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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the best car - 2000 Ford Excursion
By turing_computable - July 4 - 2:00 amAn absolute pleasure to drive. I have had the car for about two years and I am still 100% satisfied with its performance and comfort. Average 11 mpg City, 16 mpg at 70 mph highway!! With its 10 cyl. and 6.8 L engine the ride is smooth. Missing headrest on 3rd row and somewhat weak A/C gives this beast a 9 instead of 10 on the comfort scale. However, Fords quality dwarfs that of GM in every aspect - exterior and interior
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The Best Ive Ever Had - 2001 Ford Excursion
By Roland Deyang - June 10 - 2:00 amI bought my Excursion almost a year ago and I love it. I wouldnt trade anything for it. Sure it drives like a truck, but its a small price to pay for being King of the Road.
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2002 EXCURSION LIMITED - 2002 Ford Excursion
By nbrooks1 - June 7 - 2:00 amI pull a 25 foot Airstream with my Ex. Acceleration and braking are excellent while towing. I like the idea of sitting up high and over-looking the traffic ahead. The overall ride is very good and the extra room inside my rig is great. This SUV is not for everyone, but it is perfect for my family.
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2 time owner - 2004 Ford Excursion
By Frank Musgrove - May 25 - 2:00 amMy second Excursion and Ill buy another if Ford continues production. This vehicle has it all. My fuel mileage is better than expected too with 14.6 on the highway out of the V-10
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XLT PREMIUM EXCURSION - 2002 Ford Excursion
By RSCOTT - May 22 - 2:00 amI enjoy it very much..each fill up gets better mpg..for as big as it is..smaller trucks wish they got the same mpg.. city/fwy...18/21
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Love the Excursion! - 2000 Ford Excursion
By DadofSix - May 22 - 2:00 amPerfect vehicle for the large family. Wife and I have 6 children and fill every seat. Everyone travels comfortably. Our summer home is 1,325 from our permanent home, and we do it pleasantly in two days, even with a dog. We also did 10,500 miles on vacation two years ago On the road we get 14 mpg (thats 112 people miles per gallon), and in the city we get 10 mpg. The air conditioning handles the Phoenix heat very effectively.
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Two excursion owner - 2002 Ford Excursion
By jagmatt - May 19 - 2:00 amWe 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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Buyer Beware - 2002 Ford Excursion
By burnside2000 - May 7 - 2:00 amStay away from this one at all costs. Typical FORD (fixed or repaired daily) and rides, handles and looks like a brick. I think FORD must be paying all the other reviewers here.
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NOT A GREAT CHOICE! - 2002 Ford Excursion
By Hajr - May 6 - 2:00 amTHIS SUV IS THE GREATEST GAS GUZZLER I HAVE EVER SEEN. 7.6L ENGINE WILL SPIT YOUR GAS OUT IN AN INSTANT! I AGREE ITS SPACIOUS, BUT THE RELIABILITY IS VERY LOW JUDGING THAT AFTER 2-3 YEARS OF USE, THE VALUE OF IS GOING TO DROP LOWWWW. STICK WITH A SEQUOIA AND TRUST TOYOTAS ENGINE....AND AFTER ALL...ITS A FORD!!!! ITLL BREAK APART SO FAST YOU WOULDNT KNOW WHAT HIT YOU. IM NO FORD HATER BUT USING REAL EVIDENCE OF FORDS RELIABILITY, I CAN SAY THAT IT IS VERY POOR.
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The Beast - 2002 Ford Excursion
By Inocencio Ramirez - May 2 - 2:00 amThe 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.
