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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wesleys 2000 excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
By wesley - November 11 - 11:08 amYou sure feel safe in it, and you can haul tons of goodies. Pulls a 6k lb boat with out telling. Rides like a horse though. Pretty reliable
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SWEET - 2005 Ford Excursion
By GENE PHELPS - November 11 - 10:56 amLOOKS GOOD,RUNS GOOD WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT?
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NOT TOO big - 2000 Ford Excursion
By dptree - November 11 - 10:33 amDrove Broncos for 20 years and needed a reaplacement. Before I bought this, I had nightmares about not fitting into places. After a 105 inch wheelbase, this was huge. I LOVE this vehicle and everything about it. I have the V10/4.30 and it hauls my horse trailer like its not even there. Its super-stable on the road, great comfort and space for long road trips and my most favorite thing about it is the look of the front end. Although the gas mileage isnt my favorite thing about the Excursion, its worth it for the look, ride, and the safe feel of LARGE. I wish Ford would continue to make this vehicle.
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Excursion-The Ultimate Highway Hauler - 2004 Ford Excursion
By Nitro276 - November 11 - 9:44 amI cringe at referring to the mighty Excursion as an SUV since it is built on an F-250 frame, has a diesel engine option, tows up to 11,000 pounds, and performs like a truck. The Excursion is not a good choice for "around town" driving. But, if you travel a lot, and have a family or just stuff, the is nothing more practical than the big E. Three essential options: Four Wheel Drive, diesel engine, and the Trailer Tow Group. It doesnt make sense to spend the $ on this vehicle and not get 4WD. The 6.0L Power Stroke Diesel gets 20 MPG on the highway, accelerates well, and starts easily in the cold. The Trailer Tow Group has better mirrors and a rear stabilizer bar that helps in the wind.
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x - 2005 Ford Excursion
By Dragongate - November 11 - 9:26 amWonderful towing capabilities- you hardly know have something back there. We generally tow between 5000 and 9000 lbs. Quick response both when asking for speed and when asking for stopping. Comfortable for passengers and great cargo capacity both with all the seats in place and without. Fuel economy has been around 20mpg(diesel) which I dont think is bad for the size of the vehicle.
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My man hood is back - 2004 Ford Excursion
By FAMILY MAN - November 9 - 6:06 pmI purchased in july 04 and have 5000 miles so far.Averaging 16.3 mpg.I replaced the shocks after 2 weeks with MONROE REFLEX shocks. I highly recommend this if you want the best ride and handling for this truck.Rubber mldgs on drivers side noisy. I put some back to black rubber treatment on them and noise went away.My daughter loves this truck so much she had to give it a kiss.Over 700 miles per tankful is a joy.
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A real user - 2005 Ford Excursion
By Alaskmoose - November 7 - 5:22 pmThe excursion is an SUV that can work like a truck and be a wonderful family auto at the same time. We have been able to tow heavy loads, and just use as an everyday rig.
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Exellent - 2005 Ford Excursion
By Renegade Newl - October 29 - 2:00 amI carpool with another lady, and the kids love it too. Especially when we go shopping, theres room to put stuff. Also, I haul our boat, and my husbands rock buggy. When we take it our of town, the excursion is our hotel, we just sleep in it. I think, they shouldnt have took them off the line, but should have made only diesel ones available.
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FORD TOUGH - 2004 Ford Excursion
By ChaplainMartinez - October 28 - 2:00 amThis vehicle is beyond words to express what an outstanding SUV it is, This is iur fourth one, Ford Motor Company keep on making them, they are number one in all areas. EXCELLENT@@@
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Bigger is better - 2005 Ford Excursion
By Tom Davis - October 24 - 2:00 amI was uncertain about making the jump to an Excursion so in 2003 I purchased a comperable Expedition. This year I was fortunate enough to find an Excursion at the very least compareable to my Expedition. The first thing I noticed was more interior room. The seat configuration makes sense. The steering is tighter I suspect because of the different suspension but I like the solid feel. Acceleration feels slugish at first but after a while you adapt to the Diesel performance. When the power is needed it only requires a deeper push oif the accelerator.
