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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  Awesome Vehicle - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By cdy - March 25 - 2:00 am

  If you want comfort and room you go with the Excursion. I have had mine for 4 years now and I would not take anything for it. There is always room for anything and everyone. If you are looking for good gas mileage you are not looking for an Excursion. I have learned that there are compromises in life and you drive what you want to drive and I choose to drive the EXCURSION. AWESOME VEHICLE.

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  EXCURSION LIMITED ULTIMATE - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By bmenzel - March 24 - 2:00 am

  BEST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED. GOOD FUEL MILEAGE (DIESEL)

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  Its good... - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Winston Cup - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Race car and trailer with tires and fuel weighs in at 10300lbs. and this is the only vehicle that can manage it without going to a F250/350 pickup truck(which I did have prior to the Excursion coming out. Going through Yellowstone Park with 2 baby seats filled and 5 adults plus all the luggage was excellent in this vehicle...we had all the room we needed. I have the PowerStroke Diesel and I assure you it gets 20.3 on the highway and no less than 17.8 on average which is as good as most vehicles on the road. Of course I use Cruise Control to its maximum. This is my second Excursion(the first being a 2000 model).

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  Dual Excursion Family - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By jbhogue - March 19 - 2:00 am

  We own two Excursion, a 2001 and now a 2004 - We love them! Great for pulling heavy things and for a large family. Plenty of room for kids, friends and all the gear

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  Ultimate Family Limo - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By coxclan - March 15 - 2:00 am

  After 3 Suburbans and a 15 Passenger Van and a Toyota Landcruiser we have family found a true family limo. This is our 2nd Excursion. Comfort and Space. Our massive family felt confined in a suburban and like a tour crew in a 15 passenger van. The Excursion with its built in DVD is just right. Way to go Ford. What is the world are you thinking by discontinuing the Excursion after next year.

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  best suv ever built - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Jonathon Reiley - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Exellent vehicle, highest level of towing capacity and best engine selention in it class with the optional Powersroke Diesel, great fuel mileage, I got 22 mpg on my way home from seattle (not pulling anything) in my mind there is no compitition for this rig...

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  Ford please keep producing!! - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By santini - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Great Rig we had a Windstar and it was okay. With 3 Boys all who will be six footers this was the best choice. Towing is awesome and after hearing so many Tranny problems on suburbans I was a little leary.

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  GREAT SUV - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Robertelezaj - March 2 - 2:00 am

  ITS JUST GREAT WHEN YOU GOT AN ALL BLACK ONE LOOKS LIKE AN FBI TRUCK

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  This Truck ROCKS! - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Cory Johnson - February 27 - 2:00 am

  WHAT A TRUCK. I will say that it is worth it to go for the diesel engine. not only is the fuel economy great considering the size of the vehicle but the sound is incredible! It gets about the same mileage as my01 Cherokee. get the 4wd. its handy in the winter and itloods tough. Its amazing in the snow. AMAZING! its more comfortable and easier to drive than expected. Diesel is typically cheaper than gasoline. It is a little tough to park. Ill get over it.small price to pay. If you are thinking about buying one DO IT! You wont regret it the diesel has a standard 100k warranty and everyone tells me that the diesel willrun a half a million miles.

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  I LOVE MY TRUCK!!! - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By VBkid13 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  My Excursion is my only vehicle and I love it. Its isnt too bulky to drive everyday. I have used my truck to its maximum capacity in its many versatile ways - space, towing capacity, 4WD, up- scale passenger room or as a real workhorse. I have never been disppointed. Yes, it is a little pricey but well worth it. No, it is not good on gas but would you expect it to be? Its a V10 with amazing abilities and weighs almost 3 tons. Because of the traction that the Excursion has, I very rarely have to engage the 4WD (and I live in snow country). I havent had any bad experiences with my Excursion and I would reccommend it to everyone. I LOVE MY TRUCK!!!!