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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  The Silver Bullet - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Fred Ellrott - August 21 - 2:00 am

  This 2 tone silver Excursion is great. The interior dash could be set up a little better yuo do not realy need a pull out cup holder when you have cup holders in the center consoul. Great power and towes great. DVD system is very nice. very nice vehicle We may get one more so ve do not have to share it.

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  trailer hauler/people mover - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By pdy2505 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  So far reliable. 1 Firestone failure. Pulls a 9000 trailer very well getting 12-13 mpg. Gets 20 mpg+ without trailer with optional diesel. Will travel over 850 miles per 44 gal tank. Noisy outside but economy makes it worth it. Truck based, ride is harsh on bumps. 3.73 rear axle is right.

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  The Perfect SUV - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By DaBeast - August 10 - 2:00 am

  All I can say is that the only way to own this SUV is to have the 6.0 Turbo diesel, and you get used to the sound. The gas mileage is incredible for a vehicle this size whether in town or towing! We have owned many Ford vehicles over time (F-150, Bronco, Expedition) primarily for towing a large boat over long distances. Nothing we have owned has even come close to comparing in towing quality and interior quantity. This SUV is made to tow! The 6.0 coupled with the regearing of the Transmission in "Tow" mode makes this SUV superior over any other SUV. The interior room is just another added bonus. Especially for hauling all the gear, kids, and dogs.

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  Love my Excursion - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By sadiex5 - August 7 - 2:00 am

  We love our excursion. I had a 1999 gmc Suburban with only 50000 and it was consantly breaking. The dealership that I had purchased the suburban from never fixed it correctly so I decided to try Ford And am I ever happy I did. The hardest thing for me to get use to is how far the side mirrors stick out I go on some narrow streets and sometimes I woory that they are going to hit something, Other then that I love it. I test drove a lot of other cars before I made my final choice. I was getting 10 mpg in my suburban and now I get 22 mpg. Towing is wonderful and easy.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By brooks white - August 6 - 2:00 am

  Pay extra for the Diesel Engine, it is worth for the fuel economy. The new Turbo 6.0 engine is Fabulous and surprisingly quiet.

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  Best overall - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By J.Diamond - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I use this for family, towing, Vacations and everyday. I drive alot, and I use this in winter conditions and lake stuff. I cannot live without this car.

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  This is why we need an Excursion. - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Ron Greisel - August 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my families fifth Excursion. We make 50 mile round trip to take 5 kids to school each week day and 50 miles to pick up in afternoon. Also 200 mile round trip to the city each weekend for shopping.

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  We Survived & It Lived - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Joe&Sheila - July 29 - 2:00 am

  All I can say is I bought for safety and it paid off! Previous Montero owner - wife wanted a bigger SUV - so we bought the biggest. We were involved in a multi-car crash on the freeway complete with airbag deployment and NO injuries in our SUV. We trashed everyone elses car - $10K to fix the Big Black Truck - and we wont get anything else! This thing is a tank and rides/runs/looks as good as new - honestly. If you dont have one of these things - dont drive without insurance!!!

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  Love my Excursion - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By andi lee - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Excursion we have owned. Our first model had the 7.3 diesel engine and was a 2000 model. We loved it too but was a bit noisey. After the new 6.0 diesel was available we opted for this newer model. This is a travelers dream. We average about 18mpg overall (includes intown miles). It is very comfortable and can get our entire family and "stuff" in the vehicle. It also pulls the hound out of a cattle trailer. Love my Excursion!

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  2001 Excursion - Best ever - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By WellyC - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love it. Hauls my horses around no problem and provides room for everyone with plenty of comfort. My X has the diesel engine with a 44 gallon tank and on a long road trip you can go forever without having to stop. Even around town it gets great mileage, only need to fill up once a month. The only thing is I wish they still made them. Would recommend an X to anyone.