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:
Showing 251 through 260 of 500.00-
Never owned a vehicle I liked so well - 2004 Ford Excursion
By OwnerInOhio - July 26 - 2:00 amI have four teenage sons and sometimes tow a 5000lb boat. I bought the diesel for fuel economy -- getting 16-22mph. It took a short while to get used driving this large vehicle, but now I LOVE driving this car. Trips are a joy with the entertainment package. NO new car "little problems" (yet, at 3500 miles). I tend to buy new cars and keep them for 10 years. I believe I made a very good choice for the next 10. Also very impressed with how solidly this vehicle seems to be built, inside and out. Paid a LOT, for this kind of comfort/utility for next 10 years I dont regret a cent. 4 wheel drive gets me up/down drive I havent used in years.
-
***** - 2004 Ford Excursion
By montana - July 24 - 2:00 amTowing Perfect 10 Space Perfect 10 Gas Mileage 5 12.1 towing 13 normal Power Perfect 10 This SUV is perfect if you need to tow and dont mind the big gas bill. Lots of space and power to do whatever towing job you may need.
-
Diesel Excursion - 2004 Ford Excursion
By duner - July 23 - 2:00 amEddie bauer Diesel excursion is a fine truck.18k miles on 6.0 diesel has gobs of power and torque and we get 21 mpg at 70 plus cruising and 10 plus mpg when towering our 9000# toy hauler. We have not had any issues with the truck except for squeeking of the rubber door seals when it was new , these went away after a month or so "worn in i guess" Excellent brakes, added load riderite bags in rear for extra stabiloity and leveling. Its a big truck in the city
-
Doesnt get better than This - 2000 Ford Excursion
By Clemuel Boogar - July 21 - 2:00 amFantastic car, 100% reliable. The life of my family is well worth the $300/year extra Ill pay in gas to be safe.
-
Best Truck I ever owned - 2001 Ford Excursion
By Amazing Vehicle - July 18 - 2:00 amFor long distance travel, cant be beat. Have gotten as high as 17.8 mpg with V-10 (nothing over 65mph!) and over 700 miles per tankfull. Dealer has been better than excellent. No major problems.
-
What are the magazine testers smoking - 2004 Ford Excursion
By Calvin Oppenheimer - July 18 - 2:00 amEvery review in the automotive press I read said the Excursion was simply awful. I test drove one and bought it the same day. For the first year I used it in my limousine business to haul folks to and from the airport. A feat the Excursion excells at. Unlike the mag testers I have no problem with manuverability at all. I would not expect this vehicle to handle like a Porsche. I can not honestly think of a single complaint. Possible exception was trouble with the in dash 6CD changer & the monitor in the entertainment package. Both were replaced under warranty.
-
diesel the way to go - 2000 Ford Excursion
By paf01 - July 13 - 2:00 ami own two excursions a gas and a diesel ilove my diesel i get between 16.5 to 22.0 miles per galion my gas truck gets about 10.0 mpg but ive increased that by installing a k&n air filter to about 15.0 mpg the ride is nice handling great if ford made the rest of the body out of recycled bottles like they made the rear doors the truck would be lighter and tow even more and would probably use even less gas or diesel.
-
Great Vehicle for large families - 2002 Ford Excursion
By SUVman1 - July 11 - 2:00 amThis truck has never let me down. 7 trips to FLA from NJ... and still runing great.
-
Excersion Review - 2004 Ford Excursion
By Jim Barron - July 11 - 2:00 amThis is a very nice car. I hope they can improve it, though I do not think that it needs many improvments.
-
Doesnt hold value. - 2002 Ford Excursion
By J T Raesz - July 6 - 2:00 amI really love my Excursion. My only complaint is, based on Edmunds, the value of my 2002 is about $5,000.00 less than I owe (after almost 2 years) AND I GOT 0% INTEREST. That is pretty darn bad. Even the dealership where I bought the Excursion was not going to give me pay-off....then they tried to sale me a 2004. Other than holding its value this truck is awesome. We take it everywhere. I have three growing boys (teens and pre-teens) and we can all fit in the truck very comfortably. It is the ultimate "large family" vehicle. Plus, Ford makes a great diesel engine.
