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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Biggest and best on the road - 2002 Ford Excursion
By 155gunner - June 28 - 2:00 amI love this SUV! The view is awesome and the interior room is big enough to live in. I can easily transport my family, cats, ferret, and Saint Bernard and still not feel crowded. The V10 has plenty of power for my needs and the mileage is not that bad considering the thing weighs close to 8,000 pounds and is 4WD. I get 11 mpg in town and 15 mpg highway, with the AC running full blast. If you need room and want a little more safety from a large vehice, this ones for you.
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LOVE IT - 2000 Ford Excursion
By wade - June 23 - 2:00 amI thoroughly enjoy driving the excursion. It is an automobile that I feel safe in and have good visibility. The Excursion for us has been great for pulling our horse trailer and for hauling the high school tennis team. Wish you would continue to make them.
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Great Ford! - 2001 Ford Excursion
By Gunnette - June 21 - 2:00 amI LOVE this car. The only bad thing is the parking spaces in the mall are too small! I love the back up sensors and ability to fit 8 full sized adults in the vehicle with no complaint of space.
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Great Family Car - 2001 Ford Excursion
By Harm Lahy - June 9 - 2:00 amThe best all-around-car I ever bought. Roomy, practical and solid. Excellent mileage with the 7.3 ltr. Diesel too. On a recent 2700 mile trip the Excursion averaged 21 mpg and that included plenty of in-town (New York City) driving! As too reliability: At 34800 miles: Zero problems! Easy on maintenance, but each oilchange (5000 miles) takes 15 qts. Shell Rotella T 15W-40 plus filter. About $ 32.- at the local WalMart.
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Its Almost Perfect - 2002 Ford Excursion
By Deej - June 7 - 2:00 amI bought this expecting to have all the room in the world. I do! The only thing that takes some getting used to is the stiffer ride than I had in my F- 150. With the V10 I have all the power I want and then some and it gets the same mileage no matter what. Towing or touring it is consistant. Including its huge range, it is a really good buggy.
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I want my Excursion back !! - 2000 Ford Excursion
By Patrick E - June 6 - 2:00 am6 months ago, my Excursions lease expired. At that point, I thought it was a good idea to down size. WRONG!!! Presently I am seriously considering to trade my 6 month old Jeep Grand Cherokee ltd V8 in for another new Excursion. This would mean that I am probably going to lose $10000+ in 6 month time on my Jeep. I think my opinion about this SUV speaks for it self considering that I am willing to lose a rather high amount on my present car (which is not even that bad) to get back in an Excursion.
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No Comparision to Suburban - 2000 Ford Excursion
By weyandt - May 28 - 2:00 amWe have now owned our Excursion for 3.5 years and love it. We owned a Suburban for 3 years before it. The Excursion is bigger, more comfortable, gets about the same gas mileage, and has more power. Our love affair with these vehicle has never ceased. Ideal for large families or for hauling.
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My excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
By Surfer Hunter Father - May 27 - 2:00 amThe only problem is that deisel fuel is not at all stations. This is really no problem as it comes with a 44 gallon monster tank! The 4wd failed in a snow storm but the dealer fixed it quickly under warranty and no problem since. I use this vehicle off road alot and it is big on narrow trails so a chain saw for trimming trails, clear coating and waxing to protect paint from scratches is a must. It has yet to get stuck and really has the power to pull loads and get through mud down to dry earth for traction. The kids fight less on long trips with this big house on wheels!
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Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
By brooks - May 18 - 2:00 amI purchased my Excursion while trading in my F-150 to tow my 21 boat and 33 camping trailer and also needed the extra room (have 4 children). I could not be more pleased with the Excursion with its towing capacity and room. My ford has the 6.8 Liter V10 and has tons of torque. The seating arangement is great. I had to pick up some items so I removed the 3rd row seat and had lots of room while still having the 2nd row available. The 3rd row seat could not be more easily removed... a quick pull on the latch and it rolls right out the back on its built in rollers. The 2nd row seats then simply fold down if more room is needed.
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Opinion - 2002 Ford Excursion
By G. Garton - May 13 - 2:00 amGreat truck, but it has been in the shop twice for electrical breakdowns. First the accelerator went out, then the alternator and batteries. Thank goodness for warranty service, but what a pain. But, it a a glorious vehicle to drive and tow my toys.
