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:
Showing 41 through 50 of 500.00-
After 44,000 Miles... - 2005 Ford Excursion
By MANHUNTER - April 22 - 10:24 amAfter 44,000 miles and 3 1/2 years, we still own our "Big X" land yacht. Yes, its big and no, its not a politically- correct hybrid sub-compact, but what a vehicle. In my experience, the hype about the gas mileage in the V-10 is misinformation Ive been averaging 10 to 11 mpg in town and 15.4 on the highway. The ONLY problems Ive had with this vehicle are with the brakes. Ive had the brakes done twice in 3 1/2 years it hasnt been to the shop for anything else, other than oil and filter changes.
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nothing touches the excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
By jackhart - March 18 - 2:29 pmI traded in an 06 Tahoe at the end of my lease for a used 05 Excursion turbodiesel. It has more room for my kids, dogs and luggage, and the diesel option sealed the deal, since it can tow anything and gets better mileage than the gas version. If you need the room, nothing beats the Excursion. I am more than pleased with this vehicle, and even with 50K on the odometer, it still runs and looks like new. Too bad they dont make this truck anymore, because even a few years old, the truck is still a winner.
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its awsome - 2004 Ford Excursion
By massi - March 11 - 10:00 amthis vehcle is an awsome suv!
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This was my last Ford - 2001 Ford Excursion
By Bob Sidor - March 5 - 6:40 pmWe picked up our new 7.3L Diesel Excursion for around $35k. We droveit home and the dealer had to come pick it up because it blew coolant out of a heater hose that didnt have a clamp.Door locks and door ajar lights started acting up just out of warranty. engine blew an oil plug at 88k which nearly cost the engine. Now the transmission is on the way out at 134,000. I had bought 5 Fords in 8 years and I refused to buy another one after this. I also had a SuperDuty F250 with the rotor problems, the door ajar problem and the door lock problems. I can understand somethings can go wrong but their customer service was never helpful.
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Diesel is the only way - 2002 Ford Excursion
By Jerry - March 1 - 1:39 pmThis SUV with a small investment, as I did, you can produce over 23mpg which is way better that the comparible gas hogs. Fantastic ride and great traction makes it hard to sell mine but the kids are gone. I highly recommend anyone who need a camper puller or a economical kid hauler to seek out this vehicle.
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6.8 V10 Gas - 2000 Ford Excursion
By Krishneel - February 3 - 11:52 pmI am not the type of person that would write reviews online but I thought I share my owning experience. I always wanted the diesel on but this one was more affordable. I love the power, the towing, and comfort this vehicle has provided me with. Was better than I thought. The gas isnt too bad like they all say. I was nervous about the V10 but by far the best I had
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Great Vehicle - 2005 Ford Excursion
By Tom - February 2 - 11:50 amThis is our second Excursion. First was a 2002. The first was so good I had to get a 2005 because Ford stopped making them. This is the best highway vehicle I ever had. Family vacations are wonderful. Plenty of room, comfortable and safe. We have driven thru some sizable storms and the stability of this beast is excellent. Performance in the snow and on dirt roads is flawless. This vehicle is so solid I hit a deer at 35mph and there was no damage to the car. There is simply no better or safer vehicle for my family. 90,000m on the 2002 without any significant repairs. 32,000 on the 2005 with no problems yet.
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Ultimate tow vehicle - 2003 Ford Excursion
By c wallace - February 1 - 12:17 pmMy Excurision is a 4x4 with the 6.0 diesel, as of Jan 2009 it has 83,000 miles with no major problems. This is the tow vehicle to have if you have a large family. We can put our three kids, all of their stuff, the dog, and all of me and the wifes stuff and trek out with no worries. This includes towing a holiday rambler 33 foot trailer. I have a few modification that I recommend for power and fuel economy. Because I put a two inch lift, 315 75 16 tires, and aftermarket front and rear bumpers with a front winch on it my fuel mileage decreased. I added a banks intercooler, cold air intake, power pda, and a magnaflow four inch turbo back exhaust. What a difference!
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The Best - 2000 Ford Excursion
By Anon - January 18 - 10:39 amOne of the best vehicles I have owned. The 6.8 V10 engine is not that good on gas mileage, but could really haul something down the road. It sits very comfortably and is still running strong today with it just going over 325,000 miles.
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Jacks Excursion - 2004 Ford Excursion
By Jack2427 - December 9 - 2:00 amThe 6.0L diesel is great gives excellent performance and on highway I get 19-20 MPG, in city gets 15-16 MPG. Drives like a truck-what it is. Feels secure on road at highway speeds. I will keep this vehicle as long as possible, is a great tow vehicle and carries a load besides. Downside is needs lots of room for U turns, is not a city commuter. I would buy another if they are available when this one wears out. Have had only one problem with a sensor in fuel system, fixed rapidly by dealer.
