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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  Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By cmario - April 2 - 9:17 am

  Big, spacious hauler with plenty of room for our three kids and two dogs. The Excursion is our main vehicle for our weekly trips to the ski slops in Vermont and there is no better truck on the road to handle the weather we drive in. The diesel gets around 16-18 mpg and stays about the same even when towing a 9,000 lb tractor. I am replacing this truck with an 05 Excursion. I had two Suburbans before this truck, and they did not have the hauling and towing capacity as this truck has.

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  Excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By eugene - March 31 - 9:16 pm

  Overall super satisfied. We have the 6.0 diesel which makes this large vehicle not only comfortable but efficient. Getting 18.5 average which is better than our minivan or either of our Jeeps. we use it to tow a 30 foot travel trailer which it does with ease. Went from Maryland to Knoxville Tenn. on one tank with trailer in tow at traffic speeds. Much better than my old 460 Ford - three times as much fuel to go same place.

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  Please, dont stop making the Excursion! - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Billy Speer - March 22 - 6:56 pm

  I purchased a 2001 Ford Excusion for our ministry pulling a trailer and averaged 40,000 miles a year, This is the best heavy duty and enjoyable vehicle we have owned, I couldnt wait to trade up to the 2005 Excursion. Its one of the most dependable, hardworking, vehicles weve ever used. Please, dont stop making the Ford Excursion! Im a big person and it fits me just right. It has all the options a person could want, and the speaker system is fabulous. If you want to haul anything, this is the SUV you want, and we are getting better miles a gallon than before with more power! Wow! dont know what I do with it, thanks Ford!

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  Great Truck - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By David - March 14 - 10:16 pm

  Solid, very fast, great diesel mileage. Best vehicle I have ever owned. Great for family trips.

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  Excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By alles - March 11 - 11:22 pm

  Overall an exceptional buy. Paid $6,000 under MSRP. Fuel economy in first 400 miles is 18 MPG combined city & highway. Ride, despite others criticism, is much better than the pickup trucks I have owned in the past. Not quite as good as my Expedition but overall a good ride. Length of the vehicle is the same as a pickup truck with a long bed and regular cab. Fits in my garage with an Expedition just fine. It also gets 3 miles a gallon better mileage than my Expedition.

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  2000 Excursion / Roomy - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By MIKE W - March 11 - 9:50 am

  Vehicle has been very dependable. Plenty of room. Features are great. Better mileage than expected for its size and larger gas engine. If you need a large SUV and realize that it will not provide you with 30 mpg, this is a great vehicle.

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  Excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By scott - March 10 - 2:08 am

  It is a very good car for towing and hauling people. It is very roomy. The diesel engine has very good power and the tow transmission is very good for holding back large loads on steep grades. My only complaint is the steering and handling was not good. It wandered all over the road. We could not even pull our travel trailer over 45 mph but our dealer was very good about fixing it (Ford company was not!). They had to bring it to a specialty shop to have the front end shimmed correctly and a new steering box installed and replaced the stock shocks with a truck style shock. Now it drives great but I am very upset that Ford let a car that is made for pulling leave the factory so unsafe to drive with a load.

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  Best SUV I have ever owned - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By b-bambam - March 5 - 3:37 am

  I tow a lot and need a big car. I pulled the trigger on the Excursion with the diesel engine. Would highly recommend the diesel over gasoline engines. I get 21 mpg on highway and about 16 in city. If you seriously utilize an SUV and have a large family I would consider this your best bet over any other SUV, especially if you tow. Owned 2 Suburbans, 2 Jeeps and nothing compares to the comfort and room of the Excursion.

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  I LOVE my Excursion! - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Carrie Mullen - March 1 - 10:11 am

  The Excursion is so comfortable! The 7 people in my family, including 2 teenagers, fit wonderfully in this vehicle. Road trips are a breeze! It takes a little time to get used to parking this beast, but its well worth the effort. I am saddened that this vehicle will not be made after 2005.

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  Best SUV Around - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Ed Riley - February 28 - 10:04 pm

  This is my second Excursion. We have traveled nationwide with a family of six and all were comfortable. It handles great in mountains or deserts. I get about 20 mpg on the highway and 15 mpg in town.