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:

• 

  Money well spent - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Lynn Campbell - April 1 - 10:00 am

  We went from the Ford Expedition to the Excurison just a few months ago. After trying the GMC and Chevy large size SUVs we went right back to the Ford. The handing and towing ability keeps us coming back. The new trasmission is out of this world! All I can say is...try it..youll buy it!!

• 

  TOWS THE LOAD - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By AVE8ER - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck! The only real gripe I have is it rides and sounds like a truck on the inside. I had a eddie bauer expedition with the air suspension before and it had a great ride. This truck has way to many creaks and rattles. The gmc denali doesnt have creaks and rattles!

• 

  my wife loves it more than me - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By cinda - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I thought I would have to really sell my wife on this huge truck. We looked at everything on the market and brought half of it home for overnight evaluations.tried the v10 ended up with the power stroke diesel! we wanted lots of room for traveling and wanted something safe for the kids.Bought the LTD with every option

• 

  Excursion - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By wlittl9466 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I have the V-10 powerplant. Very good engine which has all the power you would ever need. The ride is stiff around town due to the F-250 heavy duty frame the Excursion sits on. However, the highway is where this truck really shines. It is very smooth and stable with little wind noise. I modified the engine with a Flowmaster dual exhaust and high flow air filter which improved fuel economy dramatically. Fuel mileage increased from 11c/14h to 13c/16h, which is as good as the Suburban but with more pulling power.

• 

  A treat to drive - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Jim Dorr - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Opt for the 7.3L.Diesel with 3.73 axle ratio. Excellent fuel mileage. Not uncommon to achieve 20 mpg plus, solo. 13 to 14 mpg pulling a 31 foot Holiday Rambler travel trailer. No significant repairs made or required so far. 37700 miles currently on the odmometer. Excellent performance. Would indeed, buy another one. Fits in my standard size garage. No problems parking it. Handles well solo or pulling the trailer

• 

  Ultimate Sportsmans Vehicle - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By acobra - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Unbeleivable vehicle for any large family or any sportsman! Able to carry multiple dog kennels and massive amounts of hunting gear or full salmon size coolers and massive amounts of geaar in addition to multiple passengers in comfort!

• 

  Once Diesel U Never Go Back - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By BROWNIE BUNCH - March 2 - 2:00 am

  We love the big truck. Family of five have plenty of space for strollers and car seats etc. Gas mileage great for a big beast. Not any mechanical problems. Does seem to have a loose steering had it two places for alignment. Everythings built very good otherwise. Definately would purchase one again. By far the most awesome truck on the road. You gotta drive one!!!

• 

  Maximum Comfort - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Redeye - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Its the largest and most comfortable SUV available, the massive bucket seats in the Limited edition are as luxurious an expensive home recliner. The V10 engine makes this massive machine suprisingly quick, and the positive steering makes it nimble in corners. A truly awesome cargo capacity makes it an excellent ranch vehicle, we often carry 10-15 bags of cattle feed in the back.

• 

  To bad, so sad, please keep making them - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Bmargetts - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Not for everyone. But if you need the high range people mover that can tow a house. This is the choice.

• 

  The Best Beast! - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Adrprk - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful truck! Plenty of room which = Comfort! Handles very well considering the size. Great pickup (accleration)...no need to worry about short highway ramps, the v10 can haul!!!