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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  ROAD WARRIOR TRAVELING SALESMAN - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By dave - June 20 - 4:59 pm

  I owned 5 Suburbans. In 2001 I had a choice to pay cash for an Excursion or Suburban. The Suburban had less room, smaller motor and was 2,000 dollars higher. I chose the Ford. In 155,000 miles I replaced the tires, fuel pump and filter and brake pads. I will be replacing the shocks and and pads again this week. I drove that truck all over the country averaging 50,000 miles per year. It still runs well and looks nice. It failed me once when at 99,000 miles the fuel pump went out and stranded me in Colorado. Other than that it beat out all the GMCs I ever owned.

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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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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Tim - June 10 - 10:03 am

  Has a lot of power will last a long time. resale good.

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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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  2002 Excursion - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Old Jer - June 6 - 3:34 pm

  For simple ability to take a large family and pull a big trailer, the Excursion is hard to beat. The vehicle can comfortably seat 9 big people, offering as much space as a larger van and a lot more besides. I found the power to pull a nearly 10,000 loaded trailer along the Alaska Highway both ways a joy. It offers safety from other vehicles, and we have not had stability problems.

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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.

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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.