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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  Two excursion owner - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By jagmatt - May 19 - 2:00 am

  We have owned numerous suvs & you show me something better I will buy it. Dont even try the suburban game, my wife and I made that mistake. Our suburban with the 8.1L only got 9 mpg. Our Excursions with the V10 gets 11.6 in the city. Buy a hybrid if you cant afford the gas.

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  The Beast - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Inocencio Ramirez - May 2 - 2:00 am

  The Beast is a pleasure to drive. Its a vehicle that demands respect everywhere you go. Other cars move out of the way especially on the highway. I bought the Beast to carry my four kids in. I took a drive to Disneyland as well as Mexico, and it gave me an average of 15 miles a gallon at speeds of 80-85. I bought the 7.3 Liter diesel. No smogging to do and Ive been told the engines last a long time.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By SUV Man - April 24 - 2:00 am

  This Excursion is a great SUV. Runs very good, rides great, and tows anything you have. It does get poorer mileage, but not that bad. A Suburban doesnt come close with its cheap, rattling interior and poor overall quality.

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  IT DOESNT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By sjhflipper - April 24 - 2:00 am

  The best vehicle Ive owned!!! I have owned the competition and my Excursion has far exceeded all my expectations. The Powerstroke is highly recommended and the resulting fuel economy is well worth the extra money for the engine (15.5/18.0 MPG Im a leadfoot).

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  great truck - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By tony t - April 19 - 2:00 am

  this mamoth of a truck for its overall size & weight is a excellent all around pleasure & workhorse..its trucky ride is acceptable because its feeling of safety and underbody strenth..on smooth roads it rides pleasurable..steering & braking are a little trucky but turning this beast is no problem....the turbo diesel engine is worth the extra money..its power is unbelievable and fuel economy under loaded conditions is about 16 mpg... a tight well built vehicle,no rattles or squeaks..

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  super - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By shawne - April 9 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best suv on the road I see Ford put some time behind this one. Its well worth the little extra gas you go through.

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  No one makes a better suv - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By paddy - April 3 - 2:00 am

  THe X-curison is by far the best truck/suv ive ever driven, owned, and had the pleasure of being seen in. the power, towing, luxury are the utmost perfect combo. the chevy suburban has nothing on the excursion, even with that 8.1 liter engine which i do not think runs no where near as strong as the v-10 triton.

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  lts a truck first - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By dennis distin - April 2 - 2:00 am

  its a tough truck that can handle towing a big camper, 4 kids ,a big dog &my wife thinks is a plesure to drive.

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  Trouble-free Excursion - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Lee Johnson - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 2001 Excursion Limited for nearly a year (April) with no troubles or visits to the dealer for repair. Its equipped with the PowerStroke Diesel. I tow a 9000lb travel trailer. (Ive added a Helwig anti-sway bar and Bilstein shocks, and Ride-Rite air springs.) Our family of 4 (sometimes 5) can travel long distances reliably and comfortably, with all luggage and gear inside. Fully loaded, Ive gotten as much as 22.7mpg on the highway (65mph with cruise control). I recommend this vehicle for anyone needing space, diesel performance and economy, and reliability.

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  Best of Everything - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By BoatMom - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Having owned everything from a Porsche to the Excursion, I have to admit I love my Excursion Limited. It is fabulous for pulling our boats. As a boat manufacturer, the impression the two make together is jaw dropping. The truck handles incredibly well. Thought it would be difficult to maneuver, but handles and turns every bit as easily as my former Explorer. We are contemplating purchasing a second Excursion to replace another manufacturers pick up truck which is the worst vehicle made for turning!