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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Great Family and Tow Unit. - 2003 Ford Excursion
By Gopher19432003 - October 24 - 2:00 amWe use our Excursion for family vacations and towing a 35 travel trailer. This is a wonderful vehicle. It is well made, powerful, quiet and gets surprisingly good mileage. On diesel fuel, we average 18 MPG in town and 22 on the highway. When pulling the trailer, highway mileage drops to 19. I have never had a vehicle that can handle a trailer this large with such ease. I can drive all day and not fell beat.
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Buy Diesel!!! - 2002 Ford Excursion
By Joes Wife - October 22 - 2:00 amMy husband and I bought the 7.3L Powerstroke diesel engine for trailering our toys (boats/4wheelers/snowmobiles) and hauling our great dane dog. We get 19.3 avg miles on the highway 17.5 in the city after our 5,000 mile break in. Looked at Chevys, Toyota, Lexus & BMW - the diesel is a tried and true engine. My father in law has a Ford F250 with 135k on it and my brother in law has a F350 with 160k. Engines still running perfectly.
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I love this car!! - 2003 Ford Excursion
By carrie6yoga - October 18 - 2:00 amI needed more room. And I like fords. So this rig really won me over, it looks better than the suburban and pulls better too!
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Excursion Rocks! - 2003 Ford Excursion
By Lakerat - October 13 - 2:00 amI average 19 mpg on the highway, 16 stop & go, and can carry everybody and their stuff! This is a terrific vehicle, and the diesel is quieter than I expected.
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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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The bus - 2000 Ford Excursion
By zoeedd - September 30 - 2:00 amI bought this vehicle used with 17K and have loved it. I have the v10 and my mileage is ~11 MPG, which is the same as my 1999 Dodge Ram extended cap pickup. I have three kids in car seats which I can put next to each other in the second row. I am supprised at the pickup on the freeway, my truck will jump like a rabit at 80 MPH. I have had some problems with mine New front 4*4 @ 25K, All new door locks at 60K, New front upper & lower ball joints @ 70K, plus new heated seat @ 70K. Luckily I bought a extended warranty from ford so I only have to pay $100 Ded for each item. I am looking forward to buying a 2004 model next year.
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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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Like the size, but it isnt for everyone - 2003 Ford Excursion
By Installer - September 12 - 2:00 amLove the loadspace, gas pedal and overall size/comfort inside. With 1500 miles we lost our coolant -the factory didnt quite get the hose clamp right - a damaged hose and several days later back owning the road. Cant get past a gas station without a stop -around $65 these days if you let it get to a 1/4. Great hauler. Not for anyone on a budget -pretty sure, as an owner group, we are keeping OPEC running...
