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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  I love it! - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Gina Rogowsky - July 16 - 10:33 am

  I love this truck. Everyone says that it’s a big truck its not. I love sitting up so high. And diesel is the only way to go. I get 500 miles to a tank and it lasts me over a month. When we go to Rochester we dont have to stop for gas. And its a 6 hour drive and 375 miles away from where I live. I have three kids, 3 year old and 3 month old twins, and let me tell you it’s better than a minivan. Way more room. I can put a double stroller and a single one in the trunk with my groceries. I can put 2 people on the third row seat with my 3 year old and 1 person in the back seat with my twins. So all together I can fit 8 people in my truck. I will never own anything else again.

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  Awesome Ride For Our Family - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By SHAWNA - July 9 - 10:05 am

  I love it. We only have two kids so far, but to go anywhere takes a lot of stuff and room for it. This can fit it all and lots more, especially for those long road trips. The diesel engines performance is phenomenal. It is so powerful. Right now we are averaging about 16.5 mpg, and about 680 miles a tank. Not bad considering gas excursions get approximately 7-8 mpg. :-) I would suggest this car to anyone.

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  BEST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Jill - July 7 - 2:38 pm

  This SUV fits my family of seven very comfortably plus my two dogs.

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  Ford job two - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By charles - June 28 - 6:29 am

  I like the exterior modifications and the positive acceleration for the 2005 lineup. The ride and handling characteristic take awhile to get used to. I really dont like the extra swaying of the vehicle maybe a heavier duty shock needs to be used at all corners. The now standard Pirelli tires really helped me decide to get the vehicle. It made me think that Ford really wants the best for its customer.

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  Family trip vehicle - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Bud - June 25 - 10:35 am

  So far the diesel engine and all the other features have been tops. Only a few small glitches and three Colorado and 6 trips over 1500 miles with two under three year old kids and this is the way to go. Tuned the computer with micro chip and now get 21-22 miles per gallon on the highway--in this tank, what a way to go. Only had one adjustment early on the diesel and one tank of contaminated diesel which cleaned out just fine. You cant beat this for loading up and hitting the highway. Gets up and roars when the accelerator is pushed amazing for a vehicle this size.

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  Love these Trucks - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Patrick - June 24 - 1:10 pm

  My 2004 is the second Excursion we have owned. We tow a 10,000 lb. trailer and it has no problem handling the trailer. We get 21 mpg on the interstate when not towing, and 11 mpg when towing. Factoring what we tow, 6 adults, and gear, we are getting fantastic mileage. Hope Ford continues to build this great truck.

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  Wouldnt trade it for the world - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By toricat24 - June 16 - 4:32 pm

  I absolutely love my Excursion! It has become a member of our family. I have the V-10 and, yes, it does drink gas but its a trade-off Im willing to make for the performance and the LOOK of the truck. Gas is a cost of using any vehicle. It just costs more for the Excursion.

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  big man big truck - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By rob - June 12 - 3:10 pm

  Im 67 320 pounds. I had all the big trucks and this one is the best. I went from a Silverado to Escalade to a Ram and could not find comfort until I sat in the big dog then i knew this was my truck and of course I always go top of the line. This just made the truck even better you can say Im a Ford man now!

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  Fun to drive beauty to own! - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By John - June 10 - 7:18 am

  With four kids, and a wife, we needed the room. With the Ford Excursion you have room. Not only room for us but throw a few more folks in with you. Storage behind the third seat is really good. Power, this baby has it. I sit high while driving and I like that also. As for the gas, well when you buy a vehicle like this, you aint buying it for the gas mileage. But on the road its not that bad, I get a little over 16 mpg. The family went from Pensacola FL to Cartersville GA, and ran all over town before we needed to gas up that was great! Room for all, comfort, and a nice secure feeling makes the Ford Excursion a great to own, fun to drive SUV. I love my Excursion, and have zero complaints.

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  Greatest SUV ever - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Kevin St.Amant - June 2 - 8:54 am

  This vehicle is as tough as a tank, yet gentle and extremely comfortable. Will tow just about anything. Excellent ergonomics and a great family vehicle. 7.3L Diesel engine is the best and longest lasting production engine made, very durable and reliable.