 amI had to replace the transmission at 90,000 miles, went to Ford for some help paying for it and they could not have cared less, I have replaced the brakes several times and none of the door locks work, I will not purchase another Ford SUV, have heard better things about GM standing behind their products. Ford Customer Service is rude and difficult to work with.
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Great Truck! - 2004 Ford Excursion
By txaggie - April 12 - 10:56 pmI love this Excursion, but with gas prices so high, I dont love paying $100 to fill it up. It is great for hauling a lot of kids and cargo. The versatility of folding down the seats is really nice.
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The bomb diggity - 2002 Ford Excursion
By Dave - April 8 - 4:53 pmThis truck is the best vehicle I have ever owned. Its big, bad, and hungry for fun. I have five kids in it at all times and we love it. I hope I can find a new one in the future. Weve had maintenance issues only and it has 80,000+ miles.
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The Beast - 2003 Ford Excursion
By Rick Rick - April 1 - 4:11 pmI was looking for an SUV after my son was in a car wreck and suffered brain damage and a broken back, among many other injuries. I needed an SUV with enough room in it to carry my sons electric scooter while also having enough room for him to stretch out and lay down too hes 6 3". At the time it was very hard for him to travel more than 30 minutes without laying down.
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dream come true - 2004 Ford Excursion
By jesse vera - April 1 - 3:26 pmThe vehicle drives like a limo. It responds like a 2007. Nothing wrong with it.
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second time - 2004 Ford Excursion
By Greg in Georgetown - March 21 - 10:00 amThis is my second excursion. I owned a 2000 limited and was very happy with it. Since I knew Ford was eliminating the Excursion I wanted a new one. The ride and handling have improved greatly. It is quieter and the additional luxury options make this a dream to drive. I would recommend getting the diesel engine if you drive a lot of miles per year. For me it is not an issue since we only put about 13,000 miles per year on the vehicle. If you have the need, I guarantee you will enjoy driving this on the highway.
