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:
Showing 201 through 210 of 500.00-
user - 2005 Ford Excursion
By Everyday User - December 4 - 3:10 pmExcellent, reliable, great towing, a must is diesel, we get 17.3 avg. for a very heavy vehicle with 9200 GVW. Had GM, Expedition,and Excursion is the best. Good ride on long cross country trips, and more comfortable seats than our Navigator which Excur. replaced. This is our only vehicle & wife is 54"and has no troubles.
-
The best damm SUV made - 2005 Ford Excursion
By Jesse james - November 17 - 5:42 pmI love my ford....
-
Big Boy!!! - 2000 Ford Excursion
By gambroise - November 12 - 3:03 pmThis vehicle turn heads everywhere you go. Other cars move out the way when they see you coming. You are in control all the time. You just have to remember when you are driving this vehicle that other people lives are in your hands. So you have to be alert at all times, especially when you are on the highways. Trying to find parking with this vehicle is very tough and make sure you make enough money to afford filling up the gas tank every week. Overall I think this is a great car but one has to make sure that this is not their main vehicle because using it everyday would definently put a deep hole in your pockets.
-
Big, Powerful, and Economical - 2005 Ford Excursion
By Bob607 - November 12 - 2:34 amI needed a Big SUV but was afraid of the fuel costs. Fords Turbo Diesel is the answer. This truck is incredible. At 7000 plus pounds, 11000 lbs. of towing capacity, the fuel mileage is equal to my daughters V6 midsize SUV. I am averaging 18+ overall mileage with power that you cannot believe. I mean this baby flies. I actually spun the rear wheels the other day entering traffic. Naturally, after I bought the truck, diesel fuel increased to $2+ per gallon, but I am confident it will settle back down to regular fuel prices. My friends GMC Yukon XL gets 11 miles per gallon no matter what he does. Is he ever jealous!
-
under rated - 2005 Ford Excursion
By delane - November 12 - 12:25 amgreat truck with a size unequalled. I looked at the H2 but found it to small. This truck rides great, and the engine is amazing. Had a 2001 diesel ltd. Yhis truck is night and day better.
-
2004 Excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
By jmolnar - November 11 - 6:24 pmThis is a great family vehicle. Ive been driving suburbans for 8 years and hesitated moving to the excursion. The additonal room has been great as our family has transitioned from toddlers to teenagers. The overall quality of this vehicle is exceptional and I like having the diesel engine. We like water sports and having the extra towing capacity has been great.
-
Big, Powerful and Beautiful - 2005 Ford Excursion
By captcapo - November 11 - 5:25 pmLarge capacity SUV that is not for the timid. This is my second one with a diesel engine. Milage is about mid 17 on my comutes and about 19 on the highway. In Florida last year with no hills and 55 mph speed limit the milage went over 22 mpg. Not bad for GVW @ 9200 lbs. New diesel is quieter than 01 model year. For some reason the tree hugers dont like this one but thats because they havent educated themselves to what this vechicle is all about. I may agree with the gas version but certainly not the diesel. Interior finish is good to excellent. It handles well considering its weight and height above the ground. Try one you will like it.
-
My Toradore Review - 2005 Ford Excursion
By BK - November 11 - 4:57 pmMy experience with the Excursion is that it is extremely reliable. The only negative thing that I have to say about it is the interior design, whereby the spare tire is inside. Im sure it could have been placed outside like most other vehicles. That would enable us to utilize that "dead space" which is created by having a tire inside of the vehicle. As for fuel economy, Ive never seen a rating, but we average anywhere between 18-21 mph on the highway, and 16-18 in the city! I think that is awesome for a vehicle of its size. Thanks for your time.
-
Best Truck - 2005 Ford Excursion
By Pmlsr - November 11 - 4:48 pmGreat truck! We have owned two, both diesels. Used for towing large trailer up and down the east coast. Has power to spare even pulling up hill. I would buy a thrid one to save in the garage if I found out Ford was going to stop production.
-
ford - 2004 Ford Excursion
By mahdey - November 11 - 4:24 pmthis is a great SUV, that is extremely utilitarian, and very powerful. Lights up the rear wheels with ease and a great trail rig. Took it with me, toured europe and the middle east. pulling up at a stop light and leaving other cars in the dust was great. Also i averaged a range of 700 miles per tank!! I highly recommend this SUV. The diesels rock!!
