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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My Dream SUV - 2005 Ford Excursion
By Mom Of 4 CA - October 21 - 2:00 amIm a mother of 4 small children. I have an expedition also but it just is not big enough for traveling with our two dogs. The Excursion fits all of us plus grandma and the dogs in the very back and bags in Thule box the roof. Lots Of Room for Everyone. YA! YA!
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2005 Excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
By Heather Coker - October 16 - 2:00 amThis is my 2nd Excursion (1st is a 2002). We travel extensivly and the leg room and width of the interior is excellent. I also use it for towing and even with a fully loaded trailer, the power is still there. I can climb a mountain (the Blue Ridges) at 75mph with no problem. Because I mostly use it on the highway/interstates my gas mileage is fairly high, averaging around 17.5-20.00mpg per tank. In town driving I usually get 14.5-15.5mpg. I first chose the Excursion for the interior room. The cargo space far outpaces that of the Suburban/Yukon and the Expedition. The price is also much better than its competitors and the quality of the materials used is much better.
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Love to Drive It - 2004 Ford Excursion
By BarLman - October 12 - 2:00 amMy Excursion is a 2003. I love the room and the fuel economy. Have had it over a year and have had no problems. Is the only vehicle that I have bought that I have not had to take back to the dealer and get a lot of small things fixed. Took a 5000 mile trip with it this summer and had 4 adults and three children in it. All were very comfortable. My fuel economy is 18 to 20 mpg at 70mph+ and 14 to 15 mpg in the city. There is no comparison to my wifes Chrysler Town and Country mini van. The Excursion is more comfortable.
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THE BIG KAHUNA - 2005 Ford Excursion
By RICK CASTRO - October 9 - 2:00 amWe purhcased a 2002 Excursion, and sold it a year later for the smaller Expedition. BIG MISTAKE. In 2004, we traded in the Expedition for another Excursion, this time with 6.0 litre diesel. Mileage is no longer an issue, as we get about 17-19 miles to the gallon on the highway, and about 13-15 in the city. We can tow anything and go anywhere with it The 4-wheel on the fly system is great, and we now have plenty of room for our 3 kids, their friends, and of course our dog Savannah. THANKS FORD!!!!!!
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A Real Truck - 2005 Ford Excursion
By e350v10 - September 30 - 2:00 amAfter towing a 6,000 lb travel trailer for 3,000 miles with a Lincoln Aviator, I decided it was time for a real truck. The Powerstroke (Intl) diesel is getting 22MPG highway, 14.5 with the trailer - as compared to 14 and 7.5 with the Aviator. A HUGE difference - plus diesel is cheaper than premium. The 44 gallon tank gives us an 800 mile range, while the Aviator had a 180 mile range. The Limited has the same options as the Aviator, except for the cooled seats and navigation. The space is fabulous and although the size takes getting used to, it isnt that big if a deal. I put an $1800 Banks Six Gun PowerPack on it that boosts the HP to 500 and torque to 800 - amazing power
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the best - 2004 Ford Excursion
By carracer568 - September 27 - 2:00 amthae best car i every wonted and got.
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great vehicle - 2004 Ford Excursion
By isis - September 26 - 2:00 amVery comfortable on long trips. Tows very well. 20mpg on the road 12mpg in city. Drives very well, almost as much fun as our mustang. Power to pass even when climbing on a mountain road. Easy to get in and out of third seat.
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mpg - 2004 Ford Excursion
By xxxxxxxxxxxx - September 25 - 2:00 amour diesel gets 16 in the city- 20 on the highway @ 65 mph
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my truckster - 2004 Ford Excursion
By bjd4452 - September 22 - 2:00 ami love this i just wish i had gotten the diesel
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Great Ride - 2002 Ford Excursion
By Tkj99 - September 16 - 2:00 amThe X can handle anything. Its big and strong and fun to drive.
