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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  Big ole Truck - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Red - May 30 - 4:17 am

  Well, I have wanted one of these for a while havent had it too long, but so far it is everything I wanted in a truck. Used it for a long road trip to see family/friends, got 13.5 miles a gallon, drove in extreme comfort. Also have a 1997 Kia Sephia and didnt want to drive it this far, so I bought my Excursion, and I absolutely love it. People see this thing coming and get out of the way. Took out third seat and laid a full size air mattress in the back, love all the power options, and the power/manual hubs for the 4X4. And all the room in this thing. Buying used it was cheaper than you think.

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  A true Utility Vehicle - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Derek Roth - May 26 - 1:17 am

  This is the first vehicle that Ive LOVED! It looks as nice today as when I bought it. Its the ONLY vehicle that suits our families needs. With 3 kids and a dog, there is room for the dogs crate, suitcases and were NOT all sitting on top of one another. There are times when its still not large enough. With the diesel I get 21.5 MPG at 60MPH! In addition, we also pull an 8000 lb. camper. The ride is incredibly smooth pulling the camper at 75 mph through Nevada on the way to California. It also starts with no problems in Minnesotas winters! My two teenagers AND my wife prefer to drive the Excursion over the Sable wagon, and have no problems with maneuverability.

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  GREAT TOW TRUCK - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By CORVETTDAN - May 20 - 10:00 am

  GREAT ROAD MONSTER. CANT BEAT IT IF YOU HAVE ALOT OF STUFF AND PEOPLE. GOOD VISIBLITY FROM THE DRIVERS SEAT. I FEEL SAFE.

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  Excursion Conversion - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Cary - May 12 - 6:33 pm

  We have had Suburbans and prefer the ride of the Excursion. We ordered our Excursion after my husband purchased his F-350 4 door. Both vehicles are diesel which you cannot get with the Suburbans. The mileage is as good, if not better than our previous vehicles.

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  THE BIG BAD BULLY - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By BIG BOLD AND LUXURY - May 7 - 4:24 am

  Well what can I say the Excursion is the biggest SUV out there with just about everything you need on board. The Excursion is highly appealing unlike the Suburban with its cheap plain look.The Excursion has a very flashy exterior with its shiny grill and crystal clear lights and limo like body - the Excursion will make you look twice. With a comfortable interior youre pretty much set for the road ahead. People who review the Excursion and say its useless except for carrying up to 9 passengers and having a big cargo space hey its not any diffrent than the enormous Escalade ESV or the H2 Hummer (which looks like an an ARMY truck). If Ford discontinues this car it will be a huge mistake.

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  Biggest Toughest SUV Out There - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Excursion - May 7 - 3:32 am

  Overall the full 10 never had a problem. Always performs best even in harsh conditions . Always comfortable great power and torque provide amazing towing abilities. You will always be safe while in the Ford Excursion. Distinctive yet attractive look.

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  Gimme another X! - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By liverdonor - May 2 - 3:58 pm

  Had a 2001 Ltd diesel and traded for new 05. Man, what a difference. I liked the 01, but the improvements made to the vehicle are _very_ apparent. Handling is better, power is simply amazing - tow a 5000lb trailer like it isnt there when crossing Stevens Pass. The shift quality with the new 5-speed is better - tighter shifts and the tow-mode means no burning your brakes on long downhills. And of course, as before, I can carry my entire extended family (many of whom do not drive) all over the place, and watch while the engine (under load) gets better fuel economy than my Chrysler 300M. This is a brilliant car for its purpose - Diesel Forever!

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  Why Didnt We Do This Sooner? - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By oldmanriver - April 19 - 1:00 pm

  Surveys tend to indicate that virtually all SUV owners wish they had more room. It was this logic that led us to the purchase of the 2005 Excursion - sporting restyling features that put it over the top for irresistibility. Once you easily adapt your driving habits to accommodate the characteristics of the Excursion, you will never look back. Its a very social vehicle that lets passengers get comfortable and enjoy being together. Out of nowhere, amidst the line of mostly GM SUVs at her school during dismissal, my young daughter proclaimed: "I carry pride for that grill!". They ought to use that slogan in a Ford TV commercial.

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  Luv my Excursion - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By scoop - April 15 - 5:44 pm

  I love the roominess and all its options, especially the heated seats and the radio controls on the steering wheel. Its roomy enough for me, my husband and my mother and everyone is comfortable and can see out. Ive taken two ski trips to Colorado and it holds all our gear and gets around in the mountains wonderfully. We get good use out of the DVD player with the dual features of using the DVD while listening to the CD player. Those 15 hour trips to Steamboat dont seem so long when you have "The Great Escape" playing on the DVD. 18.9 miles to the gallon traveling to Colorado. If you want a comfy, big, monster truck, this one is for you. This truck has it all, go get one and enjoy it.

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  Excursion pulls camper like a breeze - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Glenn - April 8 - 6:03 pm

  I have the 4 wheel drive diesel Limited Excursion. It pulls my 35 travel trailer with no problems at all. The gas mileage with the diesel engine is about 15-17 city and 17-21 highway. I actually get better mileage than I did with the gas Chevy Suburban I traded in on it.