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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2004 limited excursion 4wd 6.0diesal - 2004 Ford Excursion
By hurlygirl - June 29 - 2:00 ami was very impressed with the 6.0 diesal,alot of power yet very comfortable,very economical with gas about 13.9 mpg,went from a 2000 v10 lmtd to the new 2004.alot more options with the steering controls,adj pedals,heated seats,programed driver settings,overall the best i think out in the market,there is no competition by far with any other makes. real power only ford can make.
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pimp - 2004 Ford Excursion
By joe565666 - June 28 - 2:00 amthis thing is pimp and awesome i love this ruck the v10 gives it smooth power and the zer to 60 is under 7.5 seconds!!!!! its way bigger than an escalade its 10 grand cheaper and it has V10 power !! bu could say the gas mileage sucks but if u wanted smething with good gas mileage u shouldnt ve bought it in the first place it gets good muleage for what it is
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pressman - 2004 Ford Excursion
By brian bruckner - June 28 - 2:00 amBig suv and gets 21 miles to the gallon.
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Sick I Traded it - 2001 Ford Excursion
By papa9x - June 25 - 2:00 amI absolutely loved the truck. Parking was a bit difficult, but the capacity, and convenience made this the absolute king. Anywhere, any time taking anything. Decided to trade (when I had the flu) to save fuel among other things. I have a large family, my boys and I hunt, fish, camp, and generally haul a fair amount of stuff. In an instance of insanity I traded for an Escape, and have regretted that decision every day since. If Ford does discontinue this vehicle due to pressure from the environmentalists, they will disenfranchise many.
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Best big suv on the road - 2004 Ford Excursion
By zak - June 16 - 2:00 amthis is the suv for the traveller who puts on the miles and wants the safety and room to travel. (as long as you can afford the gas and dont mind the shock at the pump when you fill it up.) you couldnt drive a more reliable road hugger on the highway. off road, the truck is solid , tough, and powerful as a bull. No vibration, sway or dippp\ing with this baby. No sir and no maam. Ford tough! Ford Quality. Youll be proud to be an american driving Fords Biggest SUV. Built by americans in Kentucky who have a lot to be proud of with this Ford product!!!
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Big Time - 2000 Ford Excursion
By Furball - June 14 - 2:00 am48,000 miles in 2 years. Hauls everything, 4 kids, 3 pets, boats, snowmobiles, every weekend, everywhere.
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This truck is great - 2004 Ford Excursion
By J Mattern - June 14 - 2:00 amI got all I paid for this truck and then some. The newly configured 6.0 turbo diesel is great onfuel and low sound. the interior has everything a person could want.
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traded in the v10 for the diesel - 2004 Ford Excursion
By garrison - May 28 - 2:00 ami just traded in my 01 v10 excursion for an 04 diesel and absolutely love it (and i live in baltimore city). i use it as an every day vehicle and wouldnt recommend anything else if you need cargo area. this truck looks great, handles good, and has enough power to pull a mountain. gas milage is much better than the v10. the only downside is that nobody wants them so if you do get one dont plan on trading it in or selling it without taking quite a loss!
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worth the money - 2004 Ford Excursion
By cptmorgan - May 18 - 2:00 amI have found the excursion to be a worthy competitor to the chevy suburban. Although gas mileage is slightly worse than the chevy, the power and driveability of the excursion is unequaled. The steering is more responsive then the chevy even though it is some seven inches longer and approx. 1900 lbs heavier. Do not be intimidated by the size of this vehicle. On the exterior it seems almost too big to control, but when in the drivers seat control is all you will feel. The high stance of the excursion provides superior visability in city and highway traffic. Noise levels are at minimum even when on the highway passing big rigs.
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FORD - 2004 Ford Excursion
By CABUBBA - May 15 - 2:00 amI LOVE MY EXCRUSION, SUPER VEHICLE IN EVERY WAY.
