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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  2002 excursion limited diesel - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By fmrlo - August 11 - 5:28 pm

  Amazing fuel mileage for such a huge vehicle - Diesel 7.3L. The ultimate travel vehicle - plenty of space, rear air and rear entertainment - lots of cup holders, very smooth on the hiway. I do not have 4wd.

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  Love my Excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By EXCMama - July 30 - 12:40 am

  I lifted mine 3", added extra leafs, and 36" tires. It is very fun to drive once you have owned it a while. If you are used to a smaller car, and only drive it once, you will find it difficult to park. I live in the mountains, and the only thing I dont like is the power going up the mountain passes. Im down to about 35mph by the time I hit the Eisenhower tunnel with my horse trailer ... but thats my fault for not going with the turbo diesel. This is definitely the most comfortable SUV to ride in on long trips. (We also own a Denali).

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  Diesel is the only option - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By JimM - July 19 - 1:43 am

  My diesel Excursion gets better mileage than my neighbors Grand Cherokee and my other neighbors Blazer and frankly, they are dumbfounded. They cant even begin to comprehend what it is like to be able to travel 800+ miles on a single tank of fuel. The idea of being able to tow their boat up to their lake home without having to stop for gas doesnt seem possible to them, because it isnt. One of the big 3 needs to continue producing a full-sized, diesel- powered SUV. Buy one of these trucks while you still can and make sure you buy a diesel. Will a diesel hold its value? Try even finding a used diesel Excursion that has less than 100,000 miles on it and see how much the owner is asking.

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  Exceeded my expectations - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Bob from Hubbard - June 29 - 6:17 pm

  We were looking for a vehicle with some power. We still have teenagers at home so a truck was out and we already had gone the van route. I didnt even know that Ford made such an animal. We test drove Chevy Suburbans but nothing in our price range performed like our X. The X (affectionate name Excursion owners have for their vehicles) is not your average grocery getter SUV. It is made with a purpose that suited ours perfectly. Ours also has the 4.30 optional gears as well. It pulls our travel trailer with plenty of power to spare. My wife had already driven vans so the mirrors were no problem. This is a big station wagon with lots of guts. Other than the fuel economy, this SUV rocks!

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  Livin large - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Got Gas?? - June 29 - 4:37 pm

  You just dont buy one of these if fuel economy is an issue to you. I will comment on all the diesel lovers that keep talking about their mileage. I bought my V-10 01 Excursion used with 50k miles on it for the same price as a diesel with 120K miles. The diesels run about $8-$10000 more on the market. They get about 5 MPG better than my V-10. One could buy a lot of gas for $8,000. Other than a few bugs to work out CD didnt work, 2 door actuators needed replaced -- all else is fine. I love the truck, Turns heads. Is very comfortable for my 63" frame. Hauls all our stuff to the lake in style. Havent towed the boat yet but I am sure it will perform better than the Tahoe. The ride is appropriate.

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  ROAD WARRIOR TRAVELING SALESMAN - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By dave - June 20 - 4:59 pm

  I owned 5 Suburbans. In 2001 I had a choice to pay cash for an Excursion or Suburban. The Suburban had less room, smaller motor and was 2,000 dollars higher. I chose the Ford. In 155,000 miles I replaced the tires, fuel pump and filter and brake pads. I will be replacing the shocks and and pads again this week. I drove that truck all over the country averaging 50,000 miles per year. It still runs well and looks nice. It failed me once when at 99,000 miles the fuel pump went out and stranded me in Colorado. Other than that it beat out all the GMCs I ever owned.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Tim - June 10 - 10:03 am

  Has a lot of power will last a long time. resale good.

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  2002 Excursion - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Old Jer - June 6 - 3:34 pm

  For simple ability to take a large family and pull a big trailer, the Excursion is hard to beat. The vehicle can comfortably seat 9 big people, offering as much space as a larger van and a lot more besides. I found the power to pull a nearly 10,000 loaded trailer along the Alaska Highway both ways a joy. It offers safety from other vehicles, and we have not had stability problems.

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  Love it! - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Becky - May 4 - 1:41 pm

  I love my Excursion Diesel! I use it extensively in my business, and also have four children, so nothing else compares. Always used to drive Suburbans, but had problems with lights, electric windows, etc. - little annoying problems, never a problem with my Excursion, and have put over 70K miles on it so far. The only two things that are problems, especially if you pull a lot of trailers, is the turning radius, which I believe has improved in the 05 model and the horsepower. It does not keep up at all with my 03 F350, but I will gladly give up the comfort of those two items, for the inside comfort and room! Would strongly recommend the diesel versus the gas model for gas purposes.

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  Very disappointed - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Cheryl - March 24 - 5:46 pm

  Ive been through two of them. One returned for the lemon law and now Im on the second one. Ive had it 10 months and the transmission went out. Im very upset about this.