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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love it!!! - 2000 Ford Excursion
By trisha1454 - October 1 - 2:00 amI love this thing!! I would have no complaints at all except it can drink the fuel........It is a diseal,you can run a long time on a full tank but it holds like $65.00 worth pur fill up. I get about 11-13 mpg
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DIESEL POWER THE ONLY WAY - 2003 Ford Excursion
By 6509481 - September 29 - 2:00 amLOTS OF POWER WITH THE 7.3L, UNDER FULL LOAD AND TOWING 7500LBS, THE BABY GETS UP TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS FAST. WITH NO ONE ELSE BUT THE DRIVER ON BOARD YOU AND BLOW THE DOORS OFF ALMOST ALL SPORTS CARS AND TRUCKS OFF THE LINE AND HANDELS GREAT IN THE TURNS. LOYS OF ROOM FOR LUGGAGE BE HID THE 3RD SEAT. A MUST FOR ANY FAMILY WITH MORE THAN 2 KIDS.
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Love this SUV - 2003 Ford Excursion
By Dick Wiehe - September 18 - 2:00 amWeve driven a Ford Super Duty Crew Cab with a V-10 for 4 years now. Love it and like the EXPEDITION even better. Were retired and are convinced that theres no better platform to travel with and see the sights than these machines. The couple hundred more you pay a year for gas is more than off-set by the great seat you have to the world. Good luck to the folks that are sitting low and hunched down ... well take our viewing platform any day!
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Great Truck - 2002 Ford Excursion
By Quidiber - September 14 - 2:00 am41000 miles and not one single problem.Never been back to the dealer since purchased.Great truck for the money
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Wow! - 2002 Ford Excursion
By Marcy - September 11 - 2:00 amI love this car so far! I bought it used with 52,000 miles. It has the 7.3L Turbo Diesel and it seems that it will continue driving strong for a long time to come. Im 6 feet tall and this is the car I was meant to drive because of its comfort, reliability and luxuriousness. I wont want a new car for a very long time! Thanks Ford!
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Better than the Sub - 2003 Ford Excursion
By jim west - September 11 - 2:00 ammy wife was on vacation when i got truck she said what did you get this bus for i have a 02 sub she said what did you get this thing for we go to destin fl. every mo. i said to hall my 7 grand kids to make things short she want let me drive it she says it is hers now she has not drove the sub nomore she just loves it so i will trade the sub for 04 good mi. 22 on the hiway the best truck out their
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Great truck - 2002 Ford Excursion
By DRobinson - September 9 - 2:00 amI have put 40K miles on it, I pull a 20ft ski boat with 8 passengers and full load. I am seeing 11.4 MPG pulling boat and 15.8 MPG without boat. Ciy driving economy drops to 10 MPG. This truck is very comfortable, easy to drive, very powerful and has a great turning radius. I have driven the Suburban, there is no comparison. Ford has replaced the torque converter for a noise problem and the front hus due to a thunk when turning. I would buy another one...Order rear warning system, it is difficult to see behind you...
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Beautiful Functionality - 2003 Ford Excursion
By RDK - September 8 - 2:00 amAwesome truck, former 6.5L Chevy diesel Suburban owner. Gas mileage takes a bit of getting used to but passing cars going up mountains pulling a 30 travel trailer is a thrill. The V10 WILL do the job if you can afford to put gas in it.
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One Awsome SUV.... - 2003 Ford Excursion
By 1bigford - September 3 - 2:00 amI’ve owned many vehicles in my years. Among them, 4 SUVs. The Excursions by far is the best of the SUVs. At first I hesitated because of its size. After a few short miles I found it to be very easy to drive as did my wife, who now is the primary driver, I only get it on weekends. It has plenty of room and power to spare. I find it hard to believe FORD is discontinuing this vehicle. I found nothing but praise for it in everything I read.
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The Weekend Machine - 2000 Ford Excursion
By Jalen - August 20 - 2:00 amI purchased my Excursion strictly for my family weekend getaways. I was a bit hesitant with the talk of gas mileage, but who buys a hog like this for gas mileage? Also seeing my Wife lounging on the back row playing with the kids during our last trip to Virginia Beach while I was in control up front makes this a worth while purchase. The SUV handles like a truck but has all the comforts of a luxury car. A DEFINITE KEEPER.
