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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We love it! - 2005 Ford Excursion
By Kent - February 12 - 1:55 pmWe dont tow but carry larger loads and the space is amazing. But, its the comfort we enjoy. The SUV is so fun to drive and the Powerstroke 6.0L diesel has to be driven to be believed. The acceleration is like a big V8 but we are getting 18 mpg on the highway--and only have 6,500 miles. I feel my wife is VERY safe in the vehicle and long trips are a dream for my whole family. We have the DVD player which is truly fun for our two boys on trips. Looks large, drives like an Explorer.
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Ford Excursion Diesel. King of the Road. - 2005 Ford Excursion
By rob - February 8 - 9:15 amThe Ford Excursion diesel is one of the nicest large SUVs I have ever driven, great fuel mileage, roomy, handles well, great in the snow. What more can you ask for?
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Love my SUV - 2005 Ford Excursion
By Cindi - January 6 - 12:52 amThis SUV gave me the luxury to hold passengers and cargo and not lose the comfort and ease of either. I have found the Excursion easier to drive then I expected for a truck this size. I love carrying my entire family and their gear!
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The best SUV on the Market!! - 2005 Ford Excursion
By Excursion - January 5 - 7:26 pmI love my car (truck). it drives excellent the room is well worth the money and the backing up signal has made even the tightest spots feel like large ones. Also my truck turns on a dime. I was almost killed in my Honda Accord and my husband wanted to put me and our 3 kids into something safe. I can almost take on the world with comfort, style and reliablility it has been worth every penny. I do get 21 mpg in my 7.3 diesel Eddie Bauer.
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Best Vehicle I Ever Owned! - 2005 Ford Excursion
By r. wiehe - January 5 - 2:27 pmI know its big. I know I only get from 13-14 MPG. I know what writers say. BUT .... we think this vehicle is the greatest platform to see the USA that could be built. It rides great. Pulls my 28 Airstream over any mountain in the continent. Both of us love to drive it. Takes more room to park, but when you get used to it you forget about that. Its also our third V-10. Couldnt be happier! Fords nuts if they quit making this package that the people that own it like.
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The right motor for the right SUV - 2005 Ford Excursion
By Tom Davis - January 3 - 12:12 amThe best bang for the buck imaginable. Sits tall on the road but has the power to get you out of a tight spot when it is needed. Fuel economy better than I first thought it would be. Easy handling in tight turns. The accelerator takes some adjusting to but the shifting points make getting into high traffic areas a breeze. Tried both engines the V10 and the Diesel. Hands down favorite is the diesel.
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Excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
By curt - January 2 - 1:20 amOnly vehicle that can carry a large payload and people as well. Handles very well, good interior features, does not drive like a truck - much more smoother. Has plenty of power unlike what many have said cruises up a grade no problem fully loaded, Escalade is too small and gimmicky in comparison enormous Cadillac emblem on back door goofy unusable gadgets etc.
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Second Limited Excursion Owner - 2004 Ford Excursion
By Biermand - December 22 - 6:34 pmI too traded in a 2000 Excursion for a 2004 thinking it was the last year. Never want to drive a smaller vehicle again. Greatly improved ride and quiter than the 2000 model. Improve the gas mileage and keep building these. They shrunk the Expedition and I dont want to go back to that! Need to keep building these!
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The Best Family Vehicle on the Planet - 2004 Ford Excursion
By AK Force - December 21 - 1:58 amThis SUV can tow anything, haul the wife, 3 kids, dog, gear-and gets GREAT mpg. The truck is large, but its shorter than a 3/4 ton crewcab pickup. It gets much better gas mileage than a Durango with more space - WAY more. Although its a 3/4 ton, it rides smoothly, and talk about power - I towed my 27ft travel trailer from VA to FL at speeds averaging 65-70 mph and it never once kicked out of overdrive - and I got a solid 12 mpg out of it - the 2002 Yukon XLT I traded in didnt come close - about 7.5 mpg with less tow capacity. With no trailer I averaged almost 20 mpg HWY. I went 802 miles without filling up. Size, power, range, leather, DVD - its the dream SUV for any RV/Truck/Family guy
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04 EXCURSION - 2005 Ford Excursion
By EMAGEE7132 - December 8 - 5:57 pmPERFECT TOW VEHICLE AND PEOPLE HAULER TURNS SHARP FOR LARGE VEHICLE AVG 22 MPG HWY 16 CITY SOLO 14 WITH 32 FOOT CAMPER IN TOW. PERFORMANCE IS WOW!NEVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF TOWING WITH A VEHICLE LIKE THIS. ENGINE AND TRANS WORK TO PROVIDE BRAKING. HARDLY HAVE TO USE BRAKES TO STOP IN TOW MODE. ALTHOUGH I KNOW ITS NOT FOR EVERYONE PUT IN ITS PLACE TO DO THE JOB IT WAS DESIGNED TO DO NO SUV COMPARES THE DIESEL MAKES IT AS ECONOMICAL AS MOST MID SIZED CARS AND IT TOWS HAULS LOTS OF PEOPLE A CARGO FOR SAME FUEL USE RIDE IS GOOD YOU MUST REMEMBER IT IS FIRST AND FOREMOST A TRUCK.
