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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  XXL SUV - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Kelo - September 21 - 2:00 am

  We needed the third row seat and storage space behind it for the baby, dog, and all the gear that goes with them. Drove everything else including the Suburban. Came down to size and options. Love the ride and performance. Drove a Dodge Ram before this and its just as easy to park. If you dont like trucks, get a minivan. This is the XXL SUV. Love it.

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  Excursion Stud of a SUV Baby! - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Puller1 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  What a stud pulling machine. I had the chev sub for years and killed it with my toys. Then the tahoe and did the same. I really use these vehicles and pull toys all over, state to state. This powerstroke is one hell of a motor and great mpg too. It kills the sub. Im getting 12 to 14 city and 19 ish hwy. wow smokes the chevs. I had it custom lifted 4" and placed 315s on it. Good Bilstein shock, but nothing to crazy. Wow it handles great and smooth. No dives in the cornes and can run over a house. If you really use your vehicles and want pulling power and long lasting features, get the powerstroke excursion.

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  First Excursion - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Joe Beale - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Plenty of pulling power for towing 35 travel trailer. Milage for a vech. of this weight is execellent. 16 to 18 mpg hwy. Very few problems have been encountered.

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  I Love This Vehicle ! - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Laura Ryan - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Terrific towing and family vehicle. The diesel runs flawlessly and I have 66,000 and have never had a problem. After 3 2500 Suburbans this car is heaven ! No comparison on the quality of design and innovativeness of features

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  2001 Ford Excursion 4 door Limited - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By K. Wilson - August 9 - 2:00 am

  Very well built SUV. Diesel engine is a plus for mileage and torque. Interior is well designed and very attractive. Sound system and entertainment center well-worth the investment.

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  great for family - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By mark johnson - August 8 - 2:00 am

  We looked for months for the vehicle that would support all of our needs....test drove every sport UT out there. We found what we wanted in the excursion. The excersion is big, well build, comfortable and powerful. The deisel out on the road is smooth and effortless. 4x4 in winter is a tremendous safty feature, inside is plush. Weve taken it on a 2000 mile trip to Disney Land, two backpacking trips to the Windriver Mountains in Wyoming plus others. For the few things which have gone wrong, our dealership support has been outstanding. For large active families, who love the outdoors, we highly recommend the excursion.

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  DAMN GOOD EXCURSION - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Excrsn1 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  If god drove a vehicle, he would definitly drive an Excursion. In my opinion this is the greatest vehicle ever designed or thought of! Thanks Ford!

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  My first fullsize SUV - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By A.J - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I went from a 99 explorer to this and I just love it. I have taken 8 people on a trip and all of them enjoyed the room and the DVD player. The gas mileage is not that bad as everyone would think.

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  Excursion Diesel - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By John Anderson - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Diesel Ex for two years. The only issue Ive had with it was the back up warning system giving false warnings. The dealer fixed it in one service call. Excellent towing capability and decent fuel mileage (~18mpg) considering the size of the vehicle.

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  2000 Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By K. Lampe - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I truely enjoy my Excursion. I pull a 9000 pound trailer with almost no effort, I do have the 7.3L Power Stroke.