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 Excursions! - 2003 Ford Excursion
By Dr. Ken - January 31 - 2:00 amThis is our second Excursion.We love them!We have 7 kids and this is our favorite for hauling around the crew.3rd seat is most accessable of anything in its class.The load space is tops,the ride is good and the seats are great.It is heavy and doesnt get blown around,but it is tireing to steer for long distances.
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great truck - 2004 Ford Excursion
By gillian - January 26 - 2:00 ampeople say the Excursion is a big gas guzzler try this 18city/25.3hwy per gal.
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joe`s review - 2004 Ford Excursion
By jojoe - January 26 - 2:00 amthe power(deisel),the mileage,the comfort and safety are top notch for a truck this size. and by the way it is a TRUCK not a suv.
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2004 Excursion eddie bauer deisel - 2004 Ford Excursion
By deank - January 22 - 2:00 amWithout a doubt the roomy interior and averaging 17 miles per gallon combined highway and city driving with the powerfull and smooth deisel engine made this an easy decision for me and my towing and cargo needs
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Excursion, just Outstanding!!!!! - 2004 Ford Excursion
By cptntims - January 20 - 2:00 amI am in the Mining business and drive between 80,000 to 90,000 miles a year and the Excursion has been maintance free except for Oil changes and tires. I currently have 144,000 miles and believe I can push her to 400,000 before any real problems occur. If you buy a Excursion make it a Diesel and not gas. Pretty good considering its weight is just 200 pounds short of 10,000 lbs. If you have never driven one you will feel like "King of the road". If you are in traffic and need to get over, most people are just scared to death of getting hit and let you over with no problems. I can say I will purchase another Excursion in the future.
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Not as bad as you may think! - 2004 Ford Excursion
By SCTommyDC - December 30 - 2:00 amThis is our second Excursion. We frequently take excursions from SoCal into NorCal and Central Cal, delivering finished goods and transporting our two sons. With a quick mod on the air intake, we get 14+ MPG, and this includes 75mph ascent on the grapevine and fully loaded in the cabin! We got 16.3 mpg once on a trip to Vegas and back. Its bigger than other SUVs (Largest), so small cars yield and Semis see us.
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2000 Excursion for family of Four - 2000 Ford Excursion
By elmo4599 - December 28 - 2:00 amGet the Gas V-10 for optimum power. Great deals abound due to gas mileage concerns for used. I would bet it comes back after a redefined engine "Overhaul" that increases mileage 20% but comes in smaller than the Suburban. Excellent large family car. I went from Explorer to this and have not regretted it.
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Excursion 2004 Diesel - 2004 Ford Excursion
By gregrys - December 28 - 2:00 amExcelent SUV for our family, goes anywhere and does anything with the whole family in style. Just needs small finish quality improvements.
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LOVE My Excursion - 2004 Ford Excursion
By TwinMom - December 27 - 2:00 amMy Excursion is a 2000 Limited model. We had owned an Eddie Bauer Expendition that we traded for the Excursion. We had 3 children at the time and was expecting our 4th. My other children are older and into a lot of sports, so I needed something that would hold all that. The Expendition has to small storage. I am looking into getting another Excursion. I have heard that they might not make them anymore, so I am waiting for the last year they do. It is my car, I drive it everywhere. It holds everything that I need and keeps me and my children safe. And I love being bigger then everyone else, except for my fellow Excursioners.
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Excursions for the future - 2004 Ford Excursion
By Shereespm - December 27 - 2:00 amWe have always maintained between 14 to 18 mpg even when towing. The ease of getting in and out of the third seat is unbelievable. It is perfect when taking large groups of children because everyone can see the screen on the entertainment package. The turning ratio is better than I could have ever hoped for especially when I am coming from a Dodge Dakota with no turning ratio. We are so totally happy with this vehicle.
