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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  Solid as a rock - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By adeluca - March 3 - 8:36 pm

  I have had this thing for 30,000 miles now. Until now, there has been no problems of any kind. It is now in the shop for a front end squeal/grinding sound, probably a "driveline problem" according to the service writer at the dealership. I will let you know how the repair proceeds. I have a feeling I am going to be glad it is still under warranty. Has anyone else had this problem?

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  vehicle - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By tammy - February 28 - 9:50 am

  good

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  Diesel Baby - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Sir Galahad - February 26 - 7:44 pm

  Diesel mileage and power outstanding. Interior comfort for family of 6 superior. Feeling of security superb. Respect of other vehicles on road unmatched. Keeping this one for at least 10 years. Down side is that intereior is slow to warm up in the cold weather.

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  Bulletproof - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Timothy S. Kingcade - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Bulletproof is the only way to describe this vehicle. It is heavy, safe and drives like a "rig." I have the wife, three kids and parents-in-law all in the truck and we all feel safe. Everyone gets out of the way or does want to be behind you in this truck. It is amazingly smooth and comfortable. The build quality blows away any GM product I have ever owned or rode in. I traded the Expedition for the Excursion and the difference is immense; plastic bumpers on the 2003 Expedition. The bumpers on the Excursion remind me of a 1950s vehicle because they are so solid. You will never be out of room again with this thing.

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  Best looking vehicle on the road!! - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By pattty - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Love this vehicle!!!! The size is great... plenty of room... Feels great driving!!! Everyone looks!!! Beautifullllllllllllll....

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  Meets Expectations - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By victoriacoffeeroaste - June 12 - 2:00 am

  We wanted a large SUV to accommodate traveling with three daughters under the age of 5, their stuff, our stuff, and the necessary traveling goodies to keep them entertained. We started with a 02 Explorer, but it filled fast, necessitating the purchase of an external hitch carrier. Compared to the Explorer, the Excursion is a cave and can handle loads of stuff. We recently packed it with two tricycles, two small bikes with training wheels, a stroller, and a duffle bag. Everything fit behind the third seat! Right now we are averaging 16 mpg combined driving.

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  Murphydog - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By PJ Jumper - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I feel if you have the right style you will enjoy this vehicle.

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  me - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By KevinWagner - September 28 - 10:00 am

  no problems, 14 mpg freeway, 9 mpg city with v-10

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  Simply Amazing - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Rothy - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Such an amazing truck its too bad they are discontinuing the excursion.

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  THIS THING IS GREAT!!!!!!!!! :) :) - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By mjc - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Buy one now before they are gone!! Its waaaaaayyyyy better than a crummy old Burb!!!!!!! FORD TRUCK TOUGH!