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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  Should of got the Suburban - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Dustin - February 28 - 7:53 am

  Bought a brand new Excursion diesel. Transmission went out before 8000 miles had to get a new transmission replaced (warranty covered) had power steering and brake problems. Radio and DVD player had to be replaced. it took them over 2 months to fix the radio, two weeks to fix the transmission. Spend 56k on this car, wouldnt expect these kinds of problem on a car of this price. Also, now having problems with the heater not working. Wife doesnt trust this car, so now it sits in my driveway collecting dust. Trade-in value not that great. Ford service is not great, always waiting.

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  ford is the best - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By tarid3 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  ford is the best

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  Family of 6 Riding High - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Family of 6 S. Kee - January 31 - 8:50 am

  I am 110% happy with my suv it has exceeded all of my expectations. I love the power my truck brings with it. I got stuck in the snow 15 times last winter when I drove my minivan & now I have the power of my V10 engine and 4wd. My gas mileage is comparable to my old minivan. I had to use 93 octane for the van so I can use 87 octane for my suv. I dont see much difference. I can fit my 4 children, 2 Labradors and husband in my suv very comfortably. It is by far better than the Suburban and Yukon XL. I looked and drove both before my purchase. I like Fords and was happy to fine the mammoth in Fords line up. its too bad they wont make them anymore. Its easy to drive and park, smooth and comfy.

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  No other SUV can tow as much - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Vinceman - January 28 - 1:56 am

  No other SUV on the market can tow more than 10,000 lbs. I needed the power of a diesel. I had an 03 Silverado Crew Cab Long Bed 4 x 4 with 8.1 liter gasoline motor with the 5 speed Allison Transmission. Empty netted 10 mpg around town. The Excursion gets 16 mpg.

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  Fabulous Excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Boris Pasche - January 25 - 11:43 pm

  I just traded a 2000 Lexus RX300 for a 2005 Ford Excursion 4WD Limited. We drove through a very serious blizzard a few days ago. The Excursion on 4WD is unbeatable: comfortable, safe, and very fun to drive. My kids loved watching DVDs in the middle of the blizzard. In term of cargo space, this car is a dream.

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  Either you LOVE IT or you HATE IT... - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Jenny5150 - January 14 - 10:32 pm

  I LOVE IT! Its comfortable to be in whether a driver or passenger (front, rear or 3rd row) and Im 61"! Its not exactly a smooth ride, but I consider this vehicle a truck, not a luxury SUV. My husband I purchased it for its function (cargo capacity and towing ability.) We bought this truck/suv knowing fully well that the fuel economy would bite. How could you think otherwise? Im already brokenhearted knowing that Ford will no longer be making the Excursion.

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  peerless - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By boat fancier - January 7 - 2:13 pm

  At 107,000 only repair is rear end. Ford indicates no maintenance required - bad idea. 18 mpg summer, 17 winter at 75 mph. Still on original brakes. Harsh ride made up for by large comfortable seats. Excellent visibility. Upright driver position = no backache making 800 mile day quite doable. There is simply no vehicle in which you can carry as much or pull as much so far so cheaply in safety and comfort. Ford also has best am radios.

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  A member of our family - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By John A. - January 6 - 9:28 pm

  After 4 1/2 years our family still loves our "Monster Truck". At 45,000 she still looks like new and runs even better. "Anytime, anywhere or anything" is her motto! We keep her 100% Ford including all servicing. Mileage with the V10 has improved over time averaging 11.5 city and 16 highway (light foot). Minor repairs included replacing the suspension bumpers (we do not off-road), turning the front rotors and a new set of Michelins. Large mirrors and reverse sensors are a must. Living in Miami makes a sport of parking but sitting high above traffic gives you the added security. Our family keeps cars on average 10 years. Well let you know how she is doing in another 4 1/2 years.

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  Safety FIRST - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Twins Dad - January 6 - 12:29 am

  I bought this to travel with my newborn twins when they got here. What a great truck. Lots of space for toys and strollers and groceries. Never had a problem in any weather. I like the respect it gets. Known as Godzilla to family and friends. Replaced the front brakes and the exhaust to vented disks and a Banks exhaust. Just the right finishing touches. The gas is a drag to buy but as I said safety first.

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  I would buy another - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Lisa - January 3 - 10:01 pm

  When we purchased this SUV we needed something that was big enough to tote around our very active children and be reliable, safe and spacious. We have had to fix a few things in the SUV, but we have been very satisfied with it. We love driving our Ford Excursion and would purchase another one again. Maybe a diesel for fuel economy. It is pricey to fill the tank.